Church or Business? The Debate Nigerians Can’t Stop Having
Few topics spark as much debate in Nigeria as the finances of churches. Across social media, public forums, and private conversations, Nigerians continue to ask a recurring question: Is the church still a place of worship, or has it become a business?
The debate is not new, but economic hardship, social media exposure, and the rise of mega churches have intensified public scrutiny. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Why the Conversation Persists
Nigeria is one of the most religious countries in the world, with millions attending church services weekly. Churches provide spiritual guidance, community support, charity, and hope for many people. However, growing visibility of church wealth has fueled questions about transparency and accountability.
Luxury buildings, private jets, expensive conferences, and large fundraising drives have become flashpoints in the debate, especially at a time when many Nigerians are struggling financially.
The Church as a Spiritual Institution
Supporters argue that churches are primarily spiritual institutions with a divine mandate. They point out that churches:
Offer counseling and emotional support
Run schools, hospitals, and charity programs
Provide relief during crises
Serve as community anchors
According to this view, financial contributions such as tithes and offerings are voluntary acts of faith, not transactions. Many church leaders also emphasize that wealth does not negate spirituality.
The Business Perception
Critics, however, believe that some churches operate with business-like structures. They cite:
Aggressive fundraising methods
Emphasis on prosperity messages
Lack of financial transparency
Celebrity-style lifestyles of some pastors
For these critics, the concern is not religion itself but what they describe as commercialization of faith.
Transparency and Accountability Concerns
One of the biggest issues driving the debate is transparency. Unlike publicly listed companies or NGOs, most churches are not required to publish audited financial reports.
This has led to calls for clearer accountability mechanisms, especially for churches handling large sums of money from congregants.
Some religious leaders have responded by publishing financial summaries or establishing independent boards, while others insist that churches answer only to God and their members.
Social Media and Public Scrutiny
The rise of social media has amplified the conversation. Videos of church fundraising sessions, luxury lifestyles, and controversial sermons now spread rapidly online, often without context.
While social media has helped expose misconduct in some cases, it has also fueled misinformation and generalized criticism of churches as a whole.
What Many Nigerians Actually Want
Despite the noise, many Nigerians do not seek the downfall of the church. Instead, public sentiment often centers on:
Responsible leadership
Honest use of church funds
Compassionate teachings
Less pressure on financially struggling members
The debate reflects a desire for balance — preserving faith while ensuring integrity.
A Conversation That Won’t End Soon
As long as churches remain influential in Nigerian society, questions about money, power, and accountability will continue.
Whether seen as a sacred institution or a structured organization, the Nigerian church occupies a unique space — one that blends spirituality, culture, leadership, and economics.
The ongoing debate is less about choosing sides and more about defining what faith should look like in a changing society.