The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and renowned cleric Pastor Abel Damina have taken a swipe at Salvation Ministries founder, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, over his recent claim that Jesus Christ despised poverty and never associated with the poor during His earthly ministry.
In a viral video circulating on social media, Ibiyeomie told his congregation that Jesus “never visited any poor person’s home,” using it as evidence that Christ was against poverty and that prosperity is a marker of true spiritual understanding.
He further claimed that Christ’s death and resurrection not only secured salvation but also financial upliftment, saying those who remain poor after accepting Christ lack spiritual insight.
But his remarks have stirred strong backlash from Christian circles.
Pastor Abel Damina, founder of Power City International Ministry, described Ibiyeomie’s claims as a “gross misinterpretation” of biblical doctrine. Damina accused the Port Harcourt-based preacher of twisting scripture to suit prosperity gospel narratives. “That’s not the Jesus of the Bible,” Damina said. “Jesus was with the poor, fed them, healed them, and even declared, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit.’”
The Christian Association of Nigeria also expressed concern, warning against sermons that distort the core message of the gospel. A CAN representative urged Nigerian pastors to be cautious in their teachings, especially when addressing sensitive subjects like wealth and poverty.
