Some of the churches claim they are helping some of their members financially this period
– It is no longer news that Nigerians are experiencing an economic downturn at the moment
– The situation has reduced the financial commitments to members towards the church
A report by The Punch has chronicled how churches are experiencing financial downturn as Nigeria’s economic crisis bites harder across the nation.
The report stated that members have now turned to their church leaders for financial support towards feeding, accommodation and children’s tuition.
Some of the churches claim they are helping some of their members financially this period
A situation that has now increased the already depleted financial reserves of the churches.
Speaking on the issue, the general overseer of Holy Spirit Mission (Happy Family Chapel), Bishop Charles Ighele, described the economic situation in the country as“never been this bad.”
The bishop confirmed that members of some of the church’s branches had been affected by the economy.
His words: ”It is a big problem with people losing their jobs and the prices of things increasing such that sachet water that used to sell for N5 is now N15 in some towns. The situation is really bad.
”Over the years, we have been redirecting the focus of our members towards entrepreneurship, so the situation has not really affected the headquarter, but the cash inflow of the branches of the church where we did not drive such teachings down well has been affected.
”In those branches, it has affected the cash inflow, so we have it good in some places and in some; the cash inflow has been affected. The welfare department of the church has been strengthened more to help people with feeding, and so on.
”So, many members have nowhere to stay; some are unable to pay their house rents, so we have such things to handle. We have people still under the effect of the economic condition and it is really tough on them. And it is not only about members of our church as other people also keep coming for help.”
On his part, Pastor Festus Oyewunmi of Arise and Build Bible Church, Ibadan, said: ”The church is a component of the society. So, what is happening in the society will affect the church.
”Before, members would pay little, but now, they are not ready to pay anything. In fact, they are looking for ways to get something from the church.
”They want the pastor to dip his hands into his purse and pay for their transport and feeding for a whole month, especially in smaller churches in places like Ibadan.”
In Bayelsa, Pastor Elijah Oigbochie of the Mark of Overcomers International Church, Yenagoa, confirmed the situation the churches are facing.
He said: ”If you do not get your salary, definitely, you will not be able to pay your tithe. Actually, it has in one way or the other affected the income of the church because you pay from whatever you earn.”
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a member of the ushering committee in Gospel Faith Mission International in Ado-Ekiti, said: ”We have noticed the decline in payment from members, but we understand the situation.”
Meanwhile, as Nigerians continue to groan under harsh economic conditions, President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that his trip to China yielded about $6 billion investment for Nigeria.
The president posited that his one-week trip would positively impact on key sectors of the Nigerian economy including power, solid minerals, agriculture, housing and rail transportation.
