Prophet Joshua Iginla Defends Controversial Statement on Pastoral Wealth and Leadership
Prophet Joshua Iginla, the Lead Pastor of Champions Faith Assembly, has publicly defended the controversial "I can never follow a poor pastor" statement that has ignited widespread debate across Nigeria's religious and social media circles. The original comment was made by Pastor Korede Komaiya of The Master's Place Int'l Church during a programme at COZA in Abuja, drawing mixed reactions and sparking intense discussions about wealth, leadership, and prosperity within the church.
Personal Choice and Perspective in Following Pastors
In a video message titled "The Poor Versus the Rich," delivered during a church service, Prophet Iginla emphasized that life is defined by personal choice and perspective. He argued that Pastor Komaiya's statement had been misunderstood by many Nigerians and merely reflected a personal opinion shaped by life experiences. Iginla stressed that individuals should be free to choose which pastor to follow, regardless of wealth or poverty.
"What is wrong with the statement? It is his personal opinion. If you want to follow a poor pastor, follow one. If you want to follow a rich pastor, follow one," Iginla stated, challenging the notion that such views should be universally condemned. He noted that the statement might not have been acceptable years ago, but changing realities and increased exposure could influence how people view leadership and prosperity in contemporary society.
Biblical Backing and Critique of Church Attitudes
Prophet Iginla backed his stance with Proverbs 19:4, arguing that wealth naturally attracts people, while poverty often repels them. He pointed out that the scripture itself acknowledges this reality, questioning why poverty is often spiritualized while prosperity is viewed with suspicion in many church circles. Iginla argued that prosperity should not be confused with spirituality, urging a more balanced approach.
"If I say today the topic of our message is poverty, will you sit down?" he asked rhetorically. "Do you teach people how to be poor? You can be poor and make heaven like Lazarus. You can be rich and make heaven like Abraham, David, or Solomon." This statement highlights his belief that both poverty and wealth are personal choices that do not inherently affect one's spiritual standing.
Call for Practical Wealth Creation and Criticism of Materialism
Prophet Iginla urged pastors to teach practical wealth creation alongside spiritual growth, warning against what he described as "terrorising" others for embracing prosperity. He emphasized that the church should not shy away from discussing financial success, as it is a legitimate aspect of human life that can coexist with faith.
However, this view has not gone unchallenged. Pastor Abel Damina criticized Pastor Komaiya after a video surfaced online, accusing him of promoting greed, materialism, and using money collected from poor followers to fund his lifestyle. Damina's criticism ignited heated debates on social media, with Nigerians sharing diverse views on Komaiya's prosperity preaching and the broader implications for church ethics.
Broader Context and Political Prophecies
The debate over pastoral wealth comes amid other notable statements from Prophet Iginla. In a recent prophetic revelation, he warned Peter Obi against accepting anything less than the presidential slot in the coalition movement for the 2027 elections, stating that doing so would be against his destiny and a political misstep. This adds a political dimension to Iginla's public engagements, reflecting his influence beyond religious matters.
The controversy underscores ongoing tensions within Nigerian Christianity regarding the role of wealth, with some advocating for a focus on spiritual purity and others, like Iginla, pushing for a more integrated approach that includes economic empowerment. As discussions continue, this issue remains a focal point for believers and critics alike, shaping perceptions of leadership and success in the church.
