Fake pastors are running amok in Nigeria. That’s what the Daily Post reports. One place, Anambra State, is a hotbed for these types of preachers.

Well, I have three reasons why this phenomenon is taking place. It has to do with the profession of ministry, the get-rich-quick hustle, and the demand for hope.

Let’s get into it.

Table of Contents

• Listen to Podcast
• 1. Not Everyone Is Called to Preach
• 2. Church Appeals to Money-Hungry People
• 3. Fake Pastors Exploit Crisis Situations
• Summary
• Break Free From the Tithe Deception

Listen to Podcast

1. Not Everyone Is Called to Preach

Pastoring is an easy profession to get into. You don’t need a college degree, certification, or specialized training. All you need to do is say God called you. You get the call today, and the next day you open a church as pastor so-and-so.

For the most part, it’s that simple.

But here’s the truth.

Everyone who’s a pastor wasn’t called.

Like a friend of mine once said, “Some are called. Some are sent. And some just went.”

Any profession with a low barrier of entry or low standards attracts all kinds of people, including hustlers, scammers, and con artists.

In many cases, a charismatic person with the gift of gab knows how to excite a crowd. Many of these men and women are gifted in those areas.

But there’s one problem.

They’re not anointed to pastor God’s people.

So they’re not true pastors.

Here’s what they are…

…entertainers with Bibles.

And people love being entertained, even in the church.

So it’s easy for religious tricksters to enter the ministry…and attract followers.

Plus, the ministry attracts individuals who couldn’t succeed in other careers.

Maybe they couldn’t make it in business.

Perhaps they didn’t like working a 9-to-5 job.

They could lack the skills, training, or education to do meaningful work.

And that reminds me of a popular quote: “Those who can do; those who can’t teach.”

We can revamp that quote when talking about fake pastors in Nigeria (and anywhere, for that matter).

We can say: “Those who can do; those who can’t become pastors.”

So starting a church gives these wanna-be “men of God” an opportunity to make a name for themselves.

And to make easy money…which brings me to my next point.

2. Church Appeals to Money-Hungry People

There are several perks and privileges that come with pastoring a church. The main thing is the church’s tax-exempt status.

Like churches in the United States, churches in Nigeria don’t pay taxes.

So a church’s nonprofit status allows it to collect tax-free tithes and offerings.

Imagine a pastor’s church raking in millions of dollars…and they don’t have to give the government a cut!

That’s a lot of cash a pastor has at his or her disposal.

So pastoring is seen as an opportunity to get rich. In the modern Christian church, many pastors live jet-set lifestyles.

They own million-dollar homes, drive luxury cars, and some travel in private jets. So, these types of pastors represent a model for success. And this appeals to many people, especially those living in poverty.

Many people aspire to improve their economic condition. For some, becoming a preacher seems easy to get out of poverty. So starting a church is their gateway to riches…and the finer things of life.

Of course, there’s a downside to that.

We end up with men and women entering ministry for the wrong reasons.

They’re focused on serving themselves rather than serving God’s people.

They work for money rather than working for the Most High.

They worship the extravagant lifestyle while their followers worship them.

Under these circumstances, churches become a breeding ground for fake preachers.

Now to my final point.

3. Fake Pastors Exploit Crisis Situations

Crisis situations create a high demand for religious leadership. Consider how the global crisis of 2020 hit people very hard emotionally, financially, and spiritually. In tough times, believers seek guidance, answers, and comfort from pastors.

As with any crisis, hustlers emerge and take advantage of people’s misery. And religious hustlers are no exception.

Fake preachers can build thriving ministries by telling people what they want to hear. They make outlandish prophecies…and promise supernatural blessings. They often preach the prosperity gospel.

In fact, what fake pastors do is give desperate people messages of false hope. In turn, their devout followers give them tithes and offerings.

Do you know why these believers turn over their hard-earned money so easily?

Because they’re desperate for change. Plus, they think giving money to these self-proclaimed “men (or women) of God” will take them from crisis to victory.

What’s the bottom line?

During a crisis, the demand is high for hope. When this happens, fake pastors show up to meet that demand.

Summary

Why are so many fake pastors exploding in Nigeria? Here are a few reasons I have for this trend.

One, pastoring a church is an easy profession to get into. It doesn’t require any credentials, such as a college degree or certification. Because of this, almost anyone can claim they are called by God and start a church.

Two, some people see preaching as a fast track to riches. Many high-profile preachers have fame, fortune, and power. For some individuals, the ministry is a pathway to a better way of life.

Finally, believers need hope during a crisis, such as the 2020 pandemic. So, they seek out religious leaders. Unfortunately, the high demand for spiritual guidance opens the door for fake preachers to enter.

So there you have it. That’s why Nigeria sees a spike in fake pastors.

Break Free From the Tithe Deception

Discover the truth about tithes the church doesn’t want you to know. Go here.

Source: ‘Controversial pastors’ on the rise in Nigeria amid economic hardship