Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has sparked debate with his comments on wealth and Christianity.
Reacting to criticism surrounding Bishop David Oyedepo’s 70th birthday gifts – a Rolls Royce and N1 billion – Adeboye emphasized that clergymen and Christians should strive for financial stability.
Adeboye addressed his members, saying, “Someone gave a bishop a car and some people got very upset that how can a bishop be driving a Rolls Royce? As if once you are a bishop you must die of hunger.” He stressed that Christians should aim to live abundantly, rather than struggling financially.
Adeboye noted that dying poor would bring shame, not only to the individual but also to their faith. “Let me tell you, my beloved children, if you die poor, they will blame you; they will say, after all these days of you serving God, this is how you end? If you can’t pay your rent, they will say, where is your God?”
Adeboye concluded, “If all of a sudden you start riding a Rolls Royce, they will attack you, so which of the two do you choose? They are going to attack you anyway, whether you die of poverty or you live in abundance.” His comments highlight the complex relationship between faith and wealth.
Bishop Oyedepo’s 70th birthday celebration at Living Faith headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, sparked controversy with the lavish gifts. Adeboye’s defense underscores the importance of financial prosperity within some Christian circles.
