Founder of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has urged Christians to preach God’s love and compassion rather than focusing on hell when evangelising to Nigerians facing economic hardship.
Speaking during a sermon, the cleric argued that many Nigerians are already dealing with severe economic challenges, making messages centred on hell less effective in winning people to Christ.
According to Ibiyeomie, Christians should show compassion by assuring people going through difficult times that God loves them and can change their circumstances.
“You can imagine preaching hell to Nigerians. They’re already in hell. There’s no way you preach hell to Nigerians, and anybody will born again. Just tell them God loves you. He can change your story. Come to Jesus.
But if you say you will go to hell, the man will reply, ‘the suffering wey me dey suffer right now, wetin he be?’ That kind of message can’t convert all soul,” he said.
The pastor stressed that people experiencing hardship may respond better to messages of hope and compassion than warnings about eternal punishment.
He further encouraged Christians to demonstrate the love they preach by showing care and extending mercy to people regardless of their circumstances.
Ibiyeomie’s comments come amid widespread concerns over the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, with many citizens struggling with the rising cost of food, transportation and other basic needs.
His remarks have generated discussions online, with some Nigerians agreeing that messages of hope may resonate more with people facing hardship, while others maintained that preaching about both God’s love and the consequences of sin remains important.
The cleric’s comments have continued to fuel conversations about Christianity, evangelism and the best approach to reaching Nigerians experiencing difficult times.
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“Preaching hell won’t make Nigerians born again because they are already in hell”
– says Pastor Ibiyeomie pic.twitter.com/YEvyaZUCKw
— David A. 🥷™ (@lifeofepsilom) August 30, 2026