A Nigerian man has shared a deeply emotional account on social media, explaining his family's painful departure from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) after more than two decades of membership.
A Lifelong Devotion to the Church
In a viral TikTok video posted by content creator @Lucky Udu, the man recounted that his family joined the RCCG when he was just nine years old. His parents were not ordinary congregants but active and committed workers who dedicated their time, energy, and finances to the growth of their local parish.
He described how the church started small and unplastered, eventually expanding over the years with amenities like air conditioning. Throughout this growth, his parents remained steadfast. His father served as a head usher, while his mother was active in the women's fellowship. Their motivation, according to their son, was a genuine belief in Christian gospel and humanitarian principles, not material gain.
The Turning Point: A Request for Prayer
The family's situation took a difficult turn when they faced mounting hardships and the man's mother fell seriously ill. The illness placed a significant emotional and financial strain on the household. Remembering the church as their spiritual family, they reached out to their parish pastor for support and prayers during this critical time.
The response they received was devastating. The man claimed that the pastor requested money for fuel before he would agree to drive to where the sick woman was to pray for her. This demand, coming after over 22 years of his parents' devoted service, left the man heartbroken and disillusioned.
In his own words from the video: "We called the pastor... saying this is what my mum wants. She wants you to come and pray for her. He said we have to fuel his car before he will drive down... This is sad because the church has been brainwashing my parents and syphoning money from them. The church should not be about collecting money from them but should care for their welfare."
Nigerians React with Mixed Feelings
The video, shared on January 1, 2026, sparked a wave of mixed reactions in the comments section. Many Nigerians shared their own experiences, with several praising other denominations for their conduct during times of crisis.
User @Raycouture commented: "Catholic Church turned up for my mother till her last breath kudos to all parishioners of st Anthony Catholic Church omu Aran." Another user, @Mc macfido, reacted: "Come to catholic rev father will never ask you to fuel him before he came to pray for you."
Others offered more spiritual perspectives. @KINGDOM OF GOD noted: "Them no dey vex for church oooo Jesus need him oooo," suggesting the man should still seek a relationship with God despite the institutional disappointment.
The man's story highlights a recurring debate about the role of money in modern Nigerian Pentecostalism and the expectations of pastoral care during members' most vulnerable moments. His painful experience, marked by a perceived lack of compassion, led to his ultimate decision to sever ties with the church he grew up in.
