“Nobody prospers by giving” — Pastor Abel Damina sparks debate on church teachings
Controversial Nigerian cleric, Abel Damina, has ignited widespread reactions after challenging popular Christian teachings on giving and prosperity.
The founder of Power City International made the remarks during a recent sermon, where he questioned the long-held belief that financial giving guarantees wealth.
His statement, which surfaced online on Tuesday, has since stirred intense debate among Christians, religious leaders, and social media users across the country.
Questions on prosperity doctrine
Damina argued that there is no biblical basis for claims that giving ensures financial prosperity, describing such teachings as misleading. According to him, the act of giving often results in personal loss rather than immediate gain.
“There is no scripture in the Bible that says givers never lack or when you give to God you’ll be a rich person. Nobody prospers by giving. When you give, you lack. Nobody. ‘Givers never lack’—that is fraud,” he said.
Reactions and past controversies
He further explained that giving creates a vacuum that may not always be replenished, urging believers to rethink their understanding of financial sacrifice in faith.
“When you give, it leaves you with a vacuum and sometimes you never recover it,” he added.
Damina has previously criticised prosperity preaching in Nigeria, a stance that has often placed him at odds with other prominent pastors who emphasise seed sowing and financial blessings.
His latest comments have once again reignited discussions about the interpretation of biblical teachings on wealth and generosity.