assuming the story is a true one,  have people considered these:

If a church can afford to pay $20 million cash for a private plane, then how is its status as a tax exempt entity justified?

People are saying the money was raised or is being raised through special offerings and seed sowing. Says who? Most times such projects are supposed to be funded through bank loans and the like. Otherwise, my previous statement applies. Why should any church have billions in assets and yet not be required to pay tax? Didnt Jesus pay his taxes?


And yet when civil authorities attempt to scrutinize religious institutions' finances, you see folks getting jittery and yelling persecution.


Are the church leaders not following the news about people dying in their efforts to migrate to places with better opportunities? They arent aware of the myriads of curses being rained on the country by its citizens who are fed up with the constant inefficiency and poverty? Nigerian girls having a reputation for prostituiton overseas? people being dumped in the desert by countries that are tired of the constant stream of migrants from elsewhere? So why would it be advisable to start flaunting wealth in this manner? Religion apart.

hmmm. I hope the story was fabricated sha.

@Mr Anonimi

Because you know nothing dosnt mean it does not exist

Hello nairalanders,

This has nothing to do with whatever church you worship,
It is wrong for him buy PRIVATE JET with people's money.
Some people in that church can't even pay their children school FEES, but they contribute to the church.
Christ didn't live like this,
Thanks.

N.B: Gamine and Vicade take note,

@archbishop,

This has nothing to do with whatever church you worship,
It is wrong for him buy PRIVATE JET with people's money.
Some people in that church can't even pay their children school FEES, but they contribute to the church.
Christ didn't live like this,

Now I know your problem. Because it is called PRIVATE jet does not means it is a private property . The Jet,if purchased will be for the ministry.

"some people in the church cant even pay their children's school fees" -dont u think its every1's personal interest taking them 2 church? who made u judge over ALL?

janami:

what is wrong wit getting a jet for the church? is it not for spreading the gospel?

How does a twenyy million dollar jet being used to transport just one man help spread the gospel? what is wrong with the use of commrcial aircraft? Besides if the purpose is to really spread the gospel do you know how many Missionaries can be trained and financed to spread the gospel all over the world with twenty million dollars?? Do you know the gospel can be spread by using the money to help less privledge unbelivers who would then receive the gospel after they have been shown kindeness and love by the church? Abeg you people should stop making excuses for what is clearly wrong and against the teaching and practises of our lord Jesus Christ. I know a lot of Lazy people are christians becos they believe it would lead them to prosperity, i just laugh at such munguns

Laughing at Muguns dosnt make you a better Person.

KunleOshob:

How does a twenyy million dollar jet being used to transport just one man help spread the gospel? what is wrong with the use of commrcial aircraft? Besides if the purpose is to really spread the gospel do you know how many Missionaries can be trained and financed to spread the gospel all over the world with twenty million dollars?? Do you know the gospel can be spread by using the money to help less privledge unbelivers who would then receive the gospel after they have been shown kindeness and love by the church? Abeg you people should stop making excuses for what is clearly wrong and against the teaching and practises of our lord Jesus Christ. I know a lot of Lazy people are christians because they believe it would lead them to prosperity, i just laugh at such munguns

Finally you bring up what could be a valid point - cost benefit analysis. Has this been done? that is the question to be asked, not simply assuming that the aim of this jet is to feather someone's personal nest. The jet may be needed, but is spending the money on a jet the best way to go about it? Now that is a cogent question requiring an answer.

Damn! Twenty freaking million nairadollars? What happened to commercial airlines and feeding the poor and sheltering the homeless?

Na today, whats suprising about 20m$?I would like to know how much Oyedepo and Ashimolowo spends.Ashimolowo wanted to build a church in somewhere around Hackney thats worth about 75mpounds,thats about 150m$,hun British them self fear now!.

even the British Prime Minister does not have a private Jet. His followers are blind that's why his church is owned by him and his family. So, where is the accountable? Another Benny Him

@Sherry lo

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I'm not even a Penticostal. I'm a Catholic by faith. I have seen and watch this great man of God on TV and live in Abuja. He is truly a man of God. I don't see why people are accusing him of living a flambouyant lifestyle. Jesus said that there will always be the poor people on earth. This happened when Mary Magdalene or so used a very costly perfume to annoint Jesus before His death. So, whether Pastor Adeboye and whosoever wants to buy a USD20M Jet or not, there must be the poor people around.

Should we because of the poor people around not proclaim the gospel to the world? The church is the highest government on earth - whether you like it or not. If government of nations including Nigeria can buy a private jet for the president, why not buy for the General Overseer or the Pope? The clothes worn by the Pope is very expensive.

