US-based Ghanaian filmmaker Leila Jewel Djansi has strongly criticised what she describes as the growing commercialisation of Christianity, accusing churches of exploiting congregants while rewarding pastors with material wealth.

In a Facebook post dated 20 May 2025, Djansi expressed concern over the disparity between how church leaders and members are compensated for their service. She questioned why pastors receive salaries, gifts, cars and even houses, while ordinary church workers are often told their rewards await them in heaven.

“So, the church expects its workers to receive their reward in heaven while the pastor receives his reward here on earth; Salary, gifts, the pastor’s appreciation with houses and cars. The mother of all scams,” she wrote.

The filmmaker went on to describe the situation as “pimping Jesus for profit” and condemned the use of what she termed “grace theology” to manipulate believers through spiritual guilt and fear.

“I dunno why God is not performing Old Testament gymnastics and has brought this grace that is being used to keep his children in bondage through spiritual blackmail,” she added.

Djansi suggested that instead of giving tithes to churches, Christians might soon consider donating directly to hospitals and orphanages where, in her view, “God’s work” is more tangibly done.

Despite her criticism, she encouraged Christians not to lose faith, urging them to serve God willingly without expecting personal gain.

“Serving is serving, not a transaction. You can serve in the church for years, and see no reward. And people who’ve never cleaned a church pew will send their children to Harvard,” she said.

She concluded by reminding believers that divine blessings are not always tied to acts of service and that ultimately, it is trust and obedience that matter.

Source:TheDotNews