God Directed Me Not to Take Offerings – Isaac Oyedepo Declares

Pastor Isaac Oyedepo, the founder of Isaac Oyedepo Evangelistic Ministries, has revealed that his ministry will commence weekly Sunday worship services in Abuja, with a unique spiritual directive — offerings will not be collected.

The announcement was made during an online broadcast monitored and reported by Church Times on Tuesday. In the message, which was originally shared on Sunday, January 11, Pastor Oyedepo clearly stated that the decision was based on specific divine instruction received from God.

According to him, the central mission of the ministry is discipleship, spiritual growth, and equipping believers to live fully for Christ, rather than emphasizing conventional church financial structures.

“God Specifically Told Me Not to Collect Offerings”

While addressing the financial structure of the ministry, Pastor Oyedepo explained that God had clearly instructed him not to introduce offerings as part of the worship services.

He was careful to clarify that his stance does not condemn other ministries that collect offerings. Instead, he emphasized that this instruction applies strictly to his current assignment.

“There is nothing wrong with offerings,” he explained, “but for this work, my focus must remain entirely on the spiritual formation and maturity of the people.”

This statement has sparked discussions within Christian circles, particularly as it challenges widely accepted church operational norms.

Launch of Sunday Services in Abuja

The declaration coincided with the official launch of the ministry’s Sunday Services, which are set to hold every week in Abuja. The gatherings are designed to focus heavily on Bible teaching, spiritual growth, and intentional discipleship, rather than ceremonial or fundraising activities.

Strong Emphasis on Discipleship

During the same broadcast, Pastor Oyedepo shared the biblical foundation behind his approach, stating that his model follows the early ministry of Jesus Christ.

He explained that Christ’s initial focus was not on institutional systems, but on raising committed disciples through the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.

“All Jesus did in His early ministry was to raise disciples. The fire fell, they were filled, and they were refilled. Before He left, He commanded us to continue the same work,” he said.

He further questioned the spiritual depth of modern congregations, asking how strong churches would become if believers were deeply rooted in Scripture and committed to consistent spiritual growth.

According to him, true transformation comes through a continuous journey in God’s Word, not occasional spiritual encounters.

Background and Ministry Journey

Born on February 26, 1985, Isaac Oyedepo formally transitioned into his independent ministry on November 28, 2023.

Before this move, he served faithfully for many years at Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), the global Christian ministry founded by his father, Bishop David Oyedepo.

His transition into an independent evangelical calling was reportedly done with the full knowledge and blessing of his father, marking a new chapter in his spiritual assignment.