Pastor David Ibiyeomie has warned Christians against giving financial assistance to fellow believers who do not pay tithes, claiming that such generosity could bring financial hardship upon the giver.
The founder of Salvation Ministries made the remarks during a sermon, where he shared an experience involving a fellow pastor who allegedly approached him for help after losing his accommodation.
Ibiyeomie claimed that although he gave the man money out of compassion, he later experienced financial difficulties. He said he eventually discovered that the beneficiary did not pay tithes. 
David Ibiyeomie explains why he warns against helping non-tithers
Recounting the experience, David Ibiyeomie said the pastor had approached him carrying a baby who was less than two weeks old. The man reportedly explained that his landlord had sent him out of his accommodation.
Moved by his situation, Ibiyeomie said he gave him ₦40,000 to secure somewhere to stay, despite having less than ₦200,000 in his bank account at the time.
However, he claimed that financial difficulties followed the gesture, with his expected breakthrough seemingly disappearing.
“There are Christians you give offering to, you will be poorer than poor. Any believer who does not tithe and you give him money, things will be tight for you,” he said.
Ibiyeomie claimed that he later discovered the pastor did not pay tithes. He said he sought God’s mercy and paid tithe on the money he had given before his financial situation improved.
The pastor used the experience to warn his congregation against giving money to Christians who neglect tithing, suggesting that doing so could affect their finances.
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Ibiyeomie’s controversial teachings on tithing
The latest remarks add to a series of controversial statements Ibiyeomie has made about tithing and financial prosperity.
In another sermon, the pastor reportedly told his congregation that Christians must pay tithes consistently for specific periods to receive different levels of blessings from God.
“You have to pay tithe for 1 year, 5 years, 6 years and 7 years consistently to receive different level of blessings from God. If you stop paying at any time, even if you have paid for 11 months, God won’t bless you,” he said.
He also made a controversial claim about Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden, arguing that it involved the violation of a tithing instruction rather than adultery or eating an apple.
“Adam didn’t commit adultery or eat an apple; his sin was that he touched his tithe,” Ibiyeomie said.
The remarks have added to public debate about his interpretation of biblical teachings on tithing, particularly his position that consistent payment determines the level of blessings believers receive.
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David Ibiyeomie warns Christians against buying Christmas clothes without tithes
The latest remarks add to a series of controversial statements Ibiyeomie has made about tithing and financial prosperity.
NBG Africa had previously reported when the pastor warned Christians against buying Christmas clothes before paying their tithes.
“Don’t buy a Christmas cloth when you have not paid tithe. It’s dangerous. It’s very dangerous,” he warned.
He also claimed that unpaid tithes could expose believers to misfortunes they might wrongly attribute to the devil.
To support his position, Ibiyeomie recounted incidents in which vehicle tyres allegedly burst while non-tithing Christians drove him or his associates. He further warned that neglecting tithes could affect believers’ families.
Ibiyeomie’s controversial comments about poverty
The Salvation Ministries founder has also faced criticism over previous comments about poverty and Christians’ relationship with poor people.
In April 2025, Ibiyeomie sparked controversy after claiming that Jesus Christ hated poverty and never visited a poor person’s home during his earthly ministry.
“Jesus never visited any poor person in his house. Check your Bible. That means he hates poverty,” he said during a sermon.
David Ibiyeomie argued that people could come to Christ while poor but should not remain in poverty after becoming Christians.
The remarks attracted criticism from other Christian leaders, including Pastor Abel Damina, who accused him of misrepresenting the teachings of Jesus. The Lagos State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, also faulted the comments, arguing that Jesus identified with the poor.
Ibiyeomie speaks about his personal giving
Ibiyeomie has also spoken about his personal financial contributions to the church.
In April 2026, he reportedly claimed that he gives a minimum of $12,000 on Sundays and at least $2,000 on weekdays.
He also said he would remain wealthy even if members stopped giving him offerings or birthday gifts, insisting that his wealth came from his covenant relationship with God rather than members’ contributions.
David Ibiyeomie’s latest comments have once again drawn attention to his teachings on tithing, generosity and prosperity, particularly his warning that helping Christians who do not pay tithes could bring financial difficulties.
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