We have to change our mentality here in Nigeria. Go to the US, some unknown ministers of the gospel are riding their private jet.

Equally, you must see that such avenue is where God blesses the cheerful giver. If such avenue is not created, there might not be blessed people on earth, because it is when you sow a seed with love that you reap bountifully.

So, RCCG members, if you have money, do give to the Lord's work cheerfully and lovingly.

Thanks and God bless you all.

Ken
0805.4241662, 0703.2733047
kennnwankwo@gmail.com

sherry lo:

Na today, whats suprising about 20m$?I would like to know how much Oyedepo and Ashimolowo spends.Ashimolowo wanted to build a church in somewhere around Hackney thats worth about 75mpounds,thats about 150m$,hun British them self fear now!.

pls let us be careful when we make comments abeg,if ashimolowo wants to build a 75m church will he change the property deeds to his own name?or wil he move his setee and tv into the church when he s finished?
in case you dont know,there are strict rules governing charities in united kingdom,even ashimolowo is not allowed to be a chairman of the church governing board or to touch anything that is owned by the church, you can check the law concerning charities in uk to confirm

IT VERY BAD TO HEAR THIS KIND OF WORD FOR A PASTOR TO BUY THIS .
BECAUSE THERE ARE WAYS YOU CAN HELP OTHERS NOT THAT BECAUSE YOU ARE RICH GO TO SOME CHILD LESS HOME TO HELP THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE SOME WHO NEED THIS HELP FOR THERE LIFE I WILL SAY THAT HE HELP OTHERS
GOD BLESS US
ONE LOVE

hummn , Jesus our lord rode on a donkey but now
 its all about the jet what about setting goal like sending 50000 pupils to school up to secondary school free.
oluwa a ko wa yo o
its not right, my manager has gotten admission into the uni canot afford his fees
no one cares
Jesus Christ was very Noble on his donkey though it was not the most expensive means of travel then.
Are we being brainwashed, prosperity is only fantastic if it is used to better another life.
G.O please if this is TRUE, please give more, i know u give , but give more, we all must give more,lets give till we,
hummn am not a saint , far from it , but the convenant is in the heart
when u do the right thing u feel light and when u do the wrong thing u feel heavy.

horny4u:

hummn , Jesus our lord rode on a donkey but now
its all about the jet what about setting goal like sending 50000 pupils to school up to secondary school free.
oluwa a ko wa yo o
its not right, my manager has gotten admission into the uni canot afford his fees
no one cares
Jesus Christ was very Noble on his donkey though it was not the most expensive means of travel then.
Are we being brainwashed, prosperity is only fantastic if it is used to better another life.
G.O please if this is TRUE, please give more, i know u give , but give more, we all must give more,lets give till we,
hummn am not a saint , far from it , but the convenant is in the heart
when u do the right thing u feel light and when u do the wrong thing u feel heavy.

God be wit us all,
i wonder hw a private Jet will aid better ministration, dat a commercial plane wldnt,
if he wldnt see d poverty state of Nigeria pls lets go2 ethiopia, malawi,Sudan etc,
i bet he'l prefer to get KEKE MARWA

StephenP:

Damn! Twenty freaking million nairadollars? What happened to commercial airlines and feeding the poor and sheltering the homeless?

Maybe God'l hve to com down to do dat himself as its happenin nw

debosky:

Finally you bring up what could be a valid point - cost benefit analysis. Has this been done? that is the question to be asked, not simply assuming that the aim of this jet is to feather someone's personal nest. The jet may be needed, but is spending the money on a jet the best way to go about it? Now that is a cogent question requiring an answer.

We don't know how true this news report is. However,if one is to undertake a cost-benefit analysis of the financial implications,you will require a suspension of the ability to reason to even countenance any suggestion that buying a plane is a cost-effective measure for RCCG.

If the plane costs $20m and we must factor in the operational costs of the plane,lets take a conservative estimate of $1m per annum,a quick mental arithmetic will demolish any pretense that this plane offers net-financial benefits.

Supposing the life span of the plane is 40 years,one must demonstrate that the intended users of the plane would have otherwise have to spend more than $60m on air travel in that same time period.

@4Play,

This is not just about cost-benefit analysis even though it is a valid consideration. The convenience and flexibility that you get from a private jet cannot be realised with a commercial airline. Besides, the jet won't be for his sole use but for the entire ministry. anyone and everyone who needs it for the use of the ministry will have it. It's that simple.

