Few days ago, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye granted an interview to Qatar-based private broadcasting channel, Al Jazeera, sand it has stirred a heated debate on popular websites, blogs, and the social networks.
Adeboye is one of the increasing numbers of Pentecostal pastors in Nigeria that have acquired private jets. Many Nigerians have criticised these pastors arguing that they are being insensitive to the poverty among their members.
But Adeboye while fielding questions from Adow, said acquiring a private jet was a necessity for him.
“There are things you need, which you must have if you are to be efficient. If you have to oversee churches in 160 nations, you can’t do that on a bicycle,” Adeboye said.
However, Adeboye’s justification for his ownership of a private jet has divided Nigerians on various social networks as some shared his opinion while many opposed him.
A member of a popular online forum, nairaland.com, Onyianyi, argues that it was wrong for Adeboye to own a private jet when the majority of his members live below the poverty line and wallow in abject poverty.
He says,
“I’m not a member of any of these Pentecostal churches but Adeboye is one pastor I respect so much. This time around he got it wrong, there’s no reason for a man of God with millions of impoverished followers to be cruising in a private jet.
“After all, are they more committed in this ministry than Jesus Christ? Our Lord Jesus never used a private boat or a private camel during his time. Yet he could easily command one to his usage. Christ, though very rich, chose to live a poor life so that his message can easily get across to the poor.”
Apparently replying Adeboye on his explanation that he cannot oversee his churches in 160 countries of the world using a bicycle, a member of the forum, Olumide, says Adeboye could simply connect his subordinate pastors manning the churches overseas via video-conference.
“As if he (Adeboye) doesn’t have the money to video-chat with the pastors of the branches of the church! At least, that would save him money,” Olumide notes.
Commenting on nigerianeye.com, a reader, AY, says Pastor Adeboye’s defence was not good enough.
Another reader had this to say,
“I had expected a better defence rather than this ‘I need a plane to do a better job of supervising churches under my ministry’! What are the roles of Subordinate pastors? The Catholic Archdiocese of New York alone could buy many jets for the Pope but they spend most of their money on helping the poor, providing hospital care and welfare for the downtrodden.
“Our Pentecostal churches cannot even build hospitals and affordable schools to supplement the little we have.”
Rising in defence of Adeboye, a visitor to nigerianeye.com, says the pastor’s acquisition of a jet was necessary, given the erratic services provided by airlines in the Nigerian aviation industry. She notes that flight delays and cancellations were a setback to Christian ministry, adding that the work of a pastor was more tasking than that of a nation’s President.
What is all the noise about? That a minister of God acquired a jet for evangelism and other logistic issues and it is termed earthly? These are utterances from ignorant souls. So it is sinners that deserve jets and not God's servants? Please study the Bible and acquire knowledge.
Another reader,
“For a man to visit 160 countries in a year is never a joke. Why shouldn’t he have a jet if his church can provide it? You and I know how ‘sound’ our aviation industry is. For a minister of God who is billed to preach in a particular place with other programmes following to have a flight delay or outright cancellation without prior notification, is a loss that cannot be quantified.
“Holding of crusade is different from political gathering, which many of you understand better. The mandate given to these ministers is urgent, the time is short and it covers the entire world. This is more than that of the President. Leave them alone as they will give account of their stewardship to God.”
Reacting sharply to the critics of Adeboye, Genes Donald, also states on nairaland.com, that Pastors must not live in penury all in the name of propagating God’s word.
“I go with you sir (Adeboye). These people think we should ride bicycle, just to propagate God’s word? Who says pastors must be paupers? Some people just reason from the anus! Ride on Pastor,” Donald says.
On punchng.com, Macsam states,
“Having a jet is not bad for the RCCG, and it doesn’t mean that they are not doing charity work. For instance. I have benefited from RCCG scholarship.
“I didn’t know any pastor I just obtained the form and went for the interview. I went to my village for something; I just got a call that I was selected. They pay me N250,000 every session and they do it for so many students every year. So stop condemning RCCG for acquiring a jet, it is for efficiency.”
