More about Danny Gokey’s Church & Charity (UPDATED)
Danny Gokey is already a favorite for this year’s AI competition. Women are swooning over his voice and unshakable faith, as well as the fact he is a young widower who auditioned less than a month after his wife Sophia’s death.
In December, obviously knowing he would be on TV, Danny established the Sophia’s Heart Foundation in memory of his deceased wife.
Seems like a nice idea, right? Of course. And especially good timing to register the organization and URL in December right after Gokey knew he would be getting serious screen time as one of Idol’s Top 36. Of course, it does take time to receive non-profit status, so perhaps this was done immediately after her death?
Here is Sophia’s Heart web registration. (Domains by Proxy)
Domain ID:D154854697-LROR
Domain Name:SOPHIASHEART.ORG
Created On:08-Dec-2008 06:43:51 UTC
Last Updated On:07-Feb-2009 03:51:25 UTC
Expiration Date:08-Dec-2009 06:43:51 UTC
Sponsoring Registrar:GoDaddy.com, Inc. (R91-LROR)
Status:CLIENT DELETE PROHIBITED
Status:CLIENT RENEW PROHIBITED
Status:CLIENT TRANSFER PROHIBITED
Status:CLIENT UPDATE PROHIBITED
Registrant ID:GODA-056650937
Registrant Name:Registration Private
Registrant Organization:Domains by Proxy, Inc.
Registrant Street1:DomainsByProxy.com
Registrant Street2:15111 N. Hayden Rd., Ste 160, PMB 353
Registrant Street3:
Registrant City:Scottsdale
Registrant State/Province:Arizona
Registrant Postal Code:85260
Registrant Country:US
Registrant Phone:+1.4806242599
Registrant Phone Ext.:
Registrant FAX:+1.4806242598
Registrant FAX Ext.:
But what’s even more curious is the address info of Sophia’s Heart:
This is the web site of Sophias Heart Foundation, Inc.
Our postal address is
4901 South Howell Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53207
We can be reached via e-mail at info@sophiasheart.org
The postal address is exactly the same as FAITH BUILDERS, the controversial church where Danny Gokey, his deceased wife and eliminated-in-Hollywood Idol contestant Jamar Rogers were active members.
The Faith Builders Milwaukee address:
4901 South Howell Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53207
So is the money going to the church? Or is it going to the Sophia’s Heart Foundation? Not that churches don’t involve themselves in charitable endeavors, but Faith Builders has been plagued with controversy for some time. But why isn’t the alliance to Faith Builders listed on the Sophia’s Heart Foundation website?
Especially when Pastor Pruitt’s church in Beloit, WI is allegedly suffering from tough times but the Milwaukee location is thriving, mainly because, rumor has it, the Beloit tithing is going to uh, Milwaukee. This is something that I have heard and I plan on looking into it more.
Times may be rough, but Pastor Jeff Pruitt is still driving around in his Escalade. And when he’s driving, I hope he doesn’t crash b/c he’s blinded by the diamonds on his Rolex when the sun creates a glare.
Share your thoughts on this one, guys. I’m not calling anyone out just yet, but something here seems a bit fishy. Or maybe not? I just don’t understand why they wouldn’t be more clear about their affiliation with one another on their respective websites.
But Faithbuilders is definitely promoting their association with Gokey and best friend Jamar Rogers.
Ye have little faith? Maybe you should attend one of the upcoming Faithbuilders services. Yes, you will be receiving sermons while watching, you guessed it — American Idol.
So far, this is what we know:
Sophia’s Heart is registered as a charitable organization, but shares the same address as Faith Builders International. It’s registration, however, was made in Tennessee. I assume this was when Danny Gokey was in Nashville? I don’t think this affects anything, b/c the designation is for federal tax purposes.
