“Most pastors rush for Church weddings because of the money they get from offering” – Sammy Adu Boakye

Head Prpgrams at Kessben FM and host for Streams Of Life, Sammy Adu Boakye has shared thoughts on the commercial dynamics of church weddings in Ghana. He made bold claims that many pastors rush to officiate church weddings not out of spiritual duty, but because of the money they receive from offerings and other related contributions. His statements sparked an intense conversation about the commercialization of religion and the motivations behind wedding ceremonies in the church.

Sammy Adu Boakye emphasized that in recent years, church weddings have become a major source of income for many pastors. According to him, pastors are increasingly focusing on church weddings because they have learned to capitalize on the significant amounts of money that come from offerings, gifts, and other fees associated with weddings.

“Many pastors rush to perform wedding ceremonies because of the money they receive,” Adu Boakye said on Streams of Life. “It has become a business for some, and it’s not just about the sanctity of marriage or the couple’s journey with God. It’s about the funds that can be collected through the process.”

Adu Boakye noted that church weddings often come with hefty fees, from the wedding service itself to charges for using the church facilities and the customary donations made by the couple and their families. These financial gains can quickly add up, which is why some pastors, according to Adu Boakye, are keen to officiate as many weddings as possible.

He did not shy away from expressing his concern over the spiritual integrity of church weddings in Ghana, pointing out that for some pastors, the emphasis on financial gain could undermine the true purpose of marriage as a sacred covenant. He argued that weddings, which should be a sacred occasion to unite couples before God, have been reduced to business transactions for some individuals in the ministry.

“There is nothing wrong with pastors receiving offerings and donations, but there is a fine line between supporting the church and exploiting vulnerable couples who are seeking to celebrate one of the most important days of their lives,” Adu Boakye said.

He called for a return to the core values of the church and a renewed focus on spiritual guidance and support for couples, rather than prioritizing financial profit.

He also pointed out the importance of marriage counseling and proper guidance from pastors, which is often overshadowed by the pursuit of financial gains. While church weddings may seem like a joyous occasion, Sammy Adu Boakye reminded listeners that marriage is a lifelong commitment that requires emotional, mental, and spiritual preparation.