“Help the Poor, But Don’t Associate with Them” – Pastor Ibiyeomie Defends Controversial Stance

Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries has stirred fresh controversy with remarks reinforcing his position that believers should help the poor but avoid associating with them, a stance he claims is backed by divine revelation.

In a message shared with his congregation, the pastor explained that he sought confirmation from the Holy Spirit after facing backlash for earlier statements where he appeared to support the wealthy while dismissing the poor. According to Ibiyeomie, the Holy Spirit reassured him that he was correct in saying that while Christians should extend support to the poor, they should not associate closely with them—just as they would not maintain close ties with sinners.

“Some persons called me and said the internet was on fire,” Ibiyeomie said. “I wasn’t interested, but out of curiosity, I checked. Then I asked the Holy Spirit if I was wrong, and I would take the blame. He told me, ‘You’re not wrong, you’re right.’”

He claimed the Spirit told him that just as Jesus became sin but did not befriend sinners, He also became poor so that believers could become rich, asserting that poverty is not aligned with God’s will.

“You can help the poor but don’t associate with the poor,” Ibiyeomie quoted. “Poverty is mentality. He said, ‘I paid a price for sin, poverty, and sickness.’ Why will you reject sin and accept poverty?”

The cleric concluded by encouraging believers to reject poverty, insisting that doing so, in line with God’s word, would prevent sin, poverty, and sickness from being part of their identity.