Name I.D. Number
SOPHIA’S HEART FOUNDATION, INC. 0591429
Business Type*: CORPORATION
Profit/Nonprofit: NONPROFIT
Status*: ACTIVE
Date of Formation/Qualification: 12/03/2008
Domestic/Foreign: DOMESTIC
Place of Incorporation/Organization: DAVIDSON
Duration: PERPETUAL
FYC(Fiscal Year Closing) Month: DECEMBER
Principal Office:
Address Line 1: 2176 CHRISTINA COURT
Address Line 2:
City: HERMITAGE
State: TN
Zip: 37076
Other than USA:
Registered Agent:
Name: IVAN SANTIAGO
Address Line 1: 2176 CHRISTINA COURT
Address Line 2:
City: HERMITAGE
State: TN
Zip: 37076Business Filing History
* Important Note: Business filing History includes information about (1) the basis for an inactive status and (2) the current true name and filing status of a business with an assumed name or a changed status.
Since Faith Builders is considered a church, it has tax-exempt status. Sophia’s Heart does not publicly acknowledge its affiliation with Faith Builders, but they do mention their involvement with Fresh Start Family Services, a former employer of Danny Gokey.
According to a former member of the Faith Builders organization who knew Danny Gokey, the church’s only “music school” (Gokey’s occupation on AI was listed as a Church Music Teacher) closed in 2000. They currently operate a daycare. This former member says:
a better description might be he is the lead singer in the band, and paid for it.
Faith Builders is all about the music and spreading the word of the lord as a form of entertainment, per se. Their Milwaukee church is actually an old theater. While many of these contemporary “non-denominational” Christian churches are typically Jesus’ Wal-Marts with their vast size, THX-sound systems, coffee bars and free Krispy Kremes for all who attend. If you check out Faith Builders’ Get Involved page on their website, you’ll see the act of worship is truly a theatrical event:
- Audio / Visual Department (Sound / Lighting / Cameras / Television)
- Breaking the Chains
- Costumes / Hair & Makeup (Productions)
- Faith Kidz Children’s Ministry
- Greeters
- Hospitality
- Information Center
- Inner City Impact
- Inner City Impact Food Pantry (Beloit Location Only)
- JDPM Bookstore
- Music Ministry
- Pre-Service Prayer Team
- Productions / Drama / Dance
- Style Women’s Ministry
- Temple Keepers
- Ushers
- Valet Parking
- XCellar8 Youth Ministry
Music seems to be their leading angle for getting youth interested in Christ. Check out some of their videos:
Here is their “commercial”. Danny Gokey is present and accounted for 🙂
Sure, some of this information may not prove a lot to some people, but it has raised eyebrows. American Idol loves a tragic backstory so naturally, they were going to run with the tale of the Young Widower Gokey. But how much of this was Idol’s doing and how much was Gokey’s?
It seems a bit odd to launch a charity right at the time in your life you were going to get REALLY BUSY oh, being on national television and such. Was the timing simply to capitalize on his public debut and expand awareness? I’m sure donations have increased a great deal since Gokey’s first appearance on AI, however, why isn’t it registered as a charitable organization? And if people are sending checks, is it going to Sophia’s Heart? Or is the money going to Faith Builders and Pastors Jeff and Robin Pruitt?
Top Idol 
I find a church advertising its entertainment capabilities a bit weird…did this start when Danny rose to third place in AI?
Marine Mom,
You are delusional!! I am retired Army and female. Lady you need to get a life.
ADAM ROCKS MY WORLD (ROCK & SEX GOD)!!! HEAVY ON BOTH
ADAM IS PURE PERFECTION!!!
OMG you guys have to be kidding me. Danny and his homophobic family and entourage are disgusting. Using his dead wife to get on Idol, disgusting.
I’m not a Danny hater, I just have no use for the arrogant, lying, SOB. He is not a christian. He is a scam artist just like that so called pastor of his.
It’s people like them that give the real Christians a bad name. I’m not religious, but I am spiritual and to call myself a christian leaves a bad taste in my mouth because of hypocrits like Danny and his whatever they are!
ADAM ROCKS MY WORLD (ROCK & SEX GOD)!!! HEAVY ON BOTH
ADAM IS PURE PERFECTION!!!
I think Danny did great! I was glad to see a fellow christian up there representing!
Danny,
Just want to say you are a light on a hilltop. May the Lord bless you and be with you always.
OOH RAH Shout Out To You! This Marine Mom loves you!.
