The Nigerian Church: The Most Profitable Business  
The Nigerian Church: The Most Profitable Business  

In Africa!  
In Africa!  

I’ve always wondered what the most  profitable business in Africa is.  
I’ve always wondered what the most  profitable business in Africa is.  

I know your answer might be say, oil: or mining:  
I know your answer might be say, oil: or mining:  

or politics. Yes, politics! (Of course, our  
or politics. Yes, politics! (Of course, our  

politicians are big businessmen with  a sprinkle of government power).  
politicians are big businessmen with  a sprinkle of government power).  

However right you may think you  are that isn’t the case.  
However right you may think you  are that isn’t the case.  

You see, oil requires capital for land and  machinery and so does mining not to mention taxes.  
You see, oil requires capital for land and  machinery and so does mining not to mention taxes.  

However, there is a business that is relatively  easier to start and runs on basically free labor  
However, there is a business that is relatively  easier to start and runs on basically free labor  

or should I say “volunteers” and  isn’t taxed a single dime.  
or should I say “volunteers” and  isn’t taxed a single dime.  

This is non-other than a religious  institution specifically:  
This is non-other than a religious  institution specifically:  

a church. But how does it all work? How do they make money?  
a church. But how does it all work? How do they make money?  

Well to answer that question we have to  take it from the horse’s mouth itself.  
Well to answer that question we have to  take it from the horse’s mouth itself.  

If you posed a question like, Why does the excessive luxury of a few exist  
If you posed a question like, Why does the excessive luxury of a few exist  

alongside the poverty of millions  in a continent rich in resources?  
alongside the poverty of millions  in a continent rich in resources?  

Pastor Chris  
Pastor Chris  

Oyikhalome, the head of Christ Embassy, a Mega  Church in Nigeria may respond by saying that  
Oyikhalome, the head of Christ Embassy, a Mega  Church in Nigeria may respond by saying that  

poverty is a disease that affects individuals who  lack faith. Poverty is a demonic force that can  
poverty is a disease that affects individuals who  lack faith. Poverty is a demonic force that can  

only be wrestled into submission via spiritual  battle. That alone is the premise for the most  
only be wrestled into submission via spiritual  battle. That alone is the premise for the most  

profitable business strategy on the continent. Pastor Chris Oyakihlomey, the head of Christ  
profitable business strategy on the continent. Pastor Chris Oyakihlomey, the head of Christ  

Embassy, a Mega Church in Nigeria may  respond by saying that poverty is a  
Embassy, a Mega Church in Nigeria may  respond by saying that poverty is a  

disease that affects individuals who  lack faith. Poverty is a demonic force  
disease that affects individuals who  lack faith. Poverty is a demonic force  

that can only be wrestled into  submission via spiritual battle.  
that can only be wrestled into  submission via spiritual battle.  

That alone is the premise for the most profitable  business strategy on the continent.  
That alone is the premise for the most profitable  business strategy on the continent.  

Now, we’ve established the premise  of the business strategy but how do  
Now, we’ve established the premise  of the business strategy but how do  

they go about validating their point? I mean anyone can say anything and people  
they go about validating their point? I mean anyone can say anything and people  

won’t care. But what if it came from the  Bible? or at least implied from the bible?  
won’t care. But what if it came from the  Bible? or at least implied from the bible?  

they would require something that motivates people  enough to give everything they have and more just  
they would require something that motivates people  enough to give everything they have and more just  

so they can be wealthy, because of the premise of  the business strategy as earlier mentioned. No one  
so they can be wealthy, because of the premise of  the business strategy as earlier mentioned. No one  

wants to be poor, but if they had faith and gave  their tithe, success is at their doorstep.  
wants to be poor, but if they had faith and gave  their tithe, success is at their doorstep.  

This sort of dogma is what’s  known as the prosperity gospel!  
This sort of dogma is what’s  known as the prosperity gospel!  