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our governors and presidents own more than one and people Dont talk. But those that use the jet for the work of GOD is Who They Are wagging their tongues at. Pls Lets talk about important things.
ReplyDeleteI think the Man of God needs the jet to accomplish God's work, so let us as Christians pray for him instead of criticizing him " Daddy Adeboye God almighty will continue to strengthen you as you carry out your divine duty in Jesus name Amen.
ReplyDeleteGovernors and God's minister aint de same. A man of God is not to be carried away by de riches of de world. Even wen de devil promised Jesus de riches of de world, he rejected it. If we must serve Jesus, we must follow his footsteps and forget de riches of de world else, we are not his followers. So Adebayo, stop defending ur jet as dia is no justification to it
ReplyDeleteIf thee jet is for missionary work, it should belong to Redeem church and not to Adebayo. The Pope uses one but it does not belong to him rather it is the property of the Roman catholic church which he stops using once he leaves office. Benedict XVI for example is no longer using the jet.
ReplyDeleteThe bible recorded that solomon was very rich,like d richest man in the world...imagine solomon were alive how many private jets he will own.don't forget the bible says eyes have not seen,ears have not heard neither has it entered the herats of men what God will do for a righteous man.I think a private jet for pastor Adeboye is the starting point
ReplyDeleteJesus Christ in His time went on donkeys and boats (as one of the critics rightly said) to preach the gospel because that was the "best" means of transportation at the time to do the work of the Father. If we are in the age where a teleporting machine is what is used for quick and effective means of transportation, then it'll be very appropriate for men of God genuinung doing the will of God to use it for God's work. People should grow up and stop being silly. Jesus is coming SOOOOON!!!!
ReplyDeleteMost of the people whining hardly donate to the poor not to talk of giving reasonable offering in church services. Well talk is cheap but be mindful. RCCG is not Adeboye's personal church, the church has its board of Trustees and if they have approved of him owning a jet then for ever remain silent. People are using our hard earned tax money to acquire castles and estates abroad, owning expensive yatch and jets yet you mumble and perhaps blinded to those ones.
ReplyDeleteA Private Jet? Do you know how many people the cost of that will feed? What is the haste in the work of a pastor that would warrant you to compare him to a President?? Are you joking?
ReplyDeleteNo one asks that pastors live in penury, but should never live such extravgant lifestyle.
Where did he get the money from? Isn't it offerings from the poor members of his church? God will ask man!!
Some of you will say he wrote books, he has a school etc! What part of that was an example copied from Jesus? Didn't Jesus destroy the things that where displayed for sale in the house of God (Temple)??? But these people sell books, engage in fund raising right in the church. Only the rich can afford their schools and the children from their schools are the worst (morally) in Nigeria.
A jet??? Cancelations affect commercial flights but priority is given to commercial flights than private jets so that woman making that flimsy excuse should take it back. Because its a private jet don't mean it isn't controlled by the same body controlling commercial flights.
Just for the records, the p.jet is not owned by daddy Adeboye but RCCG. We know that there is poverty everywhere and that even in RCCG there are members who live below the impoverished level but a jet for a church with such capacity like RCCG is not out of place. Most of us complaining of these things are those who do not really give much but want much in return, we only wear RCCG hand-bands, face cap, stickers and yet do contrary to the instructions of the mission as documented in God's word.
ReplyDeleteAll the same, those saying daddy Adeboye shouldn't have a p.jet have a point yet we the members are saying please let our daddy concentrate on God's work and be answerable to God. Na only one jet e be, no be jets and besides does he look like a man who needs jet to elevate his status???
Daddy GO, if u read this message please know that we love u and always pray for you. That the good Lord will uphold you to the very end. Your prayers for us have and are manifesting greatly in our live and marriage. For sometime now its been tough financially but as the Lord liveth whose word u preach in all sincerity, we will not stop to sow financially to support God's work in ur care. God bless u sir.
Dear Onyianyi, Olumide, AY and the others,
ReplyDeleteWith regards to your comments
I honestly think you guys should study to make thy selves approved before condeming a seperated of God.
