“Stop misinterpreting scripture” – Pastors criticize Ibiyeomie for claiming that Jesus avoided poor people
Prominent Christian leaders have strongly criticised Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder of Salvation Ministries, over a controversial sermon in which he claimed that Jesus Christ deliberately avoided associating with the poor during His earthly ministry.
In a viral video making rounds on social media, Ibiyeomie told his congregation that Jesus never visited any poor person’s home, implying that Christ disapproved of poverty.
He further stated that Jesus’ mission was not only for salvation but also to deliver believers from financial struggles.
“Jesus never visited any poor person’s house, meaning He hated poverty. Look at your Bible—He visited Lazarus, who wasn’t poor, and Zacchaeus, a rich sinner. Show me one poor man Jesus visited—He hated poverty, that’s the meaning,” Ibiyeomie declared.
He added, “You may be poor now, but you’re not permitted to remain poor. There’s nothing wrong with coming to Christ poor, but it’s wrong to stay poor.”
His statements sparked widespread backlash, with several pastors accusing him of misrepresenting biblical teachings.
Among them was Pastor Abel Damina of Power City International Ministry, who labelled Ibiyeomie’s interpretation as misleading and reflective of a materialistic gospel.
“Jesus doesn’t hate the poor. The Bible says, ‘Though He was rich, for your sake He became poor, that through His poverty you might become rich’—and that richness is spiritual, not material,” Damina said.
He also reminded listeners of Christ’s humble beginnings.
“Jesus was born into a poor family—Joseph the carpenter and Mary. If He hated the poor, He wouldn’t have come through a lowly family. He would have been born in a billionaire’s mansion.”
Backing Damina’s position, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos State, also condemned Ibiyeomie’s sermon, calling it “misleading” and inconsistent with true Christian doctrine.
“He shouldn’t mislead people. Jesus loved the poor—that was a core part of His mission on earth,” Adegbite said during a phone interview.
He urged Christians to be discerning and not be swayed by what he called “fake pastors” who equate wealth with spiritual standing.
“By their fruits, we shall know them. Amassing billions doesn’t define Christianity. The real message of Jesus is salvation, not financial prosperity,” he concluded.
