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An Osun-based cleric, Bishop Seun Adeoye, has disclosed that a significant number of Nigerian pastors are facing financial difficulties, challenging the common misconception that most clerics lead luxurious lives.
Adeoye noted that fewer than two percent of pastors in the nation can be considered wealthy, emphasizing that the prevailing public perception has subjected Christian ministers to unnecessary pressure and skepticism.
The cleric made this statement in Okinni on Sunday during the launch of his ministry’s 2026 watchword before church members and guests who gathered for the occasion.
Adeoye, who also holds the position of Acting Nuncio of the World Bishops Council in Africa and serves as the International Communications Director of the Worldwide Anglican Church, described the belief that pastors are wealthy as misleading.
He remarked, “It is a misguided belief and a satanic attack on the Church to assume that all pastors are affluent due to tithes and offerings.”
According to him, while some pastors in Nigeria are indeed wealthy, they constitute a very small percentage of the clergy nationwide.
“Yes, it is true that some men of God in Nigeria are quite wealthy, but they make up less than two percent. The reality is that their sources of wealth may not solely come from the collection of tithes and offerings,” he stated.
Adeoye claimed that many prosperous church leaders have become disconnected from the less privileged ministers throughout the country.
“Regrettably, these affluent General Overseers and pastors have erected tall walls around themselves, publicly flaunting their wealth while neglecting the pleas of ministers of God who are struggling to survive.
“We have witnessed situations where millions of Naira were donated to a university zoo to feed animals, while tens of thousands of genuine men of God and their families were suffering from hunger,” he asserted.
Addressing wealthy pastors directly, Adeoye encouraged them to provide assistance to their struggling peers, stating, “When you are elevated by God’s grace, you should look down and extend helping hands to those in need. That exemplifies the character of Jesus Christ.”
He also referenced the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, adding, “Let our affluent individuals revisit the story in Luke 10:30–35 and reflect on how many pastors they have aided outside their ministries.”
Adeoye urged Nigerians to prepare for 2026 as a year of “Forward Movement” and called upon Christians to anticipate God’s blessings in the upcoming year.
Why do many people believe that pastors are wealthy?
This perception can create pressure and suspicion towards Christian ministers, overshadowing the reality that many pastors struggle financially.
What should wealthy pastors do to support their peers?
They should consider how they can assist other pastors who are facing financial hardships and reflect on their contributions to the broader community of faith.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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