According to the Nigeria eye Gov. Amaechi said they bought a private jet for President Goodluck & Sambo for election campaign purpose which does not last up to half a year and YOU NEVER CONDEMED IT becuase to you it was justified now you were bold enough to stretch fort you hands against God's seperated.
Point of Note: our lord Jesus Christ never lived a life of poverty hear on earth or haven't you read that his meetings were always at the upper room / paint house which is usually the most expensive in any hotel or place.
And that he rode on a tear rubber into jeruselem or pls. Tell me at your level now in life can you tell Obasanjo that you have need for his car? No because you are not of the same level which was the same in Jesus time just in case you want to say he did not buy it.
Or have you heard a poor man having a treasurer/ accountant ? But Jesus had Judas Iscariot as it is meant for only the rich
Yet Jesus said I became poor for you to be rich -- pls. Tell me if I now become poor what was the essense of his death?
If we are opportuned to experience the physical presence of Jesus right now do you think he will be riding on a boat to the ends of the earth to preach or on a private jet?
A man with wisdom knows that Jesus used parables of the sower etc because that was what they knew then and if it was now his reference for parables would have been on microsoft, manufacturing etc..
In all fairness do you know how much RCCG and even other churches spend on charity, paying widows etc ?
I pose this question to you - THE GOSPEL OF GOD IS FREE agreed - IS THE MEANS OF GETTING THIS GOSPEL TO THE WORLD FREE ? If you can sincerely answer this question boldly on this same forum then whatever you have said is justified.
If actually you believe that the word of God is yes and amen then you would agree with God's word in Isaih 61:6 even Isaiah 45:3 says And I will give thee the treasures of darkness and the hidden riches of secrete places, that you (critics) mayest know that LORD which calls Ministers by his name is the God of the whole earth.
May God give you understanding in Jesus Name.
Most of these comments against Pastor Adeboye are from people that cannot even managing their homes talkless a group of people.
ReplyDeleteBaba Adeboye has been a role model of leadership, and the acquisition of a private jet for ministry efficiency is not a luxury.
People that oppose the use of private jet by pastors who want to use it to propagate gospel are enemy of the gospel(anti-Christ in disguise) or they are talking out of ignorance.Ignorance kills,therefore seek knowledge.Being a pastor is not synonymous with poverty. Stop criticizing ignorantly.It is even an error for a servant to be riding on horses and the son walking bare footed.Be wise
ReplyDeleteSilver and gold belong to the people in Zion not the Babylonians...the era we are demands strategic position of churches to meet the expectations of God in this end time,especially when devil has declared war against the heavenly minded children of God.Evangelism is one of the weapon to to liberate the perishing souls.
ReplyDeletePoliticians who swallow billions of dollars per day,what do you say about that,yet they walk freely in our streets,the RCCG is taking good care of the less privileged among them..let us face the reality.
Pls has everyone forgoten so easily&fast how we lost Pastor Bimbo Odukoya!!!!!!!Pls anyone against the Man of God having a jet should pls Keep SHUT!!!& keep QUIET!!!
ReplyDeletewhat i noticed in this talk is, we are mixing spiritual and physical up, let us critically consider these underlisted1.
ReplyDelete1. spirituality - we human being most of the time prefer to see man of God before our faith can move mountain, hence, the need for him to be on ground for happenings/miracles, which we all pray for not only for our selves but for Nigeria as well.
2. we can not rule out decapitated state of airlines companies in Nigeria, anything can happen anytime, flight can be delayed, cancelled uninformed, considering pool of people waiting for the ministration, that is bad for business talkless of what concerns God.
3. talking about Jesus's time, there wasn't anything like car, jet either private or commercial, they only had Carmel then which was the best means of transportation and Jesus rode on it.
Altogether, i will like us to be considerate with our comment, should you have an idea of how protocol works you should understand this more especially when it has to do with what is Gods' we can not over emphasize how much we need more of these men of God in our mist.
Yomi Babalola
lol lolololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololol .... thats all i have to say.
ReplyDelete@legacy, SOlomon was a king and not a pastor or levite. get that.
