In a recent video on Facebook by Church Gist, bishop David Oyedepo has said that many of the major players in Nigeria’s economy today have their foundations in the church, stressing that the church of his youth was far different from what is seen now.
Speaking passionately during a recent service, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel, reflected on the transformation that has taken place in the Christian community over the decades.
He noted that while the modern church has embraced prosperity, excellence, and productivity, the earlier generation of churches took pride in poverty and saw it as a mark of spirituality.
According to him, “A host of major players in the economy of Nigeria have their roots in the church. That was not the church we met.
The church we met was contented with poverty and celebrated it in every way.” The cleric lamented that many believers in the early days equated holiness with lack and even mocked those who attempted to rise above it. He stated that this mentality hindered many Christians from exploring their potential and contributing meaningfully to national development.
Bishop Oyedepo explained that the transformation began when the church started teaching and living out biblical prosperity, encouraging members to pursue excellence in their careers and businesses. He said that the renewed understanding of wealth creation and productivity inspired a generation of Christians who are now leading figures in Nigeria’s business, finance, and industrial sectors. “The church became a place of enlightenment and empowerment. People began to understand that God delights in the prosperity of His people, and that poverty does not equate to piety,” he added.
The cleric recalled that when he first started preaching the gospel of prosperity, it was met with heavy criticism from both within and outside the church.
Many accused him of preaching materialism and departing from traditional Christian teachings.
However, he maintained that his message was based on scripture and aimed at liberating people from economic bondage.
He said that over the years, evidence has vindicated that message, as countless individuals who embraced those teachings have gone on to build thriving enterprises that contribute to national development.
Bishop Oyedepo emphasized that the gospel should touch every aspect of life, including education, business, and innovation. He explained that God’s intention for His people was not to live in lack but to be agents of change and blessing to their generation. “When you see the transformation in the lives of people who once had nothing but now employ hundreds, you cannot deny that the church has played a major role in shaping this economy,” he said.
He encouraged Christians not to lose sight of the purpose of prosperity, which is to serve God and humanity. According to him, wealth should not make believers proud or complacent but should be used as a tool for positive impact. He further stated that the current generation must continue to uphold the values of diligence, faith, and integrity that built the church’s credibility and influence in society.
Bishop Oyedepo’s message reflects his long-standing belief that the church is not only a spiritual institution but also a catalyst for societal advancement. His remarks come at a time when discussions around the church’s role in economic development and national transformation are gaining renewed attention across Nigeria.
