Apostle Harrison Ayintete has defended his church’s policy of collecting 10 per cent of members’ income as tithe, arguing that the contributions are necessary to meet the financial demands of running a church.

The cleric maintained that churches have bills to pay and facilities to maintain, insisting that members who identify with a particular church must comply with its financial requirements.

Speaking on the subject, Ayintete argued that churches could collectively agree on a percentage of members’ income to fund their activities, noting that the early church also practised collective giving.

Ayintete Defends the 10% Tithe Policy

Addressing debates about the biblical basis of tithing, the apostle argued that a church could agree on a percentage of its members’ income to support its operations.

He said:> “There is no scripture that says a church cannot give twenty percent or give thirty percent. If the early church could come together, and say we are selling our land and we are giving everything. So we can also come together and say we are doing ten percent.”

Ayintete suggested that the discussion should extend beyond references to Melchizedek and the Old Testament, arguing that churches could also establish financial arrangements to meet their institutional needs.

‘We Have a Church to Run’

Explaining the expenses churches incur, Ayintete pointed to the cost of purchasing diesel, microphones and other equipment needed for church services and activities.

He asked:> “We have a church to run, yes or no? There is diesel to buy, yes or no? There’s microphone to buy, yes or no?”

The cleric disclosed that his church had agreed to collect 10 per cent of each member’s income to cover its financial needs.

He said:> “As a church we have said that ten percent of individual members’ income is what we cater to what we need in this church. And you must give it. If you say you are a member, you give it.”

Cleric Insists Members Must Comply

Ayintete reiterated that the 10 per cent contribution was a financial requirement established by his church, rather than an issue that should be debated solely through biblical references.

He concluded:> “Leave Melchizedek. Leave Old Testament. Na the levy we dey collect be this for this particular institution. If you say you are with us, you give it.”

His remarks have added to ongoing discussions about tithing, church finances and whether religious institutions should require members to contribute a fixed percentage of their income.

The debate also highlights differing views on the relationship between biblical teachings on giving and the financial policies adopted by individual churches.