ReplyDeleteThe Bible say"Touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm"it is better to leave men & women of God Almighty alone for Him.He did not make anybody Judge over them.leave them alone.Remember the Biblical story of Aaron and Miriam(Prophet Moses Siblings)who told against,how God Almighty plaqued Miriam with leprosy and judge Aron.Becareful.L.A.O
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous that wrote replied Onyianyi, Olumide and AY, You are one of those that are easily fooled. How could you give those instances about Jesus? He had a treasurer/accountant,he rode on a tear rubber donkey. All those are balderdash. Do you remember where he said " Even the birds of the air have nest, but the Son of Man have no house " What does that say to you? I wonder why people will lie and twist the bible so as to suit their desires, it is really bad. Jesus had every opportunity to be rich but he never did, why? 'cos He doesn't want to be derailed on his mission ( To minister and give His soul in exchange for many . He had His meetings in upstairs? Does that have any significance? If yes, what about the one he had down stairs, at the sea, the well, the field? Are these ones of lower reward than the upstairs. STOP TWISTING THE SCRIPTURES!
ReplyDeleteI'm suprise d way some people reason. Most of those who criticise unconstuctively are those who cannot give a helping hand 2 their neighbour. Put yourself in their shoes what would u have done?. No matter hw u help every member of ur church there will still b poor pple so what are u people saying. To me I don't see anything in buying a jet.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous @ 9:20am; you sound so matured and of a very sound mind, you have succeeded in acknowledging the truth and at the same time placed it in its right perspective its not difficult to pick a seasoned mind you do not criticise to put down. My name is Chijioke a member of RCCG and I would like to keep correspondence with you my email: zerubb2001@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHis reason is solid. if you have a job that demands you travel very often and you have a full schedule, believe me you will buy a jet if you can afford it.
ReplyDeleteI have to travel and I know how much I rush to catch up with schedules. I would rather have someone drive me while I rest and prepare for the next meeting rather than go to the motor park and wait for the taxi or bus to be filled up because I want to save money for the poor.
Going to the airport to wait for flights for @ least two hours and spend extra time waiting for luggage is not value adding when every minute counts. Trust me anyone in his shoes who can afford a private jet would opt for it.
Just yesterday I drove like mad so I could spend 2 hours with my family before setting off for the next journey. If I didn't drive like that I would have gone on the next journey without seeing my kids. That would have been very painful. Imagine if I had to wait at the park or airport for the taxi or flight.
If you need it and you can afford it get it!
“There are things you need, which you must have if you are to be efficient. If you have to oversee churches in 160 nations, you can’t do that on a bicycle,” Daddy Adeboye said.
ReplyDeletePrayer Point: The things i need to be more efficient and productive, give to me Lord.
(I wonder wat the complaints are all about: Daddy G.O bought a jet, and so wat. I read comments of people on Nigerian Eye and i shook my head in pity with the way some people reason. Some people are just ANIMALS. No common sense at all. Some people think as though they're in the 15th Century).
It sucks!
Please is there any big deal owning a Private jet and the said Man of God has slwsys had this jet. Why is it now thst satan stirs up some of his kids to begin their usual work - criticism. Anyone that thinks a private jet is a big deal will still to buy one. And that is first-class poverty mentality
ReplyDeleteThis man of God has been a role model to me. And I know he is one of the genuine men of God left in this nation. Before you criticize him, its better you get to know him better. He is not one of those that acquire unnecessary luxury. He gets expensive gifts and surprisingly uses it to bless the lives of the needy. So I'm sure there is a good reason for the private jet.
ReplyDeleteI'm seriously beginning to doubt nigerian eye's objectivity in matters concerning religion. They are always so biased.
ReplyDeleteHow do I unsubscribe from this damned thing?
First and foremost, CONGRATULATIONS Daddy G.O. and May God continue to bless/Ease your life more and more.
