Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the former pastor of the City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has emphasised the capital-intensive nature of running a ministry, explaining that tithes are essential to meeting the financial needs of God’s house.
Speaking during the church’s second service at Civic Centre on Sunday, Janauary 26, Pastor Iluyomade shared his thoughts on the importance of tithing and offerings, stating: “Ministry costs money—that’s why God said we should bring tithes to ensure the needs of His house are met.”
He also noted that offerings should be given in accordance with how God has blessed individuals, with the wealthy expected to contribute more than those with lesser means.
“Giving should be proportional to our prosperity,” Iluyomade remarked.
“God said everyone should give according to how He has blessed them, and that’s what we should do.”
During his sermon, titled “Giving,” the former pastor urged Christians to live holy and righteous lives, stressing the importance of these principles as the foundation of faith. He also warned against neglecting them, encouraging believers to stay steadfast in their spiritual journey.
In addition to his teachings on generosity, Iluyomade made a special announcement about his newly established ministry, The Family Fellowship.
He revealed that the ministry had acquired a permanent site at Eko Atlantic, with the land being donated by a member of the church.
Throughout the service, Iluyomade continued to encourage the congregation to embrace giving, both to one another and in support of God’s work.
He acknowledged that many believers struggle with the act of giving, which he described as a sacrificial act that unlocks God’s blessings.
“The principle of giving is a sacrificial one, and it brings God’s blessings,” he explained, before warning worshippers to be cautious of erroneous teachings circulating today.
“We must be very careful, as there are many doctrines flying around. If we’re not careful, we may miss the truth about giving.”
Iluyomade also addressed the topic of tithes, quoting the Bible and referring to the passage in Malachi 3, where God warns against robbing Him through the withholding of tithes and offerings.
He said, “Tithe belongs to God—10 per cent of your income belongs to Him. And God knows mathematics.”
He urged believers to reflect on the significance of tithing, saying, “If God calls us robbers, we need to ask ourselves: will any robber enter heaven? How much is this 10 per cent that God is asking for? It’s a small amount, but it holds great significance in His eyes.”
In a show of generosity that exemplified his message, two members of the church donated ₦4 million to Bethesda Home & School for the Blind during the service, further reinforcing the importance of supporting those in need.
Iluyomade concluded his sermon by reminding the congregation that giving is not just about financial contributions but also about helping the poor and those in difficult situations, particularly in challenging times.
“We must never adopt a lackadaisical attitude toward helping others,” he said.
“Let us all reflect on how we can support those in need.”
The service was a powerful reminder of the importance of generosity, both within the church and in the wider community, with Pastor Iluyomade’s words resonating deeply with all in attendance.
