Popular UK-based Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, has sparked widespread debate online after making a controversial statement about the connection between salvation and poverty.
During a candid conversation with popular content creator Shank, Pastor Adegboyega argued that being saved without having financial stability still leaves a person vulnerable to sin, noting that poverty can push even the most devoted believers into temptation and moral compromise.
He explained that poverty often challenges a person’s faith, as the daily struggle for survival can lead to choices that contradict spiritual values, despite genuine intentions to live righteously.
According to him, “Salvation without financial empowerment is incomplete because hunger and hardship can test even the strongest faith.”
How churches fail their members
Speaking further, Adegboyega expressed disappointment at how many churches operate, saying that they often focus only on preaching salvation without providing systems that help members achieve financial independence.
He emphasized that this approach leaves many congregants trapped in poverty while pastors enjoy wealth and comfort, which, according to him, contradicts the true purpose of Christian ministry.
“Many churches today fail their members,” he said. “They talk about salvation but do not empower their people. The result is a cycle of poverty that leads to frustration and sin.”
He added that the gospel should include practical empowerment, mentorship, and opportunities that uplift members financially, not just spiritually.
Pastor Tobi speaks on a pastor’s duty
Adegboyega went on to outline what he believes should be the real duty of a pastor — not just preaching sermons, but creating sustainable economic structures that allow people to thrive.
“A pastor’s responsibility is not only to preach salvation,” he explained. “It is to build communities that create wealth, teach financial literacy, and open doors for opportunities. Prosperity and salvation must go hand in hand.”
He noted that when church members are poor while their leaders live lavishly, the balance of the gospel message is lost. “It is hypocrisy for a pastor to be rich and his congregation to remain poor,” he said. “The true evidence of godly leadership is when everyone grows together — spiritually and materially.”
He concluded with a striking statement that has since gone viral across social media: “If you have salvation and you are poor, you will sin — because you want to eat. Poverty will push you beyond your limits.”
His message has since drawn mixed reactions, with some agreeing that the church must teach wealth creation alongside spiritual growth, while others accused him of promoting materialism over faith.
Watch video below …
“If you have salvation, and you’re p00r, you’ll sin last last”
— Pastor Tobi Adegboyega. pic.twitter.com/PPoZaftFPY
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) October 6, 2025
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