PORT HARCOURT – Salvation Ministries founder Pastor David Ibiyeomie has stirred significant controversy following his recent sermon that advised congregants to financially assist the poor while maintaining social distance from them.

The Controversial Remarks

During a Sunday service at his Port Harcourt megachurch, the prominent preacher stated:

"Give to the poor, yes! But never make them your friends. Poverty is a spirit – if you get too close, it will rub off on you."

Key points from the sermon included:

Financial assistance to the less fortunate is biblically mandated

Close social association with the poor is spiritually risky

Poverty was characterized as "contagious"

Wealth preservation requires careful relationship choices

Public Reaction

The comments have generated widespread criticism:

Social media backlash (with #ClassistPastor trending on Twitter)

Fellow clergy members condemning the message as "un-Christian"

Human rights organizations labeling it "elitist discrimination"

Bishop Emmah Isong of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria responded:

 "Jesus dined with sinners and the poor. This teaching contradicts the Gospel's core message of love and inclusion."

Supporters' Perspective

Some defenders have argued:

The message was about exercising wisdom in stewardship

The comments may have been taken out of context

The intent was to protect people from potentially harmful relationships

Broader Implications

This controversy highlights several important issues:

Increasing examination of prosperity gospel teachings

Class divisions within Nigerian Christianity

The complex relationship between charity and social boundaries