Your Sister In Christ! (Calvary Chapel Downey, California)
^ delusional idiot
You know.. Haters never die! You spend more time trying to discredit this guy than to look at what good he’s actually doing for youth that society has turned their backs on!
You are so pathetic! You are worried about the amount of money he’s making instead of worrying about how to help their cause!
Why don’t you sign the back of your drivers license and hold your breath for an hour!
I had the previlege to attend Goky’s Sophia’s Heart banquet and I seen and heard nothing but big hearted people that only wants to make a difference to people that are FORGOTTEN about in our community..
This is what you do to help your community?… Sit and right comments that are meant to destroy the fabric of their faith? Well, I got to tell you that you are the workers of satan! You cannot destroy what God has built!
Sincerely yours,
Gerald
oops
for ALL have SINNED and FALL short of the glory of god
this isn’t a perfect world
everyone sins
just because we believe in god doesn’t mean we don’t sin
it says in Romans 2:23 for ALL have SINNED and all short of the
glory of god
Its funny to me how people among the same believe in their GOD fight to cut each other down and judge one another. Is this what God does? doesn’t YOUR bible say to love one another? and if that is what you truly believe and call yourselves christians, then why do you HATE on one another. You are hipocrits. thanks.
Yay! More Atheists are here!
Sally_nospelling …I don’t really think you should be correcting other’s spelling. I’ve glanced at some of your other comments…definetly don’t think you should point fingers. Just bringing it “to light”.
Kudos I totally agree with the last statement!!
Before I begin: I am in no way associated with this church and I don’t know anyone who attends it. I live in New Zealand (couldn’t possibly be more removed) and I’m studying at Faith Bible College – again, totally unrelated.
Just a couple of thoughts: it’s possible, isn’t it, that the idea for the charity was something that may have been discussed before Sophia’s death and implemented afterwards?
Do you know any young widowers? I’m not one, but I have lost family members, and I know that in the aftermath of grief, no matter how desperately you want to do something to combat the cause of your loved one’s death, most people are absolutely crippled by coming to terms with the loss. Is it not a good thing, then, if your church family steps in to begin building something great? And if they didn’t, wouldn’t we be the ones busy pointing the finger and asking why they weren’t there to help Danny and support his passion to bring something of life out of death?
If I was in his situation, I probably wouldn’t have the cash to lease an office, and I definitely wouldn’t want to publicise my home address – imagine the volumes of mail (or hate mail) you would make yourself vulnerable to. In fact, it would be downright stupid to publicise his home address. I have heard of several churches who in this type of situation have gotten in behind someone and allowed them to use an office space and church resources to get started. It would be great if you guys maybe emailed the church to ask exactly what their involvement is to balance out this blog. Otherwise, it looks like mostly hearsay.
I am genuinely disappointed in the fact that people seem to have an opinion of a person they have never met and a church they have never attended themselves. Danny could be horrible, he could be lovely. So far, we have seen absolutely nothing to contradict his public persona – except from one person who is not willing to name themselves. Listen, if a church is so evil that a person is not able to use their name, then that person needs to be in witness protection, or move. It appears to me, from reading this post, that your source hasn’t gone through the Biblical guidelines given in Matthew – if you have an issue with your brother, go to him first. If he won’t listen, go with someone else. If he still won’t listen, talk to your elders. If he then won’t listen, then crank out the big guys. If this person is unhappy that their worship leader is paid, go talk to him.
Also, most of us who attend church are aware of this but some people might not be: most worship leaders put in hours and hours and hours, and some are fulltime. Some of them give their best to their churches, and to the people they work with, and put more time into their local “family” then they do into a paying job; their churches recognize this and employ them. And let’s be honest, if the churches weren’t, we’d again be busy pointing the finger and saying the church was using them for their own purposes.
One thing to clear up: I work for the IRS – it doesn’t matter where the registration is made. You’ll see that their accountant is in Tennessee – often, if there’s an accountant, they organize and make all applications on behalf. It’s incredibly common practise.
Sane Jason Fan:
Zeldasdobi: Nice to see a balanced view.
