Founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has advised Christians to give offerings that exceed their tithes, describing the practice as a pathway to financial prosperity.

 

Addressing his congregation during a recent sermon, Ibiyeomie emphasized the importance of tithing—10 percent of one’s income—as a foundational spiritual principle for wealth.

 

“Tithing is the foundation of your covenant with prosperity,” he said. “Don’t wait until month’s end before paying your tithe. Anytime you receive money, return 10 percent to God as a lifestyle.”

 

However, the pastor went further to recommend that offerings should be even more generous than tithes, suggesting that believers consider giving at least 20 percent of their income as offering.

 

“In a month, your offering should be bigger than your tithe. For example, I never give less than 20 percent as an offering—and that’s why I’m not poor,” he said. “Increase your offering beyond your tithe and you’ll never be broke.”

 

While some followers view his teaching as a spiritual principle rooted in faith-based giving, critics argue that such expectations place undue financial pressure on believers, especially amid Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

 

One X (formerly Twitter) user, Ikechukwu Seed Mkpulu, reacted sharply:

“Offering 20%

Tithe 10%

Total 30%

30% of your hard-earned money must go to Pastor Ibiyeomie’s bank account if you really want to go to heaven. Nigerian pastors are worse than Nigerian politicians. Tufiakwa.”

 

The sermon has since sparked a heated debate online, with supporters defending the pastor’s message as a call to deeper faith and generosity, while others view it as exploitative.