Selman Hails Pastor Idowu As Cleric Warns Against ‘Overemphasis’ On Tithes, Offerings 

Apostle Joshua Selman has commended the depth of teaching of Senior Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu, at a recent church training session, describing it as highly valuable and comparable to programmes that cost thousands of dollars globally.

Speaking during the session, Apostle Selman said the Transforming Church was “truly blessed” to receive Idowu’s structured teachings focused on practical life wisdom.

He noted that such sessions, often inaccessible to many due to cost, provide critical insights that shape both spiritual and everyday living.

In a complementary address, Pastor Bolaji Idowu urged church leaders to broaden their teaching beyond financial doctrines, cautioning against reducing breakthrough solely to tithes and offerings.

“As a pastor, you cannot reduce everything to giving,” he said, acknowledging that while tithing remains part of Christian teaching, it does not constitute the full scope of personal and spiritual development.

Idowu emphasised the need for a more holistic curriculum that integrates both spiritual and natural principles, particularly in areas such as financial literacy, personal development, and social conduct. According to him, many challenges faced by congregants stem from a lack of practical knowledge rather than purely spiritual deficiencies.

He further stressed the role of the church as a centre for comprehensive training, especially where foundational guidance from the home or school system is lacking.

“The church must move beyond being just a gathering place to becoming a place of equipping,” he said.

Highlighting everyday examples, Idowu pointed to gaps in confidence, communication, and personal presentation, noting that these are areas where deliberate teaching is required. He added that what individuals project often influences the outcomes they experience in relationships and opportunities.

The cleric also underscored the importance of intentional leadership, stating that churches must actively train members in line with desired outcomes, including evangelism and character development.t

He concluded by noting that leadership goes beyond formal instruction, as an example remains a powerful tool. “Some things are taught, but many are caught,” he said, urging leaders to model the values they seek to instil.