The founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has said preaching messages focused on hell and condemnation may not be effective in winning Nigerians to Christianity, given the economic hardship many people are already experiencing.

Speaking during a sermon on compassion, Ibiyeomie said evangelism should place greater emphasis on God's love, mercy and ability to transform lives rather than threats of eternal punishment.

According to the cleric, Nigerians facing hunger, hardship and other difficult circumstances may struggle to connect with messages that focus primarily on suffering in the afterlife.

“You can imagine preaching hell to Nigerians; they are already in hell. There is no way you will preach hell to Nigerians and anybody will be born again,” he said.

Ibiyeomie urged Christians to assure people of God's love and willingness to intervene in their situations, stressing that compassion remains an effective tool for winning souls.

“Compassion will make you tell them, ‘Jesus loves you.’ In spite of what you’re going through, He will show you His mercy,” he added.

The pastor explained that compassion goes beyond merely sympathising with people, noting that it requires recognising their struggles, genuinely caring about them and taking practical steps to offer help.

He also encouraged believers to demonstrate God's nature through kindness, forgiveness and sincere concern for others.