In a post circulating on X, formerly Twitter, the Salvation Ministries founder was quoted as saying:

“Don’t buy Christmas clothes when you haven’t paid your tithes; it’s very dangerous.”

The statement has revived conversations about tithing, a longstanding practice in many Christian denominations, and whether believers should put their church contributions ahead of personal expenses during the festive season.

Although buying new clothes is a familiar part of Christmas preparations for many Nigerian families, David Ibiyeomie’s warning places the decision within a broader discussion about religious commitment, financial priorities and the meaning of giving.

David Ibiyeomie has issued similar warnings during Christmas

The circulating statement echoes a message attributed to David Ibiyeomie during a sermon in December 2021. During this message, the pastor urged worshippers not to divert their tithes towards festive expenses such as shoes, suits, travel and other purchases.

He argued that tithing was connected to divine protection and cautioned Christians against spending their income during the holidays before fulfilling what he regarded as their financial obligations to God.

A separate report by NigerianEye quoted him warning that people who spent heavily at Christmas could struggle to meet January expenses, including rent and school fees.

These earlier reports provide useful context for the latest circulating quote. However, without independently confirming when the particular clip shared on X was recorded, it would be premature to describe it as a new statement.

David Ibiyeomie is the presiding pastor of Salvation Ministries, which was established in Port Harcourt in April 1997.

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Why tithing remains a subject of debate among Christians

Tithing traditionally refers to giving a tenth of one’s income or produce for religious purposes. For many Christians, it is an expression of gratitude, obedience and support for the work of the church.

However, Christians do not all interpret the practice in the same way. Some churches teach that believers should continue to pay a tenth of their income, while others emphasise generosity and giving according to one’s means rather than treating a fixed percentage as a universal requirement.

David Ibiyeomie has consistently advocated tithing as an important part of Christian life. In April 2026, TheCable Lifestyle reported on another sermon in which he described tithing as a foundational covenant and discussed his own giving practices.

His position reflects a wider theological discussion about the relationship between financial giving, faith and prosperity. While some believers embrace this teaching, others question how such messages should be applied to Christians facing financial difficulties.

Christmas clothes, church giving and the pressure on household budgets

For many Nigerians, Christmas involves more than attending church services. Families may have to budget for food, transport, gifts, travel, children’s needs and new clothes, often while managing rising living costs.

That makes the question raised by David Ibiyeomie’s message particularly relevant: how should Christians balance religious commitments with everyday financial responsibilities?

For supporters of the pastor’s position, paying tithes before discretionary spending demonstrates discipline and puts faith first. Others may argue that household essentials, rent, school fees and debt obligations also demand careful attention, especially when income is limited.

The debate need not reduce Christmas to a choice between church giving and buying clothes. For many believers, the season is also about generosity, compassion, family and helping people in need.

Ultimately, David Ibiyeomie’s warning reflects his established teaching on tithing, rather than a position shared by every Christian tradition. Whether believers agree with him or not, the discussion highlights a question that returns every festive season: how can people honour their faith while making responsible decisions about the money they have?

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The post Pastor David Ibiyeomie Warns: ‘Don’t Buy Christmas Clothes If You Haven’t Paid Your Tithes’ appeared first on NBG Africa.