Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has declared that the traditional practice of paying 10% as tithe is primarily for beginners.
Speaking to a youth congregation during the ongoing RCCG Youth Convention at Redemption City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Adeboye urged attendees to consider contributions that exceed this baseline.
During his address on Thursday night, Adeboye reflected on his own journey, stating, “It’s incorrect for me to suggest that you should limit your tithe to just 10%.” He also expressed regret for previously stating that Christians who fail to pay tithe might not attain heaven, clarifying that the Bible emphasizes the importance of peaceful and holy living as the true prerequisites for salvation.
“I apologize for saying ‘If you don’t pay tithe, you might not make it to heaven.’ That’s not a biblical assertion. The scripture clearly states, ‘Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God,’” he affirmed.
Adeboye elaborated on the complexities of financial giving, drawing a parallel to scientific principles. “It is possible to be right and wrong at the same time,” he explained, citing the historical understanding of light. He encouraged attendees to expand their financial commitments, suggesting that while 10% may be a starting point, true financial stewardship often requires going much further.
He recounted a story about a man who pledged to donate N3.5 million during a fundraising event led by the late American preacher Kenneth Hagin. This individual revealed to Adeboye that he had started a business with just $500, committing to give 90% of his profits to God. Five years later, his business turnover reached $50 million.
“From that day onward, I’ve been steadily increasing my own contributions. While I haven’t yet reached the 90% mark, I am far from limiting myself to 10%,” Adeboye said.
Through his remarks, Adeboye aims to inspire a deeper understanding of financial giving within the church community, urging members to embrace a spirit of generosity that transcends the conventional tithe.
