The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has denied claims that he told Christians to stop paying tithes.
He made this clarification during the church’s October Holy Ghost Service on Saturday at Redemption City, located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.
Pastor Adeboye addressed the controversy stirred by his recent comments on tithing, which had been widely misinterpreted on social media. He expressed surprise at how quickly false reports spread, claiming he had discouraged Christians from paying tithes.
“The issue of tithing became contentious, and I decided to apologise for anything I might have said wrong,” Adeboye explained. “Yet, within an hour, it was being circulated online that I said Christians should stop paying tithes.”
He further clarified that he never advised against tithing but instead encouraged Christians to go beyond the traditional 10%, explaining that believers should aim to give more as they grow in their faith.
“I said it is wrong to limit yourself to 10% when God can take you to a higher percentage,” Adeboye said. He shared an example of a man from Kenneth Hagin’s church who saw financial blessings after deciding to tithe 90% of his income.
“Today, I’m close to giving 90%, but I am far from 10%. So, for beginners, the minimum is what God calls 10%. From now on, begin to increase what you give.”
Pastor Adeboye expressed disappointment that only part of his statement was taken out of context, leading to false reports. “Of all I said, the only thing they put on the internet is that Adeboye apologised, and therefore, people should no longer pay their tithes. I said 10% should be the minimum,” he clarified.
