Pastor Adewale Giwa Slams Religious Leaders Over Church Commercialization
Church Now Focused on Wealth, Not Salvation – Giwa
Senior Pastor of The Second Coming of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, has openly criticized Nigerian religious leaders, accusing them of turning the church into a “den of robbers.”
While addressing his congregation on Sunday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Pastor Giwa decried the increasing commercialization of the church and the shift away from its spiritual purpose.
Anchored on Mark 11:17
Citing the Bible verse Mark 11:17, the clergyman emphasized that Jesus intended the church to be a house of prayer, not a center for profit-making:
“In Mark 11:17, Jesus said, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a den of robbers.’”
According to Giwa, many churches today have strayed far from this principle, choosing instead to focus on prosperity teachings and material gain.
“N5,000 for N1 Million Tomorrow”: Giwa Condemns Prosperity Messages
Prosperity Preaching Over Prayers
Pastor Giwa specifically condemned the practice of linking monetary donations to divine blessings, criticizing religious leaders for misleading their followers.
“We preach prosperity. We send prosperity messages out. If you bring N5,000 today, you will make one million tomorrow,” he said.
“That is not what the house of God should represent. It should be a place of prayer and redemption, not greed.”
He further expressed concern that most religious messages today are centered around promises of wealth, healing, and miracles, rather than repentance and salvation.
Call for Repentance and Spiritual Focus
“Forsake Your Sins, Turn to God”
Pastor Giwa urged Christians to refocus on the fundamentals of prayer, repentance, and direct communication with God.
“How can your prayers be answered if you don’t forsake your sins? Turn to God and go straight to the point ask Him for what you want. He is your Father, and He will answer.”
The fiery sermon concluded with a call for the church in Nigeria to return to its original purpose a place of spiritual revival, not exploitation.
