Pastor William Kumuyi, General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, has warned pastors and Christian leaders against using their authority, influence or knowledge to exploit vulnerable members of their congregations.

Kumuyi gave the warning during a recent sermon shared on YouTube, where he addressed the responsibility that comes with possessing spiritual authority, talents, knowledge and influence over other people.

The cleric urged ministers to be careful not to misuse their positions to take advantage of people who may be financially or socially disadvantaged.

“But be very careful you don’t use your authority and your power to exploit the weak. You will not exploit people,” Kumuyi said.

He particularly warned ministers who have strong communication skills or possess the ability to influence people through their preaching not to use those gifts for personal financial gain.

According to him, some ministers may become influential and wealthy because of their talents and should therefore resist the temptation to use their position to extract money from vulnerable members.

“The people that have talent to speak and that talent of speaking make them strong, lifts them high and they’re rich already. Don’t use your knowledge,” he stated.

Kumuyi also cautioned against using biblical knowledge or the ability to stir people’s emotions as a means of manipulating them into giving money.

He said ministers who understand Scripture and can effectively communicate with their audiences should not exploit that influence for financial benefits.

The pastor illustrated the danger by referring to situations where people could be encouraged publicly to make increasingly larger financial commitments, particularly when they are unable to afford such demands.

He questioned the justification for wealthy or influential ministers taking advantage of poorer members. “The weak, they are poor. You’re rich already. Why will you use your position to exploit the weak?” Kumuyi asked.

He stressed that spiritual leadership should be exercised with responsibility, compassion and integrity rather than manipulation.

Kumuyi concluded by calling for repentance among those who may have previously engaged in such practices. “The Lord forgive those who have done that in the past,” he prayed.

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