Bishop Ben Kiengei has explained why his Jesus Compassion Ministry (JCM) church did not collect offertory during its Sunday service on September 6, sparking debate among followers on social media.
In a Facebook post that quickly gained traction, Kiengei addressed JCM members directly, apologizing for the decision while making it clear that the move was deliberate.
“Why didn’t JCM collect offertory on Sunday, September 6?”
“It is wise to apologise, JCM church members; it is not our will not to collect your offerings today, i know you believe in giving; you know the reason why we give……. yes, we did not. Forgive us,” he wrote.
The bishop explained that the service was a deliverance Sunday, a session focused on spiritual healing and breaking down altars.
He argued that attaching a monetary value to such a spiritual moment would go against the principles that guide his church.
“Our church is guided by the principle of the Holy Spirit and the words of Jesus Christ…. Given freely, give freely,” he wrote, adding that the Bible is clear that people should not put a price on God’s healing.
Kiengei maintained that deliverance services occupy a different spiritual space and should not be treated as an activity that requires a financial target.
“Deliverance can’t be on budget… altars are broken by willingness to assignment, personal deliverance is an enough sacrifice,” he wrote.
He concluded the post with a message in Kikuyu urging those who had a good Sunday not to boast about it.
The post was accompanied by a photograph showing Kiengei dressed in a purple suit and speaking at a pulpit while holding a microphone.
The decision triggered a lively debate in the comments, with followers divided between those who viewed the move as a principled decision and others who questioned the way it was publicly announced.
Ann Mwihaki Praise, who appeared to be a church member, praised the bishop, writing: “Never tag a worth when God is healing people… Deliverance can’t be on a budget!! You are a wise Man of God and today’s teachings were priceless.”
Other commenters took a more skeptical view.
Denis Murimi wrote: “Nowadays, Reverse Psychology wins all,” while Grace Kiai commented: “This is a new strategy. Waiting for the cinema continues shortly.”
Gatch Frank echoed the sentiment, writing: “Reverse psychology at its best.”
Master Chef added a more colourful observation: “You can’t collect sadaka.”
Kiengei remains one of Kenya’s most followed and discussed preachers and frequently attracts public attention for his outspoken views both inside and outside the pulpit.
