Televangelist Benny Hinn teaches that they way to get out of debt is to ‘sow seeds’ — a euphemism for ‘donating money.’

But this prosperity teaching scam is not working for Hinn himself, as evidenced by the fact that he is now asking for donations to get him out of debt.

Controversial televangelist Benny Hinn has dropped his lawsuit against Christian media consultant Phil Cooke for a tweet that the evangelist found false, defamatory, embarrassing and potentially costly.

Cooke had tweeted that Hinn and televangelist Paula White were “reported engaged.”

A book publisher is suing televangelist and ‘faith healer’ Benny Hinn, saying he violated a morality clause in their contract when he began an “inappropriate relationship” with another evangelist, and thus, must pay $250,000.

A three-year investigation into financial improprieties at six Christian ministries whose television preaching bankrolled leaders’ lavish lifestyles has concluded with the formation of an independent commission to look into the lack of accountability by tax-exempt religious groups.

The investigation report issued this week details the ministries’ luxury homes and cars, trips on private jets and expensive gifts, including two Rolls Royces that a third party reported was given to the Dollars as a gift from the church.

The so-called prosperity gospel preached by Benny Hinn does not work for the controversial evangelist.

Hinn has posted a plea for $2 million in donations on his website.

The televangelist says he accumulated the deficit in the past few months because offerings at some international appearances did not cover expenses.

Here’s how the prosperity scam is sold: God wants you to be rich (and/or healthy), but He can not bless you unless you first send money to whichever televangelist or teacher tells you about this scheme.

Such donations are often referred to as “seed-faith offerings” — which is why Benny Hinn is asking you to “sow the best seed you can, as quickly as you can.”

Our advice: If the prosperity gospel works as advertised, folks like Hinn should be sending you and me money so that God can bless him.

We’re not holding our breath. [See also: Hinn and money]

Without Walls International Church senior pastor Paula White and worldwide televangelist and faith healer Benny Hinn posted statements on their websites recently denying a National Enquirer report that they are romantically involved.

The tabloid’s article includes photos identified as Hinn and White holding hands on a supposed “romantic trip to Rome.”

Reports this week suggest a still-married Benny Hinn is now romantically involved with Paula White, another television preacher with a colourful past.

In February, Hinn’s wife Suzanne filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The two were at that point living apart.

The wife of televangelist Benny Hinn has filed for divorce from the high-profile pastor, whose reputation as an advocate of prosperity gospel has attracted millions of followers and criticism from lawmakers and watchdog groups over his lavish lifestyle.

Suzanne Hinn filed the papers in Orange County (California) Superior Court on Feb. 1, citing irreconcilable differences, after more than 30 years of marriage.

Miraculous cures for cancer and AIDS, people in wheelchairs getting up and dancing. It’s business as usual for Benny Hinn, perhaps the world’s most famous, successful and controversial televangelist. Hinn is a faith-healer who almost never grants interviews — until now.

“Nightline” asked Hinn directly if he isn’t taking advantage of people who are profoundly religious, and vulnerable because they’re in physical pain, for his own personal enrichment.

“I’m glad you’re asking,” Hinn said. “Let me tell you something. I would not do this for money. If people think I would do this for money, after all the misery I’ve had to go through…” [video]

Pastor Benny Hinn is being investigated by the Senate Finance Committee and was recently denied entry into the United Kingdom.

The press has been bad, he says, because the media doesn’t understand him.

Benny Hinn, from Texas, who draws large crowds to his Pentecostal revival rallies, was turned back at Stansted airport under new rules on visiting ministers of religion.

A Border Agency spokesman said: “Under the UK’s tough new points-based system, religious workers must obtain a valid certificate of sponsorship prior to arriving in the UK. These rules are designed to make sure that a legitimate sponsor is linked to each application to enter the UK for work purposes.

Benny Hinn preaches a version of the prosperity gospel, which holds that God wants his followers to have financial wealth. To become prosperous, one must give money to God, who returns it multiplied.

If this scam worked as advertised, Benny Hinn and others like him would be giving you money…

Would you like to become a millionaire or billionaire overnight? Just stick around when preacher Todd Koontz get another message from God asking you to donate $1000 to Benny Hinn.

Mind you, you must be fast. Last time this con trick was used the blessing was “poured out” for two minutes only.

Media-based televangelists benefiting from tax code exemptions are warned — Sen. Chuck Grassley is a terrier-like congressional inquisitor with time and a big stick on his side.

“I am not threatening them, at this point,” the Iowa Republican said.

The television evangelist Benny Hinn has an audience of millions – and makes millions. David Millikan joined the throng on stage intent on asking the American preacher a tough question. [video]