In a bold and compassionate move, Pastor Oye Baruwa of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Talitakumi Parish in Ijoko, Ogun State, has halted the collection of tithes and offerings.
In an exclusive interview with Punch Newspaper, Pastor Baruwa, widely known as Baba Talitakumi, detailed the reasons behind his decision and his vision for supporting his congregation during these economically challenging times.
According to Pastor Baruwa, “the removal of the fuel subsidy and the soaring cost of foodstuffs have significantly strained his congregation’s finances. Many members struggle to afford transportation to church and still contribute offerings, leaving them in dire financial situations.
“If someone has only N3,000 and spends N2,000 on transportation, how can they survive if they also need to pay the church offering?”
“Stopping the offering doesn’t mean I will not eat. God will still send help.”
The pastor insisted that true blessings come from God regardless of financial contributions, adding the practice of pressuring congregants into giving beyond their means are inconsiderate and unkind.
“God will bless those who don’t have money to pay offerings,” he stated. “We are essentially forcing those without means to give, and that is not acceptable to God,” he said.
To support his members, Pastor Baruwa has introduced a monthly food distribution program.
He said at every first Sunday of the month, church members, community residents, and even non-Christians can receive food at significantly reduced prices.
On June 22, he plans to sell an N80,000 bag of rice for just N20,000 to alleviate the burden of high food costs.
Pastor Baruwa has urged other church leaders to adopt similar measures, criticising those who prioritise wealth accumulation over their congregants’ well-being.
He believes that true pastoral calling involves trusting in divine provision and prioritizing the congregation’s needs.
“I’m against the belief that God will not bless members who don’t pay tithes or offerings. Many pastors refuse to follow this because they focus on getting richer while the poor remain poor,” he said. “If God has truly called you, He will provide for your needs.
Despite facing criticism and accusations of seeking attention, Pastor Baruwa remains steadfast. He recounts past instances, like during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he also suspended offerings to relieve his congregation’s financial stress.
“I didn’t expect my actions to go viral; I was not seeking attention,” he remarked. “I am guided by divine direction and the plight of my congregation.”
Addressing concerns about church finances, Pastor Baruwa assured that the church project, ongoing before the cessation of offerings, continues unabated. He shared instances of unexpected support, underscoring his faith in divine provision.
“People assist in various ways. It’s not about loud proclamations in church but about ensuring members’ happiness and well-being,” he explained.
