Apostle Femi Lazarus has argued that the abuse of money by some ministers should not lead Christians to reject every biblical teaching about prosperity, giving or financial stewardship.
He acknowledged that some ministers have taken advantage of church members and used their resources for personal benefit.
But according to Lazarus, abuse should not be confused with the original purpose.
“That people have abused that office doesn’t mean what God has in it is false,” he said.
He added that if the church functions properly as a community, people in genuine need should receive practical support.
“If we get church right, nobody will lack among us,” he said.
Lazarus explained that in branches of his ministry, provision is made for food because he does not believe people should attend church and return home without something to eat when they are genuinely in need.
He said part of church resources should therefore be directed toward caring for people rather than simply projecting wealth.
For Lazarus, prosperity should ultimately create capacity to serve others.
“God wants you to do well so you can be in the position to help,” he said.
His message was that financial blessing and generosity should go together, while exploitation and ostentation should never be mistaken for biblical prosperity.