Infamous: I read your comment as sarcasm…but somebody has suffered a lot of pain. I don’t know if the sarcasm would help…if Danny had the misfortune to read this, he could potentially be quite hurt.
Simply Smart: you have a point in that it’s never a wise idea to blow your own trumpet, but maybe find a different way of expressing it – otherwise the way you express it overshadows your point.
This said, TopIdol, you’ve established this blog for a purpose. You’re obviously believers. I would love to see you guys writing some posts on positive things the church (as a body) has done. I believe it’s not wise to put a blanket covering of “everything we as a body do is great” but there is a responsibility on believers to build up the body too, and understand that a lot of what we say reflects not just on us but on Christ Himself. I know you’re not calling anyone out just yet, but right now, you’re about five millimeters away from levelling accusations of fraud at your own body. Be sure of what you say before saying it. You may not be openly saying it, but your post has put the thoughts in many people’s heads.
I would like to see you address a couple of things: do you personally know the source of these accusations (because really they are accusations)? Is this person genuine and believable? Can they back up what they’re saying with any proof? Have they been hurt or disillusioned by someone in the church and that has affected their view of something that is potentially innocent? Further, did Sophia herself have any involvement in the idea of the charity? Did she want to help/reach out to others in a similar predicament somehow?
Be God’s 🙂
Hmm, the IRS is now has offices for full time bible college students in New Zealand… Especially for those who need to practise thear spilleng lol
Danny Gokey, you are an amazing singer and i know that you probably will never read this but i will be voting for you everytime i get the chance. I love how you are not afraid to express your religion that really means a lot to me. I wish you the best throughout the rest of the season!!
To JJ, Infamous, Sane Jason Fan, you other nutjobs, and especially the bloghost: you guys need to get a life. You are one big conspiracy theorist group that pats each other on the back with your kook whodunit mentality. The bloghost’s motto “The most HOT and ANOINTED blog in all the interweb” should be re-phrased to “The most STUPID and BLACK MEN IN TIGHTS blog in all the universe.” It shows this blog as an extremely small-time hit job that tries to capitalize on American Idol’s trademark and fame. Get a life, losers.
I am absolutley disgusted by the article and by the idea that Danny Gokey is exploiting his tragedy. While I did not lose a child I recently experienced the most difficult year of my life when my twin sons were born 10 week premature. One of them suffered multiple life threatening complications and was in Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital for the first 7 months of his life where he was then transfered to Boston Children’s Hospital for the next 4 to undergo an experimental drug in hopes of saving his life. He is here today because of what a good and gracious God we serve! This has been an devestating year for our famiy; many times we were told by all the medical staff that he would die; period! From this experience we too have established a non-profit organization to help families and children who are hospitilized. I would have absolutley used this same exposure to benefit our organization if given the opportunity. Remember,he is not out to cushion his ego or wallet; but rather to change the lives of others through love. It is true that our society has become “all about me,” but I belelive there is a higher call and I’m so proud of Danny (who I do not know) for stepping into it. I am very disapointed in all the judgements that are being passed about him and his church. How would you like your life to be put under a microscope? I am sure there would be far more planks there than you realize. Love never fails; maybe you should try it!
I think no matter what religion a person is, it seems they will always get “beat up” for it… he’s a Christian. he believes in God. he’s trying to do something good… he didnt kill off his wife, and to the person who wrote taht – you are an absolute idiot! Danny and his wife talked about him going on American Idol a long time before she passed… she knew he was going to try out!! (this is from seeing his videos and reading about him). And since he knew he was going to be on the show, WHY NOT START THE ORGANIZATION??? and as for the address being listed as the church, i’m sure he didnt want to put his own personal address on there – so the church allowed him to use theirs. i dont see why that is such an issue!! Clay aiken made an organization about autism……. why can’t danny create something for his wife????? Leave the guy alone! He’s a great singer and I pray he does well in the competition!
God bless you for that insite. It is true. What artist gives off their cell phone or personal address…? next thing you know they are being harrassed or stalked by some crazy people! lol that is exactly why he didn’t want to give out his personal address. They used a POBOX but imagine all the fan mail he might he getting!!! gees. Go Danny, we support you 100%. Sophia would be so proud to see how far he has gone. She had so much faith he would make it far on this competition and I know she is shinning down upon him.
