‘Give More Than Your Tithe’: Pastor Ibiyeomie Urges Christians to Give 30% of Income, Sparks Heated Debate Online [VIDEO]

 

Pastor David Ibiyeomie, the well-known founder and presiding pastor of Salvation Ministries, has stirred significant discussion following his recent statements on Christian giving. His remarks, delivered during a sermon and shared via a video posted on the social media platform X, have generated both passionate support from his followers and sharp criticism from skeptics and commentators across Nigeria.

Addressing the subject of financial stewardship within the Christian faith, Pastor Ibiyeomie reinforced the importance of tithing, declaring it to be the “foundation” of any believer’s covenant with prosperity. He advised that believers should not delay in paying their tithe, urging them to treat it as a non-negotiable principle and immediate response to any form of financial increase.

“Tithe is the foundation of your covenant to prosperity,” he said. “Don’t wait until month end before you pay your tithe. Anytime you get money, pay 10% back to God as a lifestyle.”

However, it was his comments on offerings that sparked the most intense debate. Pastor Ibiyeomie went beyond the traditional ten percent teaching of tithes, urging Christians to stretch their generosity even further. According to him, offerings should exceed tithes, and he recommended that believers set aside at least 20 percent of their income as offerings — totaling a combined 30 percent of their earnings dedicated to church giving.

His statement was unequivocal: “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. Increase your offering more than your tithe and you’ll never be broke.”

While his message was welcomed by many within the Christian community who believe in the spiritual principle of sowing and reaping, it has also drawn widespread backlash, particularly on social media. Critics have voiced concerns over the practicality of such teachings amid Nigeria’s persistent economic challenges, with inflation and unemployment creating severe financial stress for average citizens.

Social media users did not hold back. A particular post from X user Ikechukwu Seed Mkpulu captured the mood of many skeptics. His sarcastic response read: “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.”

This sentiment was echoed by others who see the message as an exploitation of religious faith for personal enrichment. Critics argue that demanding 30 percent of one’s income from struggling believers borders on spiritual manipulation, particularly when such appeals are made by high-profile pastors with affluent lifestyles.

Still, some supporters have defended Pastor Ibiyeomie’s teachings, arguing that giving is a deeply personal and spiritual decision, not to be dictated by economic logic. For them, the call to increase offerings is seen as a challenge to deepen one’s faith and commitment, rather than a compulsory tax.

Financial analysts and religious scholars have long debated the ethics and sustainability of prosperity teachings. Some warn that linking divine blessings to the size of financial contributions can mislead believers into viewing God’s favor as transactional, rather than transformational.

Despite the backlash, Pastor Ibiyeomie remains undeterred in his message. His sermons continue to emphasize wealth as a reward for obedience to spiritual principles, a view that resonates with many of his followers who see him as a living testimony to the efficacy of those teachings.

The larger conversation around tithes, offerings, and pastoral accountability remains far from settled. As economic conditions in Nigeria continue to challenge millions, the role of the church — especially mega churches and their leaders — in addressing or exacerbating financial pressure is under increasing scrutiny.

What remains clear is that Pastor Ibiyeomie’s message has reignited an ongoing conversation about faith, finance, and the fine line between spiritual guidance and material expectations in Nigerian Christianity.

How do people sit down and listen to things like this? pic.twitter.com/h419h7hGvd

— Chudé (@chude__) June 6, 2025