The prosperity gospel provides strength  to those who are powerless and adrift  
The prosperity gospel provides strength  to those who are powerless and adrift  

in the midst of a socio-economic crisis.  But it's a hollow call in the end because it  
in the midst of a socio-economic crisis.  But it's a hollow call in the end because it  

obscures the underlying nature of poverty and  hence pulls nations away from addressing it.  
obscures the underlying nature of poverty and  hence pulls nations away from addressing it.  

Instead of opposing politicians' ineffective  or self-serving economic policies, prosperity  
Instead of opposing politicians' ineffective  or self-serving economic policies, prosperity  

preachers condemn their congregations for lacking  the faith to rid themselves of poverty.  
preachers condemn their congregations for lacking  the faith to rid themselves of poverty.  

Rather than criticizing multi-national  corporations' monopolies over resources,  
Rather than criticizing multi-national  corporations' monopolies over resources,  

sermons encourage people to seek individual  financial uplift through offerings, despite  
sermons encourage people to seek individual  financial uplift through offerings, despite  

the fact that the greatest victories against  poverty have been achieved through collective  
the fact that the greatest victories against  poverty have been achieved through collective  

political action and economic restructuring. The prosperity gospel raises the notion that  
political action and economic restructuring. The prosperity gospel raises the notion that  

people with limitless willpower can rise from  poverty: the religious equivalent of telling  
people with limitless willpower can rise from  poverty: the religious equivalent of telling  

the impoverished to pull themselves up by their  bootstraps. At most, it's a tranquil diversion  
the impoverished to pull themselves up by their  bootstraps. At most, it's a tranquil diversion  

from reality, lulling followers to sleep while  we're still dominated by elites that value profits  
from reality, lulling followers to sleep while  we're still dominated by elites that value profits  

and power over people. Today, the prosperity  gospel is one of Nigeria’s largest exports, with  
and power over people. Today, the prosperity  gospel is one of Nigeria’s largest exports, with  

some megachurches boasting over 25 million members  and a footing in practically every continent.  
some megachurches boasting over 25 million members  and a footing in practically every continent.  

Bishop Oyedaypo's Living Faith Church is one of  the most well-known in Nigeria. "If you are not  
Bishop Oyedaypo's Living Faith Church is one of  the most well-known in Nigeria. "If you are not  

a tither, you end up a beggar," Bishop Oyedepo has  said, referring to the church's stance on tithing.  
a tither, you end up a beggar," Bishop Oyedepo has  said, referring to the church's stance on tithing.  

The main church, Tabernacle of Faith, nearly  fills its 50,000-seat capacity every week. We can  
The main church, Tabernacle of Faith, nearly  fills its 50,000-seat capacity every week. We can  

reasonably infer that half of the congregation  tithes at least 10% of their monthly income  
reasonably infer that half of the congregation  tithes at least 10% of their monthly income  

because tithing is a basic belief of the church.  Because many megachurches have a large and wealthy  
because tithing is a basic belief of the church.  Because many megachurches have a large and wealthy  

internet following, and at least 900 million naira  in at minimum in tithes each year, assuming each  
internet following, and at least 900 million naira  in at minimum in tithes each year, assuming each  

paid the federal minimum wage of 30,000 naira that  would equate to a weekly collection of 75 million  
paid the federal minimum wage of 30,000 naira that  would equate to a weekly collection of 75 million  

naira from the auditorium crowd. And in reality,  the church would make even more money because it  
naira from the auditorium crowd. And in reality,  the church would make even more money because it  

receives donations from wealthy people and still  receives giving from its satellite churches.  
receives donations from wealthy people and still  receives giving from its satellite churches.  

Given Nigeria's high poverty levels, the  significant riches of prosperity preachers many of  
Given Nigeria's high poverty levels, the  significant riches of prosperity preachers many of  

whose members are far less well-off has long been  a source of contention. Those who believe that the  
whose members are far less well-off has long been  a source of contention. Those who believe that the  

prosperity gospel is exploitative are frustrated  by its seemingly ever-increasing appeal.  
prosperity gospel is exploitative are frustrated  by its seemingly ever-increasing appeal.  

