greater ministries international was an evangelical christian ministry that ran a ponzi scheme taking nearly 500 million dollars from 18,000 people. headed by gerald payne in tampa, florida, the ministry bribed church leaders around the united states. payne and other church elders promised the church members double their money back in 17 months or fewer, citing biblical scripture. however, nearly all the money was lost and hidden away. church leaders received prison sentences ranging from twelve and half years to 27 years.