Rev Isaac Omolehin, founder of World Assembly Ministries, has expressed concerns that five Nigerian pastors are among 10 clergymen listed as the wealthiest in the world but none of the world’s richest churches are based in the country.
According to a trending video, Omolehin made the remarks during a recent meeting with some pastors.
The popular pastor, based in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, said the World Council of Churches drew the list in a report released recently.
The Christian could not independently confirm the report.
“Is it not scary that the World Council of Churches released papers about the state of the Nigerian church – that out of the 10 richest pastors in the world, five of them are Nigerians. But out of the 10 richest churches in the world, there’s no Nigerian church. It’s worrisome.” Omolehin said.
He said the Roman Catholic Church remains the richest church in the world but its head, Pope does not own a private jet.
He lamented that many Nigerian pastors appear to be more interested in personal wealth than building church institutions that would be durable.
“Some of you may not be comfortable with these words, because you are preparing, praying, and fasting so that you will soon buy a private jet as a man of God. Please go ahead and buy it. But listen carefully: the richest church in the world is the Roman Catholic Church,” the cleric said.
Omolehin recounted his recent experience preaching in a Catholic church built about 200 years ago, noting that the church maintains its structures and systems over time.
Speaking further, the Kwara-based cleric said the Pope’s travels are handled by the Vatican. According to him, the Catholic head’s yearly itinerary is prepared early in January every year while the Italy’s national carrier, Alitalia, manages his movements across countries.
Other concerns
Some Nigerians have often raised concerns about the growing wealth of some pastors.
Few months ago, a former Nigerian vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, lamented the escalation of prosperity gospel, saying preachers now focus more on material wealth and self-glorification above the servanthood and the will of God.
“The stewardship of influence is an immense responsibility, one that requires unwavering commitment to the true gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not a call to car, material wealth or self-glorification above servanthood and the will of God,” Osinbajo, a pastor at the Redeemed Church of God (RCCG), said.
