Pastor James Maina Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism church has announced plans to enforce mandatory tithing at the entrance of his church, signaling a significant shift from the traditional voluntary offering system commonly practiced in many churches.
In a video clip that has been circulating widely, Pastor Ng’ang’a was seen addressing his congregation with a firm tone, insisting that tithing should no longer be optional. He proposed a new system where churchgoers will be required to pay their tithes before entering the sanctuary, comparing this approach to how fare collection is done in public transport vehicles. According to him, this change is aimed at encouraging consistent and timely giving from members.
He warned that those who refuse to give offerings may be locked out and prevented from entering the church. Moreover, he introduced the idea that attendees could start paying for the seats they occupy, with fees calculated based on the duration of their stay. “Give your offerings, if you don’t want to give, get out of here. You didn’t pay for this house,” he declared, urging ushers to deny entry to those who come without contributing.
Ng’ang’a’s announcement shocked many, as it challenges the conventional understanding that tithing and offerings are voluntary acts of faith, rooted in scripture. The pastor’s message was clear: the church is a business that requires funding, and members should treat their participation as a financial commitment.
He further ordered the congregation to raise their hands in prayer to bless the works of their hands, reinforcing his appeal for generosity and dedication.
This development follows recent tensions between Pastor Ng’ang’a and Nairobi County officials over unpaid land rates for the property on which Neno Evangelism church is built. The county leadership had demanded payment of arrears amounting to several millions of shillings. In response, Ng’ang’a dismissed the amounts as trivial and stated that he was ready to settle the dues but faced legal complications concerning land ownership that are currently being resolved in court.
Ng’ang’a expressed frustration with the county’s actions, indicating that the matter was being handled legally and that the financial demands were minor compared to his resources. When county officials attempted to meet with him to discuss the payment, they were unable to make contact, resulting in a standoff outside the church premises.
The pastor’s proposal to implement compulsory tithing and seat fees reflects a broader trend of churches adopting more business-like models to sustain their operations amid rising costs. However, this approach has sparked debate among believers and religious leaders alike, with some questioning the ethical and spiritual implications of monetizing access to worship spaces.
Critics argue that faith institutions should rely on voluntary giving inspired by genuine conviction rather than coercion or mandatory payments. They caution that such policies risk alienating congregants and undermining the spirit of generosity that tithing is meant to cultivate.
On the other hand, proponents believe that clearer financial policies can help churches manage their expenses better and reduce dependency on sporadic donations. For many churches facing increased operational costs, especially with the upkeep of large properties and community services, such strategies might be seen as necessary for survival and growth.
As Pastor Ng’ang’a prepares to roll out these changes, the controversy highlights ongoing tensions in the relationship between spiritual leadership and financial accountability in modern religious institutions. How his congregation and the wider church community will respond remains to be seen, but this move certainly marks a bold departure from traditional church practices in the region.
