REDEMPTION CITY, Nigeria — Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has refuted claims that he discouraged Christians from paying tithes, following an online debate that erupted after a previous statement he made was misinterpreted.
Speaking at the church’s October Holy Ghost Service on Saturday, October 5, 2024, held at the Redemption City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Adeboye addressed the controversy surrounding his earlier remarks about tithing.
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He acknowledged that his comments had been misunderstood and apologised for any confusion they may have caused.
Adeboye explained that while he had apologised for a statement about tithing that was taken out of context, reports circulating online falsely suggested that he had advised Christians to stop paying tithes altogether.
“The issue of tithing became contentious, and I decided to apologize for anything I might have said wrong,” Adeboye said.
“Yet, within an hour, it was being circulated online that I said Christians should stop paying tithes.”
Contrary to those reports, Adeboye stressed that he continues to encourage believers to pay tithes and even suggested that they consider giving more than the traditional 10%.
Adeboye shared an encounter he had at Kenneth Hagin’s church, where a man testified that his financial situation improved dramatically after he committed to tithing 90% of his income.
This inspired Adeboye to encourage believers to go beyond the minimum 10% as their faith and circumstances allow.
“Today, I’m close to giving 90%, but I am far from 10%. So, I said it is wrong to limit yourself to 10% when God can take you to a higher percentage,” Adeboye explained.
“As you grow in the Lord, you should grow in praising Him, winning souls, and in giving.”
In the viral video that sparked the debate, Adeboye acknowledged that it was wrong to imply that failing to pay tithes could prevent someone from entering heaven, a comment for which he has since apologized.
However, he maintained that tithing is a biblical principle and encouraged Christians to view 10% as a starting point, not a limit.
“For beginners, the minimum is what God calls 10%. From now on, begin to increase what you give,” he said.
Adeboye added, “Of all I said, the only thing they put on the internet is that Adeboye apologized, and therefore, people should no longer pay their tithes. I said 10% should be the minimum.”
