A video circulating on social media has captured a pastor urging his congregation to refrain from giving offerings due to the dire economic situation in the country.
In the footage, the pastor can be heard advising his church members to prioritize their financial well-being and warning fellow clergy to take note of the directive as offerings are temporarily suspended.
The video, which has quickly gained traction online, shows the pastor addressing his congregation with a message of empathy and practical concern. “Given the current economic hardship, I am advising all church members not to pay offerings until further notice,” he says. “I urge other pastors within our church to adhere to this directive as well.”
The congregation could be heard clapping in the background after the announcement.
The pastor’s statement has elicited a wide range of reactions from netizens. Many praised his sensitivity to the economic struggles faced by ordinary citizens. “This man is one in a million, thou they’re all the same but he understands that the offering is just a way of feeding the church and pastors, you gain nothing out of it Be wise Africans ! Help the needy instead of paying that rubbishh offering!” tweeted @Chiderapd.
A significant number of users also took the opportunity to contrast this pastor’s actions with those of other religious leaders. “Some will say that he’s tired of seeing N50 N20 on the offering box that’s why he said this but it doesn’t matter. What matters is that he has a heart of human and can feel for the people. Not those ones that will tell you that the economy is hard on you because you’re not giving enough tithe and offering,” commented @Osinachi.
Some too were in total disagreement with him.
@Sim – “This is not a pastor. Offering is a sacrifice and stopping members from doing offering is stopping them from receiving blessings. Let those who have to give.”
@Sharon – “Why are people clapping? Offering is what we do willingly with our heart, it’s a sign of being thankful and grateful to God for keeping us alive.”
The video has sparked a broader conversation about the role of religious institutions during times of economic crisis. Some believe that churches should always put the needs of their congregation first, while others argue that churches, like any other institution, require financial support to function effectively.
This pastor’s bold move has not only brought him widespread attention but also highlighted the difficult choices faced by many religious leaders in countries experiencing economic downturns.
As the discussion continues online, it remains to be seen how other religious leaders will respond to this unique approach. Will they follow suit and prioritize the economic conditions of their congregations, or will they find alternative ways to navigate these challenging times?
See video:
Pastor cancels offering in his church because of the economic situation pic.twitter.com/PNDYioIO40
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) May 18, 2024