The number of Christians in Nigeria is  expected to more than triple by 2050.  
The number of Christians in Nigeria is  expected to more than triple by 2050.  

Pentecostals will account for nearly half of  all Christians. Despite the fact that there  
Pentecostals will account for nearly half of  all Christians. Despite the fact that there  

are millions of followers of prosperity theology  in Nigeria who do their best to put the doctrine  
are millions of followers of prosperity theology  in Nigeria who do their best to put the doctrine  

into practice by displaying confidence in their  church by giving financially and materially,  
into practice by displaying confidence in their  church by giving financially and materially,  

poverty is still on the rise. Studies have  revealed that poor people are more inclined  
poverty is still on the rise. Studies have  revealed that poor people are more inclined  

to the prosperity gospel, indicating a  direct link between the prosperity gospel  
to the prosperity gospel, indicating a  direct link between the prosperity gospel  

and poverty. According to Nigerian academics,  the rapid growth of prosperous instructors is due  
and poverty. According to Nigerian academics,  the rapid growth of prosperous instructors is due  

to the country's growing poverty and illiteracy.  Over 90 million people live in poverty in Nigeria,  
to the country's growing poverty and illiteracy.  Over 90 million people live in poverty in Nigeria,  

which has a population of 200 million people.  Around 75 million adults are illiterate. With this  
which has a population of 200 million people.  Around 75 million adults are illiterate. With this  

backdrop, it's simple to see how the prosperity  gospel has flourished, offering individuals in  
backdrop, it's simple to see how the prosperity  gospel has flourished, offering individuals in  

difficult situations a way to control their  seemingly uncontrollable circumstances.  
difficult situations a way to control their  seemingly uncontrollable circumstances.  

It promises health and fortune to those who follow  its rules. This message of hope can be quite  
It promises health and fortune to those who follow  its rules. This message of hope can be quite  

strong and soothing for those who are poor. Many renowned Nigerian pastors are embracing  
strong and soothing for those who are poor. Many renowned Nigerian pastors are embracing  

the internet facilities in the growth and  dissemination of their ministries in the  
the internet facilities in the growth and  dissemination of their ministries in the  

ever-changing world of Information  Technology, where nearly everything  
ever-changing world of Information  Technology, where nearly everything  

is available at the touch of a button. Because most churches are generating internet  
is available at the touch of a button. Because most churches are generating internet  

offshoots, the internet is becoming the  best platform to conduct church events.  
offshoots, the internet is becoming the  best platform to conduct church events.  

Churches used to have to pay large sums  of money to obtain air time on radio or TV  
Churches used to have to pay large sums  of money to obtain air time on radio or TV  

or on Christian cable channels to broadcast their  church activities. All of that has changed now.  
or on Christian cable channels to broadcast their  church activities. All of that has changed now.  

Churches can now broadcast live internet services  to a global audience by investing in good websites  
Churches can now broadcast live internet services  to a global audience by investing in good websites  

with up-to-date features. Apart from assisting in the growth of these  
with up-to-date features. Apart from assisting in the growth of these  

churches, this new invention has also aided  in greatly increasing their financial base,  
churches, this new invention has also aided  in greatly increasing their financial base,  

as worshippers or viewers may pay their  offerings, tithes, and other fees online,  
as worshippers or viewers may pay their  offerings, tithes, and other fees online,  

making the churches conveniently accessible  to everyone wherever in the world.  
making the churches conveniently accessible  to everyone wherever in the world.  

People can access material via live streaming and  on-demand video streaming from wherever they are  
People can access material via live streaming and  on-demand video streaming from wherever they are  

and in any format they like. Daystar Christian  Centre, led by Pastor Sam Adeyemi; Winner Chapel,  
and in any format they like. Daystar Christian  Centre, led by Pastor Sam Adeyemi; Winner Chapel,  

led by Bishop David Oyedaypo; Christ  Embassy, led by Pastor Chris Oyakihlomey;  
led by Bishop David Oyedaypo; Christ  Embassy, led by Pastor Chris Oyakihlomey;  

Mountain of Fire Ministries, led by Pastor D.K  Olukoya; House on the Rock, led by Pastor Paul  
Mountain of Fire Ministries, led by Pastor D.K  Olukoya; House on the Rock, led by Pastor Paul  

Adefa-rasin, and others have all had a strong  online presence in recent months.  
Adefa-rasin, and others have all had a strong  online presence in recent months.  

