Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has publicly apologized for an earlier statement he made about tithing, admitting it was a mistake. The influential cleric had previously claimed that any Christian who did not pay tithes would not make it to heaven, a declaration he now acknowledges is not biblically accurate.
Addressing the congregation at RCCG’s ongoing annual national youth convention, Pastor Adeboye clarified, “I made an error by saying those who don’t pay tithes won’t enter heaven. That statement is not in the Bible.” He further explained that the scripture emphasizes peace and holiness as prerequisites for seeing God, not tithing.
Adeboye’s correction marks an important moment, as he is one of Nigeria’s most prominent religious figures. He used the opportunity to stress the significance of giving and the blessings that come from it, sharing a story of a man whose commitment to giving led to significant financial success. The man, inspired by a ministry project in the U.S., promised to give more than all other contributors combined, a decision that he believed led to a business turnover of $50 million within five years.
Pastor Adeboye also encouraged his followers to be generous and energetic in their worship, drawing lessons from King David’s fervent praise of God, which helped him rise to power.
