Archbishop Nicolas Duncan-Williams recently addressed a long-standing misconception about how churches manage their finances, making a pointed declaration: “Your tithe can’t even pay the electricity bills.” In his candid message to the congregation, the Archbishop sought to clarify the role of tithes and offerings in the church’s operations, while emphasizing his financial independence from them.
Duncan-Williams, who leads Action Chapel International, explained that many people mistakenly believe that pastors survive solely on tithes and offerings. “When you look at me, don’t think it is your tithing. Because when we talk about the tithing and offering, it doesn’t even pay the electricity bill,” he stated. By highlighting this reality, the Archbishop aimed to shift the perspective on how church finances work and how leaders like himself are sustained.
He went on to share that he doesn’t rely on these contributions for his personal income, revealing that he has multiple business ventures that support him. “There are other means; I have investments, businesses here and there, home and abroad, by which I make money in my own way.” His financial independence, according to the Archbishop, allows him to lead without relying on the offerings given by the congregation.
Duncan-Williams also opened up about his personal commitment to tithing, which he practices rigorously. “I am a very serious tithe payer. I pay tithe more than you all, I am telling you, and I am very consistent.” He shared how meticulous he is about paying his tithe, often ensuring that it is set aside before he even touches any income from his businesses. “Make sure the tithe is set aside, paid to the account, and immediately send me a picture that you have paid it before I touch the money,” he explained, underlining his devotion to this biblical principle.
The Archbishop didn’t stop there. He addressed a concerning trend among some preachers who, after gaining success, no longer feel the need to tithe. “There are preachers who don’t tithe, because they are too big to tithe,” he remarked. He warned against the danger of letting power, wealth, and influence become a reason to disregard scripture. “They don’t have the grace to honour the scriptures anymore.”
In his message, Duncan-Williams highlighted that tithing is not just for the congregation, but also for leaders, and financial independence should not exempt anyone from their spiritual responsibilities. His firm stance serves as a reminder that true success lies in honoring spiritual principles, regardless of personal wealth or influence.
With his businesses thriving across the globe and his ministry growing, Archbishop Duncan-Williams’ words challenge both his congregation and fellow preachers to rethink their approach to wealth, giving, and spiritual discipline. His message was clear: Tithes may support the church, but they are not what sustains him.
