Christian clerics react, differing on tithe compromise
Churches scale down activities, reduce charity efforts -Investigation

By Precious Owolabi & David Afolabi

As the current economic hardship bites harder and Nigerians grapple with the resultant challenges, with many citizens increasingly feeling the strain, church attendance, tithe payments and offering contributions are now declining fast.

With the worsening inflation, increasing unemployment, and the high cost of living, congregants are finding it difficult to sustain their regular church participation and financial contributions. Distraught church leaders across the country are reporting continuous decline in attendance, especially on weekdays, as families prioritise meeting basic needs over attendance at religious gatherings.

In addition to lower attendance, churches are witnessing a drop in tithes and offerings, which many of them rely on for operational expenses and community outreach programmes.

Pastors, however, said that while some members continue to give faithfully, the majority is struggling to make ends meet, leaving little room for discretionary spending on religious donations.

Some churches, it was gathered, had to scale down on their activities and welfare programmes, as financial contributions continued to dwindle.

This shift is causing concern among church leaders who fear it might affect their ability to provide critical support to vulnerable communities.

The combined pressure of economic instability and rising costs have made it difficult for individuals to maintain their religious obligations, especially the financial aspect which many now consider secondary to their immediate need for food, shelter, and healthcare.

As the country faces further economic challenges, both church leaders and congregants are hoping for relief, with many calling for more innovative ways for the faithful to continue their financial support without further strain.

Speaking on the situation, the Priest in charge of the Anglican Church, Rev’d S.O. Akindele, affirmed that paying tithes is a divine injunction from God, requiring members to give one-tenth of their earnings.

He noted, “If you pay your tithe, the money may not be enough, and if you don’t, the money still won’t be enough.”

Rev’d Akindele made this statement in reaction to a pastor who stopped his church members from paying tithes and offerings to ease their burden amid the current economic hardship.

“The pastor is preventing the members from obeying God’s injunction. That is not biblical,” Rev’d Akindele, however, said.

“You can’t stop your members from giving tithes and offerings just because of hardship. As believers, we walk by faith and not by sight. Our God is a God of wonders. However, any pastor who sees the church as his business centre can stop it.”

But the cleric acknowledged that Nigeria’s economic challenges are impacting church attendance, with some members unable to attend services due to the high cost of transportation.

“Some members are prioritising their spending, cutting back on non-essential expenses, including donations to the church,” he said.

“Churches should consider strategies to support their members during these tough times, such as offering financial literacy workshops, providing assistance with basic needs like food and clothing, or fostering a supportive community where members can share their struggles and support one another.”

Rev’d Akindele further advised members to attend nearby churches to save on transportation costs, instead of travelling long distances to worship.

Meanwhile, Prophet Sobowale Joshua of the Church of the Lord (Aladura) offered a differing perspective.

He argued that while tithing is a covenant between God and believers, it is not compulsory.

“The Bible says in Malachi 3:10, ‘Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.’”

Prophet Joshua lamented the effects of the economic situation in Nigeria on church attendance and spiritual devotion.

“Not even attendance alone, but people are backsliding because of this economic hardship. We don’t have members again. We pray that God will help us and never let His sheep go astray.”

Also commenting, Mrs. Oyebola, a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Triumphant Zonal Headquarters, Akure, stated that the current economic situation has significantly reduced church attendance.

“Many members and workers are complaining about survival,” she said. “In terms of transportation, many now fellowship with nearby denominations to cut costs.

“Additionally, some have stopped paying tithes and offerings because what they have is insufficient for daily expenses. This has affected the church’s finances and population.”

Mrs. Ojie Felicity of CAC Oke Itura, English Chapel, explained that while transportation costs don’t affect her, the rising cost of living has made it difficult to pay tithes and offerings.

Similarly, Mr. Akintayo Abiodun of RCCG Victory Sanctuary, noted that while paying tithes and offerings remains a priority, transportation costs sometimes force him to stay at home.

Mr. Ebenezer Ogundare shared that both the economic situation and concerns over doctrinal genuineness have reduced his church attendance.

“Yes, the economic situation affects regularity in church attendance, especially when one has to travel far to attend the church of their choice.”