“or if some other witnesses come forward”
Witnesses have come forward and said there is nothing wrong with the church, oh you want the witnesses that will feed you the stuff you want to hear & post. BIAS! You wont give us the other side!
How many of you who are commenting have lost a spouse or a child? Only God knows the heart of man. I belong to a mega church in Orlando and I think if in this situation we would be cheering for our own. I think Danny would rather have Sophia by his side cheering him on, but he is drawing strength from God, family and friends. God did not make us judges, but rather tells us to love one another.
I would caution everyone here to remember that there are unscrupulous people who benefit from other’s pain.
Whereas the “other” [Gokey] in this case could be exactly what he seems.
What others do to make money off him, should be considered.
Chris
Most Christians believe in giving 10% of there income which is tithe, thats apart of that religion. Same as Jehovah Witnesses believing only 144,000 people go to “heaven”.
The difference with Christianity is you decide if you want to give, you aren’t shund if you don’t, but in the Christian Bible it says give & you shall receive, sow & reap. So if a Christian or any other person goes to that FBIM they have the choice to give or not to give.
And that is clearly FBIM’s view (which is stated in there FAQ’s).
You have to understand & respect any religion not bash there views. I wanna see a video of this pastor taking an offering, & see if he stands there & yells at the congregation to give, or if he just teaches/preaches them the things that come out of there religious writings (the bible).
“a better description might be he is the lead singer in the band, and paid for it.”
Who cares if he got paid for it. Sounds like the source was a member of the team & didn’t get paid, he was most likely a guitar player.
And with danny’s voice he most likely taught the other singers a few things. I would call that a music teacher.
I have to agree with blobber. it’s refreshing to see someone with some brains in here (no offense peeps) 🙂 You are right, the guitar player who wrote all those things was speaking out of hurt and anger. It’s pretyt sad because I and my husband really enjoyed listening to him play and he is actually a nice guy. I was surprised to read what he had in his heart. 😦 But anyway. Yes, Danny started getting paid towards the end. Why not!? He was a blessing to all! dude, the guy went to rehersal in milwaukee on Monday nights after work, drove to choir practice in Beloit on tuesday nights, and also led praise and worship in Beloit on Wed nights, not to mention Thrusday night services in Milwaukee. Would you do that work for free? prob not. He did for a very long time, and he was glad to do it. He never complained, he was humbled. If people knew this and thought he wasnt getting paid for his heart work and dedication, they would bash the church saying they were “slaving him!” lol He was our vocals teacher. Our choir was and still is HOT!! we miss him dearly! he was a great teacher, very patient and excellent to work with. He helped us strive for excellence and do our best. Our choir has been invited to numerous community events, it brings hope to people and helps those to lift up their spirits when they are feeling down. Isn’t that what God’s love does? Thank you all for taking the time to read this. Much love.
I don’t think anyone had an issue with him being paid, it was obviously a full-time job.
There are lots of stories about the wrongdoings at FBIM I’ve posted. It’s not just one person. And I don’t think all of the people who have sent me things or posted comments, they can’t all be lying and disgruntled. Sorry.
The FAQ is from FBIM website.
Scientologists offer a FREE personality test to get you in their doors.
Same thing.
Faith Builders FAQ’s
Q. Will I be asked to make an offering?
A. We do collect tithes and offerings each and every service. However, there is absolutely no pressure to any of our guests to give a financial gift. If you should feel compelled to give, know that Faith Builders is good ground, and the seed that you will be sowing into our ministry will produce fruit back into your life!
Sounds like nobody is foreced to give. Its out of there own free will.
hmm….. how much research have you done besides just your source? Why havnt you got FBIM’s side of the story? This blog seems preety bias to me. And that video doesnt explain anything, most churches have commercials.
And just maybe the SHF funds are going to the church because he doesnt have an established office, & doesnt want to give his personal adress away. And doesnt Sophias sister go to the church (saw her on fox6 news) maybe she is taking care of things.
I would like to hear more on all this. Keep Reaserching.