ReplyDeleteSecondingly, how many of us that have commented or yet to comment have car(s) even when we still have THE POOR much around us, even as our neighbors and family members; when we could make do with commercial buses, taxis or even charter Keke? Yet we opted for that convenience of private car when we've not solved all the problems of THE POOR. I wouldn't know the reasons we may advance here- maybe, that the private cars help us to meet up work/appointments on time. But, objectively, there are still less privileged colleagues of yours that don't have cars, but come to work or keep to appointments better than you do with your car. So, what point am I making? Who God has Blessed, He's blessed and cannot be cursed by any man. These Men of God like Daddy G.o & Papa Oyedepo have been huge blessings to their generations and people like us. We are the blessed of the Lord! We are not trying to "show" it...but obviously, we cannot "hide” it. While the critics are permitted to keep solving all the problems of THE POOR, watch it, we as individuals will soon join the leagues of private jet owners through divine secrets that God is revealing to us.
First and foremost, CONGRATULATIONS Daddy G.O. and May God continue to bless/Ease your life more and more.
ReplyDeleteSecondingly, how many of us that have commented or yet to comment have car(s) even when we still have THE POOR much around us, even as our neighbors and family members; when we could make do with commercial buses, taxis or even charter Keke? Yet we opted for that convenience of private car when we've not solved all the problems of THE POOR. I wouldn't know the reasons we may advance here- maybe, that the private cars help us to meet up work/appointments on time. But, objectively, there are still less privileged colleagues of yours that don't have cars, but come to work or keep to appointments better than you do with your car. So, what point am I making? Who God has Blessed, He's blessed and cannot be cursed by any man. These Men of God like Daddy G.o & Papa Oyedepo have been huge blessings to their generations and people like us. We are the blessed of the Lord! We are not trying to "show" it...but obviously, we cannot "hide” it. While the critics are permitted to keep solving all the problems of THE POOR, watch it, we as individuals will soon join the leagues of private jet owners through divine secrets that God is revealing to us.
Those of us opposing Daddy Adeboye should better repent and ask God to forgive and grant you divine uplift so that will acquire urs too. Appreciate him and glorify God in his life.
ReplyDeleteHe deserves more than a private jet. His name alone is an embodiment of wealth.
how come we have somuch ignorant pple here? jst imagine what poverty is doing 2 people. what is the riches of God compare 2 a private jet? if papa adeboye wil have 15more jets, he's highly welcome. guys pls shot-up & stp making a hell of noise kk?
ReplyDeleteIf you care to hear this, Pastor Adeboye NEVER taxed any of his members or Parishes to enable him buy the jet. So why not leave him alone? When baba was sowing for the work of God to succeed, did any one report it in the press? The jet was bought to enable him move around the world to do God's work. What problem do you have with that?
ReplyDeleteActually for any Man of God, it takes also someone of the Spirit to ask the right and crucial questions.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone notice that NONE HAS EVER DECLARED THAT THEY WERE PERMITTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT TO PROCEED WITH THE ACQUISITIONS WHETHER BY FREE-WILL DONATIONS OR THROUGH CHURCH FUNDS!!!!!
Alas, the effect of the jet travels is already telling on them personally. Most of them cannot really minister effectively as before even though they hide behind the excuse of old age. If only they had actually taken time to seek counsel from the Holy Spirit before embarking on the open declarations on their need for the jet which of course those eager to sow without also asking their God will quickly pump their resources into buffeting the flesh of the Man of God.
Also no one asked them how the Lord Jesus Christ actually tackled this challenge of being able to reach many at the same time. All the Lord Jesus Christ simply did was appoint faithful 70s and commissioned them and they went about doing what the Lord Jesus Christ wanted achieved.
Great lesson here is that for you to avoid undue controversies, distractions and contradictions, you need the testimony about the approval of the one who called you to work for Him regarding every challenge you face in the course of doing the work.
What the Holy Spirit wants them to do is follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ by praying for Faithful Men who they will then commission and transfer anointing/gifts into to assist them in going about and doing the work. This to me would have been much more effective and fulfilling than their current approach.
Alas, there is a way the seems right to a man, the end of it is so much hassles and controversies.
May the Holy Spirit continue to help us learn to work better and more effectively under His leadership. Amen.