Should a Preacher Own a Private Jet? Let’s Talk!

Should a preacher own a private jet? Well, there are many reasons why an individual (not to talk about a preacher) can own a private jet. For example, it’s a flexible means of transportation compared to flying commercially. 

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He preached in various places, healing the sick and performing various miracles. His ministry took Him to multiple cities in Israel, and it involved Him using other means of transportation such as boats (Luke 5:1-11, Luke 8:22-25, Mark 6:45-53).

Likewise today, in fulfilment of the great commission, we have ministries with a global reach, which requires their preachers to travel to different places using various means of transportation including private jets.

With that in mind (among others), should a preacher own a private jet? Before answering that, let’s consider other things. 

Here are a few things a preacher/ministry should consider before buying a private jet:

We have ministries with a global reach, which requires their preachers to travel to different places using various means of transportation including private jets. Click To Tweet

1. The costs:

According to Bankrate.com, brand new private jets cost between $2 million and  $100 million depending on the type of jet and the customisations desired by the owner.  Maintenance and repair cost between $500,000 to $4 million per annum. And depending on how much the plane is used, fuel could cost as much as $900,000.

On the other hand, to charter a private jet costs about $2,000 to $12,000 per hour and to book a seat costs about $850 per seat depending on the size of the jet. Putting this into consideration, getting a private jet may not be a bad idea (if the ministry can afford it). 

2. The number of people using the jet:

If the ministry transports tens of people at a time. A ministry that uses first class or business class to fly its preachers and other members of staff could consider chartering a jet because they will cost around the same thing.

If a ministry can afford to buy a private jet, then it should. Click To Tweet

3. The locations they are flying to:

Private jets can fly to four times more places than commercial airliners because they are smaller in size and can land in airports with smaller runways. Using a private jet will come handy when going to small communities for missionary work and starting churches. 

4. The total number of flight hours in a year

If the ministry has a cumulative flight time of at least 150 hours annually, the ministry should consider owning a private jet because it would be cheaper at that point.

Other reasons why a preacher/ministry should consider owning a private jet:

5. Multiple Branches 

Several ministries have multiple branches in different parts of the world, and ministers in these ministries have to travel regularly to meet the members of their congregation, just like Paul did. Having a private jet will reduce the burden that comes with travelling.

6. Flexibility 

Owning a private jet offers flexibility as a minister can choose to travel on short notice and also change flight plans when necessary. It is also time-saving as the flight time is shorter and one doesn’t have to stay in long queues to get checked in for the flight.

Several ministries have multiple branches in different parts of the world, and ministers in these ministries have to travel regularly to meet the members of their congregation, just like Paul did. Click To Tweet

Owning a private jet also allows a minister to travel to more places than commercial planes. Private jets have access to five times more airports than commercial planes because they are smaller and don’t require large runways to take off and land.

7. Privacy

A private jet offers ministers privacy while travelling. Many celebrities and public figures choose to fly privately not because of pride but they desire privacy as they travel. Similarly, there’s nothing wrong with a minister desiring privacy because the flight time serves as a time of rest and preparation for the work waiting for them at their destination.  

After looking at the above advantages, should a preacher own a private jet? 

Yes, a preacher can own a private jet. Furthermore, if the work demands it and the ministry (or they personally) can afford to own one and maintain it, why not? We all want the best things in life within our means; Why do we hold ministers to a different standard?

Also, we need to bear in mind that some ministers who “own” private jets aren’t the actual owners. The aircraft may belong to their ministry.

Yes, a preacher can own a private jet. Furthermore, if the work demands it and the ministry (or they personally) can afford to own one and maintain it, why not? Click To Tweet

I hope this article has shed some light on this topic. We would like to know your thoughts on this topic. Are the aforementioned  factors considered good enough to buy or not to buy  a private jet? Let us know in the comments.

Did you enjoy this article? You can also read “When the Church Lets You Down“.

Written by Durojaiye Oluwatamilore