The founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has stirred up heated discussions with his unconventional teaching that Jesus actually avoided poor people and disapproved of poverty during His time on earth.

In his sermon, the pastor contended that Jesus' ministry had a dual focus - both spiritual salvation and material prosperity. He presented poverty as fundamentally inconsistent with authentic Christian doctrine.

“Jesus never visited any poor person in his house; check your Bible,” the Portharcourt based clergyman said.

“That means he hates poverty. He visited Lazarus, they were not poor, they were giving him food. He visited a sinner, Zacchaeus, who was rich. Tell me one poor man Jesus entered his house.”

The clergyman doubled down on his prosperity message, asserting that poverty constitutes a temporary circumstance rather than an acceptable permanent state for followers of Christ.

“He hates people who are poor. He died for you not to be poor. You can come poor but you’re not permitted to remain poor. There’s nothing wrong with you coming to Christ as a poor man, but it’s wrong for you to remain poor,” Ibiyeomie added.

Mixed Reactions to Pastor's Prosperity Message

Pastor Ibiyeomie's controversial teaching has sparked polarized responses online. While some supporters praise his focus on economic upliftment, critics argue this distorts Christ's emphasis on humility and care for the marginalized. The sermon reflects the contentious "prosperity gospel" doctrine prevalent in certain charismatic movements, which equates material blessings with spiritual favor. 

This perspective has long divided Christian thinkers, with opponents warning it risks conflating faith with financial success.

The ongoing debate has revived fundamental questions about:

• The biblical relationship between wealth and righteousness
• The Church's responsibility toward economic justice