The founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has said messages centred on hell and condemnation are unlikely to attract Nigerians to Christianity because many are already grappling with harsh economic realities.
Speaking during a sermon on compassion, the cleric said evangelism should focus more on God’s love, mercy and power to transform lives than on threats of eternal punishment.
According to him, Nigerians facing hunger, hardship and other challenges may find it difficult to relate to messages that emphasise suffering in the afterlife.
“You can imagine preaching hell to Nigerians; they are already in hell. There is no way you will preach hell to Nigerians and anybody will be born again,” he said.
Ibiyeomie urged Christians to reassure people that God loves them and is willing to change their circumstances, stressing that compassion remains one of the most effective tools for winning souls.
“Compassion will make you tell them, ‘Jesus loves you.’ In spite of what you’re going through, He will show you His mercy,” he added.
The pastor further described compassion as more than sympathy, noting that it involves recognising people’s struggles, caring about them and taking practical steps to help.
He also urged believers to reflect God’s nature through kindness, forgiveness and genuine concern for others.
Preaching hell won’t convert Nigerians, they are already suffering enough — Ibiyeomie