The Prosperity Gospel and Giving Culture in Yoruba Baptist Churches, Oyo State

The prosperity gospel has infiltrated multiple Nigerian denominational traditions, including Baptist churches that historically held a more traditional evangelical theology. This study examines the influence of prosperity gospel theology on the giving culture, financial expectations, and spiritual wellbeing of members in selected Baptist churches in Oyo State, South West Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with questionnaires administered to 200 adult members from six Baptist churches in Ibadan, Ogbomosho, and Oyo Town. The questionnaire assessed respondents' theological positions on prosperity, their giving motivations (faith expectation vs. gratitude), and their satisfaction with church financial stewardship. Interviews with eight pastors explored how Baptist theological identity is maintained alongside prosperity influence. Results indicate that 54 percent of respondents hold at least partially prosperity gospel-influenced beliefs about giving, associating financial seed-giving with divine financial return. Pastors express concern about prosperity theology but are reluctant to address it from the pulpit due to congregational sensitivity. Giving motivated by faith expectation is associated with lower long-term giving satisfaction and higher financial stress than gratitude-based giving. The study concludes that prosperity gospel influence in Oyo State Baptist churches requires targeted pastoral education that roots stewardship theology in a holistic biblical narrative of grace and gratitude. Denominational theological renewal programmes are recommended.

Keywords: prosperity gospel, giving culture, Baptist churches, Oyo State, South West Nigeria