Tithe: Pastor Adeboye Apologises for Referring to 10% as “For Beginners”

Pastor E.A. Adeboye has apologised after sparking controversy by calling the traditional 10% tithe “for beginners.” Explore his clarification and the reactions from religious communities.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has stated that giving 10 percent as a tithe is for beginners.

While addressing a youth congregation Thursday night at the ongoing Youth Convention of the RCCG at Redemption City, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, Adeboye mentioned that he has moved beyond giving 10 percent as tithe. He stated to them, “It would be wrong for me to tell you that you should only be paying 10 percent.”

He apologized for stating that Christians who don’t pay tithe might not reach heaven but emphasized that those aspiring to be “at the top” and “manage finances” must aim to contribute far beyond 10 percent.

He stressed that, according to the Bible, leading a peaceful and holy life is essential for reaching heaven.

“I sincerely apologize for my previous statement, ‘If you don’t pay tithe, you might not make it to heaven.’ I realize now that this was incorrect and not supported by the Bible. The scripture actually emphasizes ‘Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God,’” he clarified.

Adeboye explained, “It’s possible to be both right and wrong simultaneously. Let me prove it to you. As a scientist, I know that for years we believed light travels in straight lines…”

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Eventually, we uncovered that light travels in waves. It seems inappropriate to restrict you to 10 percent when others mention figures like 20, 30, or even 40 percent; I think the 10 percent threshold should be for novices. I’m confident that God will soon provide me an opportunity to share more details with you.

Adeboye recounted the story of a man who committed to donating N3.5 million, matching the total contributions made by all attendees at a fundraising event during a conference held by the late American preacher Kenneth Hagin.

He shared that he had been inspired to contribute more than 10 percent as a tithe, after hearing from someone who revealed their story: “Five years ago, I launched a company with just $500. I declared God my senior partner and promised, ‘Prosper this business and I’ll give you 90 percent rather than the usual 10.’ Now, five years on, my turnover stands at $50 million.”

“Since that day, I have been steadily increasing my own contribution. Although I’m not at 90 percent yet, I’m far beyond the 10 percent mark. It’s inappropriate for me to suggest that you should only contribute 10 percent,” Adeboye stated.