OPINION
Over the past week, the internet has been awash with ridicule and hate veiled as concern targeting born-again churches. This wave of backlash was triggered by a widely circulated video clip of Apostle Grace Lubega, the lead pastor of Phaneroo Ministries, speaking about the ministry’s vision to build a church worth not less than $55 million.
In the clip, he encouraged members of the congregation to be part of the vision, possibly through giving.
“I know people who have the money but don’t have the faith,” Apostle Lubega told followers in a video.
“I know there is a young man in the ministry who doesn’t have a job, but he is telling God, ‘I wanna give a million dollars.’ He doesn’t have a job, but he has the heart.”
The video sparked intense online debate, especially among individuals who have long perpetuated the narrative that born-again churches are primarily business ventures. Many responses reflected a surface-level interpretation of Apostle Grace’s message, stripped of context, and fueled by assumptions rather than understanding.
In the social media culture where instant judgment often trumps thoughtful inquiry, it’s no surprise that the Dunning-Kruger effect and cognitive dissonance were at play. Rather than examining the full vision or purpose behind such a project, the focus zeroed in on one issue: the call to give. For some, this was yet another “proof” that born-again churches are about profit, not purpose.
But let’s consider a simple question: what exactly is wrong with giving towards a church project? Is the real issue the act of giving or is it the misuse and lack of accountability of such funds that justifiably raises concern?
Generosity is personal and deeply triggered by what an individual values. Some people give towards entertainment, others towards status or pleasure, and many towards purpose and hope. Value is relative. What matters is that people give where they see worth.
To reduce the transformative mission of churches to a business narrative is not only misleading, it’s intellectually lazy. Instead of critiquing generosity, perhaps we should be asking deeper questions: Is the vision clear? Is accountability in place? And is the value of spiritual transformation being rightfully acknowledged?
It’s time we moved beyond the shallow narratives and begin to engage with issues thoughtfully and fairly. Not every call to give is a scheme, and not every ambitious church vision is a business ploy. The born-again church, like any community institution, thrives on the collective faith, sacrifice, and generosity of its members who see value in what it represents.
Rather than dismiss such efforts with cynicism, let’s evaluate them with discernment. Let’s demand accountability, yes, but also respect the power of vision, faith, and community. After all, giving isn’t just about money it’s about meaning. And where people find meaning, they will always be willing to give.