Insisting that he should use a commercial jetliner is like saying why should he use a private car if commercial molues are available. Cars, jets, bicycles, donkeys, foot-wagen and money are all tools and should be seen and treated as such.

rather too extravagant
not called for
what an example for the likes of Oyakhilome, T B Joshua, Okotie etc

@kay-pawpaw,

what an example for the likes of Oyakhilome, T B Joshua, Okotie etc

How can you be putting T.B. Joshua in the picture when we are talking about MOGs. Take your time o before I go Gospel gangster on you!

Interesting analysis 4-Play

but I think you are missing out on something - can the 'intangibles' be properly included in your estimation? Time spent waiting at airports, changing flights, the hassles of not being able to go where you need to go as at when you desire to be there due to the vagaries of scheduling? Inconveniences, lost time in transit, etc. - what value do you ascribe to that?

Just something else to add to the analysis, not necessarily saying it is justified or otherwise.

I don't believe the jet should be bought on the basis of 'anyone in the ministry needing it will use it' - such a large and costly investment needs to have a more sound basis in my opinion with more detailed financial planning.

@debosky,

I don't believe the jet should be bought on the basis of 'anyone in the ministry needing it will use it' - such a large and costly investment needs to have a more sound basis in my opinion with more detailed financial planning.

Let me explain what i meant by the highlighted phrase above. I believe it was in response to what I wrote earlier. The jet in my understanding of it being a ministry tool is not just for the exclusive use of the MOG alone. Rather it is meant for the use of the Ministry as a whole. The cost implications will not just be limited to what it takes for the MOG himself to travel, but to what extent it will help the Ministry as a whole.

If Adeboye doesn't need it and someone else within the Ministry does, then the jet just as a tool that it is must service that need. For instance, my church jet was reccently used to transport missionaries to the Phillipines. it was alos used to send food aid to Myanmmar. These were not directly used by the pastor, but it was used for the work of the ministry. That is what I am talking about.

Hi Folks,

Well in my own candid opinion, i see nothing wrong in wanting a private jet for ease of transportation and so on.

But the big question is this;

IS IT MORALLY JUSTIFIED TO CLAMOUR FOR THIS WHEN MANY CHURCH MEMBERS ARE JOBLESS AND POOR?

Lets face it, even if he spends billions to empower the church members, many will still be poor and jobless because poverty is a thing of the mind but i still believe that the money ought to be in reserve for some other pressing matters of utmost attention.

I am not trying to compare churches here but lets Look at this allegory; Christembassy publishes rhapsody of realities to the whole countries of the world as well as owning many tv satellite stations accross the world to win souls but believe it or not, The redeem christain church of GOD has the most lukewarm atitude towards evangelism. asides from their monthly camp worship service,i can't point out any other major outreach program.

Secondly, many members are homeless and jobless yet their local church complains of lack of funds to cater for these people. I remember when i was serving in 1998, i was thrown out by my landlord due to my failure in paying my rent, i went to my pastor then to lend me just N7,500 to add to the little money i had promising to pay back in two months with my NYSC allawance but he declined my plea saying that there is no money and i am sure many people in redeem today are in same situation as mine then and i am sure no help will be given.

Many of the their church branches in various locations source for funds from within for any project they intend carrying out.

In conclusion, i strongly believe that there is nothing wrong in wanting to buy a private jet this should not be coming from the redeem church overseer.

where i dey since? Uncle Tayo's stuff i wanted to reply to has been overtaken already. Chei.

Anyway - there is no sensible defense for a $20m jet. You can argue from now till Christ comes.

@davidylan,

where i dey since? Uncle Tayo's stuff i wanted to reply to has been overtaken already. Chei.

I thot it was God's message to hesitate before you post that has overtaken you ke!

Anyway - there is no sensible defense for a $20m jet. You can argue from now till Christ comes.

Let me ask you this. If the bible indicates that this entire world and all its riches and kingdom is not worth the value of one soul, would you say the jet is worth the money paid for it if one soul is won through using that jet to travel for evangelism? Hint: The answer to this is YES or NO.

THE PM GUYS ARE NOT TRYING TO SELL THEIR STUFF BY COOKING YOU STORIES. I was at a meeting on Thursday the 5th of June 2008 at the Redemption Camp after the monthly Holy Communion service where Pastor Adeboye outlined upcoming work needed to be done in propagating the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It was at this meeting that he mentioned the need to us for acquiring an Aeroplane.
I will not hold brief for him at this forum because we digest and interprete information in different ways but i must say, after reading the entire 6 pages of submission from you all, that we underestimated the quantum of risk this man subjects himself to for the sake of fellow human beings.
This man is 66 years old, travelling is energy sapping. Try traveling from Lagos to Jos and back in 1 day (Abuja to Jos is 3hrs i.e 6 hrs return by our "good nigerian roads"
Pastor Adeboye does not live a flambouyant life. Precisely 6 years ago he was given a Brand news Rolls Royce for his 60th birthday but guess what, he rode around in a Toyota Corrola and gave out his Jeep gifts to Evangelists who operated in the hinterland of the North (Rev Joe Olaiya was a beneficiary)
He travels to preach in some of the poorest parts of Nigeria; Cameroun; East Africa etc. I leave to your imagination what manner of planes fly to such places. He has encountered several close shaves in those "sky coffins). He was once forgotten in Cameroun by a Hired Airline.