Pastor Chris and Bishop Oyedepo are the most  successful preachers on the list with a net worth  
Pastor Chris and Bishop Oyedepo are the most  successful preachers on the list with a net worth  

of 126 million dollars and 200 million dollars  respectively. Their multiple websites have become  
of 126 million dollars and 200 million dollars  respectively. Their multiple websites have become  

a community in and of itself, gaining worldwide  renown. Aside from live service broadcasting,  
a community in and of itself, gaining worldwide  renown. Aside from live service broadcasting,  

which is their primary internet service at  the moment, the websites are also utilized  
which is their primary internet service at  the moment, the websites are also utilized  

for other evangelism purposes. Prayers and  intercession, weekly or daily motivating talks,  
for other evangelism purposes. Prayers and  intercession, weekly or daily motivating talks,  

therapy, and access to key event details are just  a few examples. Offering and tithes have been made  
therapy, and access to key event details are just  a few examples. Offering and tithes have been made  

easier through online media, as viewers can pay  online without ever having to enter the church.  
easier through online media, as viewers can pay  online without ever having to enter the church.  

And cash has never flowed into mega-churches this  easily before. Gone are the days when your tithe  
And cash has never flowed into mega-churches this  easily before. Gone are the days when your tithe  

money was taken out of your pocket, now they can  convince people to even take loans and pay for  
money was taken out of your pocket, now they can  convince people to even take loans and pay for  

one church fund or the other. They’d say God  wants you to take it out of your bank account  
one church fund or the other. They’d say God  wants you to take it out of your bank account  

because he wants to fill it. In many aspects, the prosperity gospel  
because he wants to fill it. In many aspects, the prosperity gospel  

might be considered to have developed ideas  and practices that are deeply in tune with  
might be considered to have developed ideas  and practices that are deeply in tune with  

classic neoliberal ideology by linking the  pursuit of riches with individual efforts.  
classic neoliberal ideology by linking the  pursuit of riches with individual efforts.  

It may be a coincidence, but the spread of the  prosperity gospel in Nigeria coincided with the  
It may be a coincidence, but the spread of the  prosperity gospel in Nigeria coincided with the  

country's adoption of neoliberal policies  in the nineteen eighties. Nonetheless,  
country's adoption of neoliberal policies  in the nineteen eighties. Nonetheless,  

the union of faith and personal wealth has  significant private and social repercussions.  
the union of faith and personal wealth has  significant private and social repercussions.  

Who is to blame for your unemployment or poverty  if your success and well-being are a product  
Who is to blame for your unemployment or poverty  if your success and well-being are a product  

of your relationship with God? Without a  doubt, it is not the government.  
of your relationship with God? Without a  doubt, it is not the government.  

With this in mind, one can wonder if the  popularity of the prosperity gospel in Nigeria  
With this in mind, one can wonder if the  popularity of the prosperity gospel in Nigeria  

has made it easier for residents to accept  or justify the government's failures.  
has made it easier for residents to accept  or justify the government's failures.  

Because no earthly organization can hold back  God's will, the emphasis on personal piety and  
Because no earthly organization can hold back  God's will, the emphasis on personal piety and  

faith may lead people to imagine that they may  escape the dysfunction of their society.  
faith may lead people to imagine that they may  escape the dysfunction of their society.  

What would society be like if believers were no  longer able to rely on teachings of wealth as a  
What would society be like if believers were no  longer able to rely on teachings of wealth as a  

crutch? People might be more forceful in holding  leaders accountable. Sweden and Norway, for  
crutch? People might be more forceful in holding  leaders accountable. Sweden and Norway, for  

example, are frequently recognized for having some  of the best-performing governments in the world.  
example, are frequently recognized for having some  of the best-performing governments in the world.  

