Founder of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Pastor Mensa Otabil, has sparked discussion with a statement about church offerings.
In a paraphrased quote shared on social media by TangibleWord, Pastor Otabil asked why worshippers are asked to place their offerings on the staircase of the podium and also in a basket held by an usher, when both are the same offering.
According to the post, Otabil explained that at the end of the service the ushers collect the staircase offerings and put them back into the baskets, making the process double work.
“The offering you put on the staircase of the podium and the offering you put in the basket held by the usher next to you are the same.
“At the end of the day, the one you put on the staircase are collected by the ushers and put back into the baskets; so why don’t you save us the double work and just put it in the basket next to you?”
He suggested that the church could simplify the practice by letting worshippers place their offering directly into the basket next to them, avoiding extra steps.
Pastor Otabil emphasized that putting the offering on the staircase is fine, but he does not want any spiritual meaning attached to the act.
“I don’t have any problem if you decide to put your offering on the staircase but don’t ascribe any spirituality to it,” he stated.
The comment has prompted debate among church members about efficiency and tradition in worship practices.