Consider that it could just as well be the church “encouraging” him to set up this organization (Sophia’sHeart), and “encouraging” him to do these things so THEY (FBIM) can profit. I believe a church can sometimes grows with so much what seems like, power, that they do have the ability to brainwash their congregation without them even realizing it. Maybe he’s become caught up in it all too??
Not meat at all. Just the devil being a hater!!!! Goodness will prevail
I knew there was something I didn’t like about this guy.
Phase 1: Kill wife/keep wife locked up in “church” basement until after Idol finale
Phase 2: ?
Phase 3: Profit!
I can’t believe the horrible things people make up. Our minds can be our enemies. DO not let your mind wonder so much. Don’t judge and hate on someone you do not even know. My friend Sophia, Danny’ wife, was the most encouraging woman, she pushed Danny to do AI. She believed in him. You don’t know even a quarter of their story together. Or even about the church! Danny is who asked Pastor if they could switch the address to Sophia’s Heart Foundation to the church’s address to be able to monitor all the mail in one local area. Sophia’s Heart Foundation has its own staff. Has nothing to do with the church. If it did, who cares??!! Do you know what charitable agencues are affiliated with??? No you don’t, and I don’t either. Danny succeeding on American Idol has nothing to do with Sophie’s death or the church he attends. It’s clearly his musical talent, great vocals and great personality. I love Danny, I know Danny personally. I would never be ignorant to make assumptions on something I dont know 100% about. It makes me sad to see people talking about my dear friends, and a church that is so great. SO let me ask you this… Are you to be judged because you buy a nice car… or wear brand name clothes?? so you are telling me I work my butt off to look like I’m homeless. Yes I work hard and buy the Cadillacs, and the Prada purses because I can, and I like it. But I also do my share. I am very community involved, help the poor, and give to those in need. Maybe you are not receiving blessings because your hearts are not right. Stop the hate people, its useless. It’s pure ignorance.
Frankly, I find the criticism of the size of this church etc. to be a little much. Who cares? Some people like these types of churches.
My suspicion about the funds going to the church for his wifes memorial fund are simply that they haven’t organized it well. Time will tell.
Not much meat here, in my opinion.
It would seem that the dissenters have a little harder time disagreeing with this post. I’d be really curious to see if the source for your other post would provide transcripts/recordings of the unpleasant and disturbing sermons, or if there were any others out there who had something of import to share with regard to FBIM.
I’ll definitely continue to read. Thanks for bringing this all to light.
Many of these megachurches record film/record all their services and place them for viewing on their websites.
I’m hoping to at least find a few corroborating this, or if some other witnesses come forward. The videos I have seen on the web mainly have to do with faith healing, or are commercial productions designed for marketing.
I like Danny a bit.But i thought there was something off about him.Maybe this is it.I belonged to a church ages ago like this.People in charge and others where charming.But kind of fishy acting.Doubt i will vote for Danny.
SI
ROFL
I wanted to respond to you on VFW, but I don’t belong. You don’t need to let this comment through if you prefer not, but I wanted to suggest that perhaps Danny was working with her sister, Mita, who lives in TN. I have no idea if it is true or not but did notice she is from TN. Could you also mention this on VoteForWorst?
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=64074760
So killing her was just the first step in a much larger plan… interesting…
I hope he reads this and makes changes. He doesn’t need this kind of bad PR right at the beginning. I doubt he himself is shady, but he could be influenced by those who are.
I see him as a very experienced performer and singing every week at church seems at least one of the ways he got that way. I wasn’t sure before where he got that experience from.
This does seem a little dodgy. It brings up the possibility that this guy is quite calculated as opposed to being the tragic widower. It’s worth considering. He’s very vanilla and bland to me and I think he needed the sad back story to stand out.
It’s kind of depressing to me that someone’s deceased wife could take center stage on Idol. This is supposed to be a singing competition. And although I’m Catholic, albeit a lousy one, I’m getting worn down by all the emphasis on people’s faith. Some of the Castro boards have turned into a religion seminar with everyone quoting scripture left and right. I will say that it seems to be a smart play since many in the Idol audience seem to love it but to me it’s getting off-putting.