Pastor Giwa Blasts Pastors Who Sell Anointed Oil and Water: “They Are Herbalists”

Pastor Adewale Giwa, the senior pastor of The Second Coming of Christ Ministry, has taken a bold stance against the commercialization of religious items in Nigerian churches. In a recent sermon in Akure, Ondo State, the outspoken clergyman condemned pastors who sell anointing oil and water, calling them “herbalists in disguise.”

Speaking to his congregation, Pastor Giwa declared:

“Any man of God that sells oil and water with the claim that it will boost your business is a witch doctor. Jesus never sold holy water or oil, and neither did His disciples.”

He emphasized that no scriptural passage in the Bible shows Jesus or His apostles exchanging miracles for money or materials like handkerchiefs, oil, or holy water.

• “I want to categorize ministers of God who are selling anointing oil and water as herbalists.”

• “What can the devil give to anybody that he won’t retrieve?”

• “There is no record of Jesus or the apostles selling anything for healing or miracles.”

His remarks are a clear rebuke to the rising trend of faith-based merchandise in Nigeria’s Pentecostal movement, where miracle products are often sold with the promise of divine intervention in business, health, and relationships.

Pastor Giwa also reminded his followers that attending church alone is not a sign of true Christianity.

“Spending 24 hours in the church does not make you a believer. It is your words and your character that reflect Christ in your life.”

He emphasized that genuine faith is demonstrated through behavior, humility, and speech, not through rituals or relics.

This sermon adds to ongoing debates in Nigeria and beyond over:

• The commercialization of religion

• The line between spiritual practices and traditional herbalism

• The legitimacy of miracle-selling ministries

Pastor Giwa’s comments have sparked divided reactions online. Some praise him for speaking the truth, while others accuse him of judging other men of God.

On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, conversations continue over whether such practices align with biblical doctrine or exploit the vulnerable.