In a recent interview, Pastor Wole Akanmu, General Overseer of Vine Habitation Ministry (Solution Place), spoke passionately about the ongoing debate on tithing among Christians. He emphasized that tithing is a clear instruction from God and should not be a subject of debate. Pastor Akanmu expressed his thoughts on tithing, his journey from a Muslim background to becoming a Holy Spirit-filled Christian, and the commercialization of the gospel. Here are some excerpts from the interview.
On His Journey to Christianity:
Pastor Wole Akanmu, originally born Ismaila in a Muslim polygamous family, shared his transformation story from Islam to Christianity. “The turning point was an encounter with the Holy Spirit. In a revelation, I saw an altar and heard the voice of God telling me, ‘It’s there.’ Days later, I saw the same altar physically while returning from a social outing, and I knew it was where I had to be,” he explained.
Though born into a devoted Muslim family and educated in Islamic traditions, Akanmu said the encounter with the Holy Spirit was undeniable, akin to Apostle Paul’s experience in Acts 9:4. Despite challenges, especially opposition from his family, he remained resolute in his decision to follow Christ. Eventually, his father, who initially opposed his conversion, accepted Christianity before his passing.
On His Call to Ministry:
Immediately after his conversion, Pastor Akanmu dedicated himself to God, rejecting his past lifestyle. He quickly became involved in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where he was encouraged by his pastor to lead prayers. This led to a greater spiritual awakening and eventually to his calling as a pastor. “In 1998, I decided to focus on ministry full-time, leaving my secular job. Though it was challenging at first, my wife and I prayed about it, and we eventually embraced it,” Akanmu said.
Transitioning to Vine Habitation Ministry:
Pastor Akanmu recounted his eventful ministerial journey with RCCG, where he served in various parishes across Nigeria and overseas, including South Africa, Kenya, and Germany. Five years ago, he received a divine instruction to establish Vine Habitation Ministry (VHM). “I was at an RCCG program when God told me it was time to go. I shared it with my wife, and we prayed about it. That was the turning point that led to the establishment of VHM,” he noted.
He maintains a positive relationship with RCCG, describing it as the mother church of VHM. “We were prayed for by Daddy Adeboye and Mummy GO. Our relationship remains cordial; we attend RCCG conventions and continue to pay our tithes there,” Akanmu affirmed.
On Tithing:
Addressing the controversy surrounding tithing, Pastor Akanmu dismissed the debate, stating, “Tithing is biblical. The Bible says, ‘Bring ye all the tithe to my storehouse.’ It is not up for negotiation by believers. Tithing is an act of obedience that brings blessings.” He referenced Deuteronomy, Malachi, and John, underscoring the importance of adhering to God’s word without compromise.
On Selling Anointed Items:
Pastor Akanmu condemned the commercialization of religious items like anointed water and oil. “It is wrong in every sense to commercialize the gospel. Jesus never charged for healing,” he stated. He recounted an incident at an airport where he witnessed people scrambling to buy anointed items. “I declared the power of Jesus Christ, and instantly the man selling those items fell under the anointing,” Akanmu said, emphasizing that while faith-based items can have spiritual significance, they should not be sold for profit.
Pastor Akanmu concluded by calling for Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, obey God’s commandments, and avoid the pitfalls of materialism and commercialism in ministry.
