Port Harcourt, Nigeria — Founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has stirred controversy after urging Christians to make their offerings significantly larger than their tithes, despite the country’s current economic challenges.
Speaking during a recent sermon, the prominent cleric emphasized that tithing — traditionally 10 percent of one’s income — is only the starting point for financial prosperity through divine principles.
“Tithe is the foundation of your covenant to prosperity,” he told his congregation. “Don’t wait until month end before you pay your tithe. Anytime you get money, pay 10% back to God as a lifestyle.”
However, Pastor Ibiyeomie went a step further, recommending that offerings should not just match but exceed tithes. According to him, giving at least 20 percent of one’s income as offering is key to escaping poverty.
“In a month, your offering should be bigger than your tithe. My offering, for instance — I don’t give less than 20 percent. That’s why I’m not poor,” he said. “Increase your offering more than your tithe and you’ll never be broke.”
The message has drawn sharp reactions online, with critics accusing the pastor of promoting teachings that place an excessive financial burden on worshippers. One social media user, Ikechukwu Seed Mkpulu, wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Offering 20%. Tithe 10%. Total 30%. 30% of your hard-earned money must go to Pastor Ibiyeomie’s bank account if you really want to go to heaven. Nigerian pastors are worse than Nigerian politicians. Tufiakwa.”
While some supporters view Pastor Ibiyeomie’s teaching as a faith-based financial principle, others argue it could be exploitative, particularly at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with inflation and job insecurity.
As the debate grows, the sermon has reignited conversations around the role of money in modern-day religious practice and the responsibility of religious leaders during economic hardship.
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