Pastor Dr. Emmanuel Baruwa, fondly known as Baba Talitakumi, has announced the discontinuation of tithes and offerings at the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Talitakumi model parish, based in Ijoko, Ogun State. This unprecedented decision has sparked both praise and curiosity, prompting a deeper exploration into the motivations behind this bold step.
Prioritizing Congregant Well-Being
According to Pastor Baruwa, the decision was rooted in a profound empathy for his congregation’s struggles amidst the rising cost of living in Nigeria. During the recent fuel subsidy removal, many members couldn’t afford to attend church,” he explains. “Food and transportation costs have skyrocketed – it became clear that people are suffering. We, as a church, should be a source of solace, not an additional burden.”
The concept of tithing, which requires giving 10% of one’s income to the church, is a cornerstone of many Christian denominations. However, Pastor Baruwa argues that this practice can become exploitative, particularly in a nation grappling with economic difficulties. “The Bible speaks of cheerful giving,” he says. “It shouldn’t be a forced obligation. When people are struggling to put food on the table, how can their giving be considered cheerful?”
Financial Sustainability through Self-Reliance
While this decision has raised concerns about the financial sustainability of the church, Pastor Baruwa remains unwavering in his faith and has outlined alternative plans. “We’re exploring various avenues,” he explains. “We’re encouraging members to volunteer their time and skills. We’re also looking into establishing income-generating projects, such as a small farm or a vocational training center. The goal is to become self-sufficient and lessen our dependence on external funding.”
This shift towards self-reliance presents its own set of challenges but fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within the congregation, according to Pastor Baruwa.
Redefining the Role of the Church
Beyond the financial implications, Pastor Baruwa’s decision is a call to redefine the relationship between the church and its congregants. “The church should be a place of refuge, not an institution that exploits its members,” he emphasizes. “Our primary focus is on spiritual growth, on fostering a community of faith and support.”
This bold move has garnered significant attention and praise from both within and beyond the walls of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church. Many have lauded Pastor Baruwa’s compassion and commitment to prioritizing the well-being of his congregation over financial gain.
A Model for Change?
While the long-term viability of this model remains to be seen, Pastor Baruwa’s decision has undoubtedly ignited a national conversation about the role of money in the church and the importance of pastoral care. Will this inspire other churches to re-evaluate their financial practices? Will it lead to a renewed focus on the well-being of congregants?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Pastor Baruwa’s act of radical generosity has challenged the traditional financial model of many churches and has set a powerful example of putting people before profits.