Was he not attacked by Armed robbers on Owerri- PH road when PH airport was shut down, so you see that he experiences what the ordinary man experiences as well

Planes being flown around are in bad state or should we feel nothing for Pastor Bimbo Odukoya and d many children of Loyala Jesuit who died an avertable death?

Even though he is G.O, he still preaches in Universities nationwide as much as his schedule allows. His annual preaching to Unife students takes place without fail.

He travels by road through at least 3 states in Nigeria during an RCCG prog called Lets Go A fishing that takes place twice a year

I try very hard not to be an Armchair critic, i can bet that a sizable number of us (myself inclusive) cannot bear to stay in the same vicinity with the kind of people Pastor Adeboye prays & lays hands upon: Lepers; Mentally ill; Terminally ill (Cancer patients in worst of states) Undescribable poor people.

Each man to work out his own salvation. My own 2 cents is to donate to credible charities. They need us. Lets channel our energy to helping Orphanages; School for Autistic children; Hearts of Gold Hospice; Down Syndrome Association; Oluyole Chesire Home; Pacelli School for the Blind; Modupe Cole School for Handicapped Children rather that throwing Darts at one another.

MAy the Lord Bless you all

Now I know your problem. Because it is called PRIVATE jet does not means it is a private property Grin. The Jet,if purchased will be for the ministry

.

What is a ministry in Africa doing with a jet? If RCCG has so much money they can imagine, why not build schools and hospitals llike the early missionaries? Some of their members has no job, cannot secure one in the near future and you expect them to chant alleluia every week in an empty stomach? Why not open a mega printing press, hotels etc to create employment for their MEMBERS only?

[size=16pt]A HUNGRY MAN IS AN ANGRY MAN IRRESPECTIVE OF HIS BORNAGAINISM. LETS GET REAL FOR ONCE PLEASE.[/size]

RedHotChic:

.

What is a ministry in Africa doing with a jet? If RCCG has so much money they can imagine, why not build schools and hospitals llike the early missionaries? Some of their members has no job, cannot secure one in the near future and you expect them to chant alleluia every week in an empty stomach? Why not open a mega printing press, hotels etc to create employment for their MEMBERS only?

Please don't bring your asinine reasoning here - is the church a business that they will start opening hotels and mega printing presses for employments of their members only? Haven't you heard of discrimination laws and the like? Now who would the profits of the printing press go to? Very soon these same people will be accused of being CEOs.

The post by Guk is very enlightening - time saved, safety of travel and ease of movement are things that cannot be easily quantified in naira and kobo terms.

Tayo-D also made an important post - just how valuable is a soul and what is the limit of what can be done in trying to save that soul? In considering that, I would add a caveat - is the soul far away more precious than the soul readily at hand?

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, is shopping for $20 million to buy a private jet.

The private jet, P.M.News gathered, is to facilitate his trips to many parts of the world where the parishes of the church are located.

Already, members of the RCCG worldwide have been planning to ‘sow seeds’ towards the project.

I see nothing wrong with this whatsoever.
Jets are a means of transport and if the Church can afford this,so be it.
People should learn to mind their own business.

Chic:

.

What is a ministry in Africa doing with a jet? If RCCG has so much money they can imagine, why not build schools and hospitals llike the early missionaries? Some of their members has no job, cannot secure one in the near future and you expect them to chant alleluia every week in an empty stomach? Why not open a mega printing press, hotels etc to create employment for their MEMBERS only?

[size=16pt]A HUNGRY MAN IS AN ANGRY MAN IRRESPECTIVE OF HIS BORNAGAINISM. LETS GET REAL FOR ONCE PLEASE.[/size]

Very lame
Aren't you a Christian yourself?
How many of those hungry people have you personally helped or the Church is not you and me?
People will criticize every little thing.
haba!

As far as I'm concerned only the financial contributors to RCCG of which I'm not a member have a right to criticize this move.
Everyother person ought to zip it.
Most of the folks talking ill of the man of God won't even give their penny to a needy person.