Pastor Isaac Oyedepo Set to Start Full-Time Church Without Collecting Offerings
Pastor Isaac Oyedepo Set to Start Full-Time Church Without Collecting Offerings
A major wave of attention has swept across Nigeria’s Christian community following the announcement by Pastor Isaac Oyedepo that he is starting a full-time church ministry — without collecting offerings.
The respected preacher revealed that this decision was not influenced by public opinion, pressure, or criticism of modern churches, but by what he described as a clear instruction from God.
“God told me not to collect offerings,” he stated.
This declaration has sparked intense discussions both within church circles and on social media, as it challenges one of the most established practices in Christian worship — financial giving during services.
A Radical Step in a Commercialized Church Space
In recent years, many Nigerians have expressed concern about what they see as the commercialization of religion. Churches are often accused of turning worship into a profit-driven enterprise, with endless fundraising, seed sowing, and special offerings.
Against this background, Pastor Oyedepo’s decision feels revolutionary.
By choosing to run a church without collecting offerings, he is presenting a bold alternative — one that emphasizes faith, service, and spiritual growth over money.
For many believers, this move restores hope that Christianity can still be practiced with simplicity and sincerity.
“Freely You Have Received, Freely Give”
Supporters of Pastor Oyedepo have pointed to biblical principles that support his decision. Jesus instructed His disciples in Matthew 10:8:
“Freely you have received; freely give.”
They argue that a church that does not depend on offerings is better positioned to focus purely on teaching, prayer, and helping the needy — without pressure to raise funds or compete financially with other ministries.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
As expected, the announcement has generated mixed reactions.
Some people have praised Pastor Oyedepo, calling him courageous and spiritually sensitive. They believe his decision exposes the excesses in today’s church system.
Others, however, are skeptical. They question how a church can survive without donations — especially when there are costs for rent, outreach, welfare programs, and staff.
Still, many agree on one thing: his decision has forced a much-needed conversation about money, faith, and integrity in modern Christianity.
What This Could Mean for Nigerian Christianity
If Pastor Oyedepo’s ministry succeeds without collecting offerings, it could set a powerful example. It may inspire other pastors to rethink how they fund their ministries and how they relate to their members financially.
More importantly, it could help rebuild trust between churches and worshippers — especially in a time when many people feel exploited in the name of religion.
Final Thoughts
Pastor Isaac Oyedepo’s decision to run a church without collecting offerings is more than a personal choice — it is a statement. It challenges long-held traditions and invites believers to reflect on what truly matters in worship.
Whether his ministry will thrive or struggle remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: he has ignited a conversation that Nigeria’s Christian community cannot ignore.
