Many pastors have become performers because of poverty. They have to stand before people and do things that will make the people bring money out of their pockets. Some are paid on a commission basis, receiving a percentage of whatever offering they can raise.
If a pastor is to receive ten percent of an offering, raising ₦100,000 means he gets ₦10,000. If he raises ₦200,000, he gets ₦20,000. Naturally, he will try to raise more because his income depends on how much he can collect.
When the people become used to him and he can no longer raise much money, he may begin inviting other preachers with fresh faces. The visiting preacher then has to find a way to raise a large offering because he is going to share in it.
Some of them begin making statements they have no basis for. They tell people that God is about to change their condition. They claim to see things about their businesses, their lives, or their future when they have received no such revelation. Some even gather information beforehand and use it to impress people.
They tell someone to bring a particular amount of money to unlock a blessing. They create excitement, and in that excitement, people bring out money without understanding why they are doing it.
This is what happens when people are placed under pressure to raise money. It can lead to dishonesty, manipulation, and the use of spiritual gifts to get money from people.
I am not excusing anyone who does these things. They are wrong, and God will deal with them. But we must also look at the system that puts people under this kind of pressure. When a pastor is not properly provided for and his income depends on how much money he can raise, the temptation to perform becomes greater.
A servant of God is called to preach the Word, not to manufacture excitement to secure his livelihood. The church should not create conditions that encourage dishonesty among those who minister.
Full Communiqué: https://youtu.be/dbVlRWIXO5o?si=y-SM_ELKCw5BCFxo
[Published On 15/10/2026]
