Why I stopped paying tithes to churches – Toke Makinwa

Media personality Toke Makinwa has revealed why she stopped paying her tithes to churches, citing concerns about the wealth of religious institutions and the needs of struggling individuals.

In a conversation with Chude Jideonwo, Makinwa questioned the practice of giving money to churches that already possess wealth, while many people struggle to survive.

“I kinda stopped paying tithes to the church because all the churches I know are rich, and I decide that I’m not doing that anymore”, she said.

According to her, she now directs her support to hospitals, maternity wards, and individuals with urgent needs.

“I started thinking, if I have money and someone tells me they need it to pay rent, why should I pass it into a building that’s already rich.

“I would rather give my tithe to strangers who tell me their actual needs. The church is built. The pastors have money. Let’s help people the church cannot reach.

“Every church is building. Every Sunday, there’s a building fund envelope. You guys have so much money and it’s not taxed. It’s a business, if we are going to be real. Because if that pastor dies today, either his wife or his child becomes the next pastor,” she said.

Jideonwo also expressed concerns about the unintended harm caused by religion, including “post-traumatic church syndrome.”

Reflecting on her past experiences, Makinwa recalled handing over her entire brand endorsement deals to her church, seeking blessings. 

“Ten years ago, I didn’t touch one naira from an endorsement deal; I carried it all into the church. Now, I give where it directly helps someone in need.”