A senior pastor in Nigeria is fed up with rich pastors preaching prosperity sermons. Pastor Adewale Giwa, who heads the Awaiting the Second Coming of Christ ministry, is an outspoken opponent of the prosperity gospel movement that has overtaken his country.
A Nigerian publication quotes him as saying: “Any pastor having two, three, or four cars cannot claim he is following the path of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
That’s a statement I want to explore. Why? Because I don’t agree. And I’ll tell you why.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
- Listen to Podcast
- A Culture of Greed
- Prosperity Gospel Under Attack
- Prosperity According to Jesus
- Jesus Embraces Prosperity
- Every Rich Pastor Isn’t Bad
- Summary
- Break Free From the Tithe Deception
Listen to Podcast
A Culture of Greed
The gospel of “health, wealth, and prosperity” is popular among many Christians in Nigeria (and worldwide). Many preachers have gained massive followings, built large churches, and accrued millions of dollars teaching that doctrine.
Nigeria has some of the wealthiest pastors in the world.
Millions of believers can’t get enough of the prosperity message. But there’s a growing number of Christian pastors who refuse to jump on the prosperity theology bandwagon. And Pastor Adewale Giwa is one of them.
Prosperity Gospel Under Attack
Giwa criticizes pastors who teach the prosperity gospel and flaunt their wealth. He argues that the gospel is of Lucifer. From his standpoint, if pastors followed Christ’s teachings, they wouldn’t own private jets or multiple cars.
He believes one house and one car are more than enough.
Now, I get where he’s coming from. And I agree with most of what he says.
But here’s my concern.
There are charlatans in the body of Christ. Men and women exploit God’s word (and His people) for personal gain. There’s no doubt that. But we must not fall into the trap of viewing material wealth as ungodly.
That could be a slippery slope. It’s one thing to condemn the prosperity gospel. But let’s not denounce prosperity in the process. If that happens, a poverty gospel may replace the prosperity gospel.
So, let’s not glorify poverty as if it makes believers more righteous. Plus, a gospel of poverty is just as bad as prosperity.
To keep things in perspective, please consider these points.
Prosperity According to Jesus
Yeshua (Jesus the Christ) didn’t teach a prosperity gospel…or a poverty gospel. He taught a kingdom message. And prosperity is one aspect of God’s kingdom. However, Father Yah’s prosperity isn’t limited to or defined by material possessions.
The foundation of kingdom prosperity is found in Matthew 22:37, where Yeshua says:
“Love God with all your heart, mind, and soul. And love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
If we master those commandments, we can enjoy the fullness of Father Yah’s prosperity. And again, this prosperity isn’t just money. It also includes our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
With kingdom prosperity, we pursue the Most High…not money.
To my next point…
Jesus Embraces Prosperity
Yeshua didn’t frown upon people having material riches. For example, some wealthy women supported his ministry (Luke 8:1-3).
Plus, he didn’t ignore our physical needs. For instance, he told his disciples their needs would be met if they seek God first and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). You see, Yeshua is teaching them to pursue a relationship with the Most High…to walk in righteousness…and to trust the Father.
Yeshua didn’t want his disciples to obsess over material possessions and neglecting their spiritual growth.
Now, let me move on to my final point.
Yeshua didn’t want his disciples obsessing over material possessions.
R. RENEE
Every Rich Pastor Isn’t Bad
If a pastor is rich, it doesn’t mean he’s not following Christ. Some pastors do well financially and don’t preach the prosperity gospel. They don’t boost their bank accounts by teaching false doctrines.
Some preachers have revenue streams outside of their church salary. For example, they may have successful businesses or investments.
In some cases, they have full-time jobs. And they have comfortable lifestyles. So they don’t depend on tithes and offerings for support. They’re enjoying the creature comforts of life… without exploiting God’s word in the process.
So what’s the point?
Let’s look beyond a pastor’s material possessions. Instead, judge their teachings, not their bank accounts. By doing so, we can avoid labeling all rich pastors as false preachers or false prophets.
Summary
Pastor Adewale Giwa claims if a pastor is rich, he’s not following Christ. I beg to differ for a few reasons. One, prosperity is a part of God’s kingdom. But Kingdom prosperity begins with us pursuing God, not money.
How do we do this?
Yeshua said we must “Love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. And love our neighbor as we love ourselves.”
Two, Yeshua didn’t have a problem with anyone being rich. He encouraged his disciples to seek God first. In turn, all their needs would be met. But he clarified that our relationship with the Most High is more important than any money.
Finally, some wealthy preachers don’t preach the prosperity gospel. Some men and women of God use their talents, skills, and gifts to earn comfortable lifestyles. And they do so in legitimate, ethical ways…without compromising God’s word.
What’s the bottom line?
You don’t have to be poor to follow Christ.
Break Free From the Tithe Deception
Discover the truth about tithes the church doesn’t want you to know. Go here.
Source: ‘Prosperity sermon’ is from Lucifer, Pastors owning private jets, two cars are not Christians – Giwa
