Winners Chapel Pastor Paul Ephraim Sparks Debate After Criticising Members Over ‘Small Seed’ Donations!
Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (journalist) | Sele Media Africa
A Nigerian clergyman, Pastor Paul Ephraim of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel, has stirred widespread online discussion after a sermon in which he criticised the behaviour of some church members when presenting relatively modest financial donations, commonly referred to in Pentecostal circles as “seeds.”
In a video circulating on social media, the cleric expressed frustration with individuals who request his personal attention before making donations of about ₦200,000, while noting that others who contribute significantly larger sums often do so without similar demands.
“Just because you want to give me ₦200,000, you’re calling to ask if I’m in the office so I can wait for you,” the pastor said in the sermon. “Your mates send ₦3 million and only call later to confirm if I received it.”
According to Ephraim, some donors insist that he remain in his office to receive them in person before making their contribution, a practice he suggested can be unnecessarily time-consuming and disruptive. He contrasted this with donors who transfer larger sums electronically and follow up later with a brief confirmation.
Context of ‘Seed Sowing’ in Nigerian Pentecostal Churches
The concept of “seed sowing” voluntary financial giving believed to attract divine favour or blessings is widely practiced across many Pentecostal churches in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. Within these faith communities, offerings, tithes, and special seeds are often framed as acts of devotion and spiritual investment.
In the sermon, Ephraim appeared to focus less on the amount given and more on the approach of certain donors, suggesting that giving should be accompanied by humility and patience rather than expectations of immediate personal recognition.
The remarks, however, have sparked mixed reactions online. Some commentators interpreted the pastor’s statement as a call for discretion and respect when making donations, while others criticised the comments as reinforcing a culture that places heavy emphasis on financial contributions within religious settings.
Online Reactions and Public Debate
Clips from the sermon quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting debate about the role of money in modern Christian ministry and the expectations placed on congregants.
Supporters argued that the pastor’s comments highlighted behavioural differences in giving practices, rather than dismissing smaller contributions. Critics, meanwhile, said the remarks could be perceived as diminishing the value of donations from less affluent worshippers.
Neither Winners Chapel nor the church’s leadership had issued an official statement regarding the viral clip at the time of publication.
Broader Discussion Around Church Giving
Nigeria’s vibrant Pentecostal movement has long featured teachings on prosperity, tithing, and seed sowing. Scholars and observers of African Christianity note that such practices often play a central role in church fundraising and the spiritual life of congregants, though they occasionally generate public debate about ethics, transparency, and pastoral responsibility.
As the video continues to circulate, it has reignited broader conversations about faith, generosity, and the evolving dynamics between clergy and congregants in Nigeria’s rapidly growing religious landscape.
Sources: Gistreel; Legit.ng; The Punch (background on Nigerian Pentecostal practices).
Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.
About The Author
Share this:
Discover more from Sele Media Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
