Pastor Abel Damina Sparks Debate: ‘Your Offerings, Tithes Are Spent By Men, Not God’.
Controversial Nigerian cleric Pastor Abel Damina, founder of Abel Damina Ministries International (ADMI), has once again stirred debate with a bold pronouncement during a recent Sunday sermon. In a statement that has ignited widespread discussion across social media and religious circles, the pastor declared, “No offering goes to heaven. Every time we gather offerings in church, it is men that spend it.”
The viral remark, captured in a video circulating online, challenges traditional views on tithing and offerings, a cornerstone practice in many Christian communities. Pastor Damina, known for his provocative teachings, argued that contributions made by congregants are utilised by church leaders for practical purposes rather than being received by God, prompting fresh scrutiny of financial accountability in religious institutions.
This is not the first time the outspoken preacher has courted controversy. Previous statements, shared widely on X, include his rejection of tithing as a means to prosperity, with comments such as, “With the number of tithers, Nigeria should have been the wealthiest nation on earth if tithing was God’s device for prosperity.” He has also questioned the biblical basis for tithing in the New Testament, noting, “Nobody paid or received tithe in the New Testament,” and expressed scepticism about Christmas, alongside defending the character of the LGBTQ community.
Reactions to his latest sermon have been mixed. Some supporters, posting on X, have praised Damina for his “deep and revolutionary truths,” with one user calling his messages a chance to “renew your mind.” Others, however, view his statements as divisive, arguing they undermine long-held Christian traditions and the role of giving in faith communities.
The cleric’s remarks come at a time of growing calls for transparency in how churches manage funds, with some Nigerians questioning the use of tithes and offerings amid lavish lifestyles displayed by certain religious leaders. While Pastor Damina’s comments do not allege misuse, they fuel an ongoing conversation about the purpose and destination of congregational giving.
As the debate rages on, Pastor Abel Damina remains a polarising figure, challenging believers to rethink established practices. Whether his views will reshape attitudes toward tithing and offerings remains to be seen, but his words have undeniably sparked a lively dialogue across Nigeria and beyond.
