“Our Calling as Pastors Is Not for Personal Gain but to Save Sinners from Bondage” – Prophet Kaakyire
In an era where the sanctity of the pulpit is increasingly being questioned due to the commercialization of the gospel, many voices are rising to condemn the growing trend of “pay to pray.”
Amid concerns over the monetization of spiritual direction, locally known as Akwankyire, Prophet Mark Ofori Gyimah—popularly known as Sofo Kaakyire—has taken a firm and uncompromising stance against the practice.
Prophet Kaakyire insists that ministry is a divine calling for service, not a business venture.
The Associate Pastor of the Salvation Word Worship Centre expressed deep disappointment over recent media reports involving a Kumasi‑based pastor who allegedly demanded GH¢10,000 before resolving a marital issue for a woman.
A Divine Mandate, Not a Transaction
Speaking on the matter, Prophet Kaakyire—who also serves as host pastor of the Heaven Keys Prayer Centre—described such financial demands as unbiblical and fraudulent.
He reminded fellow ministers that the power to provide spiritual direction, healing and breakthroughs is a gift from God, not a commodity.
“According to the scriptures, these powers are given to us freely, and therefore we are commanded to render them freely,” he stated.
“If our primary calling is to save souls from bondage, then at what point did God authorize us to charge fees before offering service?” he questioned.
He emphasized that while pastors are entitled to support or honorarium, it must come from genuine appreciation and good works, not mandatory fees imposed under the cover of religious authority.
Addressing the Culture of Ingratitude
Prophet Kaakyire acknowledged that the rise in commercialized ministry is partly a reaction to public ingratitude.
He noted that many people seek help from pastors and disappear once their problems are solved, failing to show appreciation to God or the vessels He used.
However, he cautioned that human ingratitude is not a biblical excuse for extortion.
“The fact that some individuals are ungrateful after receiving their breakthroughs does not justify turning the House of God into a marketplace,” he pointed out.
“As pastors, we must remain focused on the Word of God and the salvation of souls, regardless of whether a beneficiary chooses to financially support the ministry or not.”
The Call for Integrity
Prophet Kaakyire reiterated that the actions of fake pastors are bringing immense disgrace to the priesthood and casting a shadow over those truly called to serve.
He urged fellow clergymen to detach ministry from the pursuit of wealth, warning that those who hide behind the Bible to commit fraud will ultimately face God’s judgment.
To help reverse the disturbing trend, he encouraged believers to cultivate a heart of gratitude and responsibility when they receive divine intervention through their pastors.
“When a man of God stands in the gap for you and your problems are solved, it is a scriptural principle to honor the work of God,” Prophet Kaakyire concluded.