By Enitan Daramola
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has refuted claims that he advised Christians to stop paying tithes.
The clarification came during the church’s October Holy Ghost Service, where Adeboye addressed misrepresentations that followed his recent comments on the controversial subject.
He said, “The contentious issue is about tithing. I made up my mind to apologize for anything I might have said wrong concerning the issue of tithing. Within an hour, it was already on the internet that Pastor Adeboye said not to pay tithes.
“I didn’t say that. Fortunately, everything I said is on record. I even went further to tell my people that it is wrong to limit themselves to 10% when, by the grace of God, they should be giving far more than 10%.”
Adeboye acknowledged that he had apologized for any previous statements on tithing that may have been misunderstood.
However, he was surprised by how quickly false reports spread online, claiming he had discouraged tithe payment.
“The issue of tithing became contentious, and I decided to apologize for anything I might have said wrong. Yet, within an hour, it was being circulated online that I said Christians should stop paying tithes,” Adeboye said.
He further explained that he encouraged believers to give more than the traditional 10%, referencing an encounter at Kenneth Hagin’s church where a man shared how his financial situation improved after committing to tithe 90% of his income.
“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.
“As you grow in the Lord, you should grow in praising Him, winning souls, and in giving. I said for beginners, the minimum is what God calls 10%. I said, from now on, begin to increase what you give.
He added that, “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.”