These countries also have among of the lowest  religious identification rates. Sweden,  
These countries also have among of the lowest  religious identification rates. Sweden,  

for example, has a poverty rate of less than  2% and a religious population of less than 20%.  
for example, has a poverty rate of less than  2% and a religious population of less than 20%.  

Nigeria, on the other hand, has a poverty  rate of about 50% and a religious population  
Nigeria, on the other hand, has a poverty  rate of about 50% and a religious population  

of nearly 97 percent. Other elements,  without a doubt, are at play.  
of nearly 97 percent. Other elements,  without a doubt, are at play.  

However, it's worth investigating whether  religious teachings like the prosperity gospel  
However, it's worth investigating whether  religious teachings like the prosperity gospel  

have, in some manner maybe unwittingly,  inhibited citizens' willingness to hold  
have, in some manner maybe unwittingly,  inhibited citizens' willingness to hold  

government officials more accountable. The clear winners, from a cynical perspective,  
government officials more accountable. The clear winners, from a cynical perspective,  

are the prosperity preachers who lead  congregations that earn millions of naira in  
are the prosperity preachers who lead  congregations that earn millions of naira in  

untaxed income. The terrible reality is that  the prosperity gospel's promise has yet to be  
untaxed income. The terrible reality is that  the prosperity gospel's promise has yet to be  

fulfilled for the vast majority of Christians.  Another winner could be the government,  
fulfilled for the vast majority of Christians.  Another winner could be the government,  

which has managed to avoid accountability by using  the prosperity gospel as a vehicle.  
which has managed to avoid accountability by using  the prosperity gospel as a vehicle.  

It's also worth noting that the prosperity  gospel brings fulfillment to many Nigerians.  
It's also worth noting that the prosperity  gospel brings fulfillment to many Nigerians.  

It delivers spiritual gratification as  well as a positive message of hopefulness  
It delivers spiritual gratification as  well as a positive message of hopefulness  

amid challenging conditions while remaining  focused on a relationship with God.  
amid challenging conditions while remaining  focused on a relationship with God.  

Prosperity gospel also has an aspirational  tone to it, which adds to its appeal.  
Prosperity gospel also has an aspirational  tone to it, which adds to its appeal.  

People from all walks of life attend these  churches, and for the less fortunate, seeing the  
People from all walks of life attend these  churches, and for the less fortunate, seeing the  

wealthier believers testify and attribute their  success to their belief in the prosperity gospel  
wealthier believers testify and attribute their  success to their belief in the prosperity gospel  

makes it a doctrine worth following. For individuals who work for megachurches pastors,  
makes it a doctrine worth following. For individuals who work for megachurches pastors,  

drivers, teachers, technicians, musicians, and so  on this institution has become a vital source of  
drivers, teachers, technicians, musicians, and so  on this institution has become a vital source of  

income. The appeal of prosperity gospels is  unlikely to decrease anytime soon. It may be time  
income. The appeal of prosperity gospels is  unlikely to decrease anytime soon. It may be time  

for Nigeria to follow Rwanda's lead and explore  regulating these churches, which would presumably  
for Nigeria to follow Rwanda's lead and explore  regulating these churches, which would presumably  

provide more security to the followers, who appear  to be the financial losers at the moment.  
provide more security to the followers, who appear  to be the financial losers at the moment.  

It is not our intention to discourage  anyone from going to church.  
It is not our intention to discourage  anyone from going to church.  

However, we feel entitled to let you  know that there’s no point financing  
However, we feel entitled to let you  know that there’s no point financing  

your preacher’s next private jet when you  take a cab to church every Sunday.  
your preacher’s next private jet when you  take a cab to church every Sunday.  

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here on Think rich Africa. Thanks for  watching and see you in another one.
here on Think rich Africa. Thanks for  watching and see you in another one.