A Nigerian pastor has sparked debate after describing church members who frequently complain about money and financial contributions as “enemies of the church,” arguing that worshippers should recognise the cost of running a ministry.

In a video circulating online, the cleric defended churches’ requests for financial support, pointing to expenses such as rent, maintenance, daily operations and staff salaries. He argued that although churches generally do not charge people an entrance fee to attend services, they still require money to remain operational.

The pastor said members’ reactions whenever financial contributions are discussed could reveal their attitude towards the church.

“You want to know the enemies of your church? When you talk about money, they’re angry. They always complain. Just know that they don’t love your church. They’re not interested in your church,” he said.

He also questioned why someone who had attended a church for a year would fail to consider contributing towards its upkeep.

According to him, the absence of a gate fee should not be interpreted as meaning that worshippers have no responsibility to support the institution they attend.

“There’s no gate fee in the church. Doesn’t mean that there’s no cost to you. Have some sense in your head. Ask yourself,” the pastor added.

To explain his position, the cleric presented a hypothetical calculation based on weekly contributions of ₦1,000 per member.

He said a person contributing ₦1,000 every Sunday would give approximately ₦4,000 in a month. If a congregation had 1,000 members and every person made the contribution, the church could receive about ₦4 million monthly.

However, he noted that the money would still have to cover the various costs associated with running the church, including payment for its premises, maintenance and staff remuneration.

The pastor expressed frustration with members who, in his view, fail to appreciate these financial demands while objecting to requests for money.

He ended his remarks with a strong message to those who consistently oppose discussions about church finances and contributions.

“You are wicked. Very wicked. You are an enemy of the church. Enemy of the church. And it’s better you leave the church and get out,” he said.

The remarks have drawn attention to the question of financial contributions in religious institutions, including how churches communicate their expenses and how members view their responsibility to support them.

Cost of flying plane has increased, if you are dropping 1,000 as offering it’s too small

The duty of the members whether they are born again or not is to sponsor the lavish lifestyle of the pastors

According to this pastor.
pic.twitter.com/HPr7D3lNjD

— Omotayo Solomon Ayodeji (@OmotayoSolomo10) October 26, 2026

While churches rely on donations and other contributions to fund their activities, members may also have questions about how funds are collected, managed and accounted for. The pastor’s comments present his position on the issue, rather than an established standard for every church or worshipper.