Pastor Ng’ang’a reveals how childhood poverty shaped his stance against prosperity gospel

Neno Evangelism founder, televangelist James Maina Ng’ang’a, has revealed how growing up in abject poverty influenced his spiritual teachings and led him to discourage pastors from preaching prosperity gospels.

Speaking during a TikTok live on Friday, January 23, 2026, Pastor Ng’ang’a opened up about his upbringing in Subukia, where he was one of nine children, including seven boys and two girls, all raised by a single mother who worked as a farmer on a white man’s farm.

“I suffered greatly as a child because one of my parents had passed away. We were nine children in our home, seven boys and two girls, and we all had the same mother,” he narrated.

The pastor revealed that the harsh circumstances of his childhood forced him to miss out on formal education, a sacrifice that shaped his faith journey and understanding of true spiritual wealth.

He noted that despite these challenges, he has been blessed with health, financial stability, and material success in his adult life, yet he continues to emphasise spiritual values over worldly gain.

“I remember that we were living in Subukia, and there was no formal employment, so my mother worked as a farmer on a white man’s farm. That is when I lost the chance for education. I am speaking to you now because I am blessed; I have learned, I have vehicles, I have money, I am healthy, and I am seventy-three years old,” he shared.

Ng’ang’a narrated that his experiences taught him to focus on preaching repentance and salvation rather than monetary prosperity.

He explained that believers should follow Jesus not for the promise of wealth, but because of His divine nature and the eternal life He offers.

He warned that prosperity-focused preaching often mirrors the temptations presented to Jesus by the devil and that worldly wealth is fleeting, leaving nothing behind at the time of death.

“If you believe in Jesus, do not believe in Him because of money. Believe in Him because He is the Son of God, and when He comes into your life, He will elevate you from one level to another. Do not preach wealth. Do not preach like the devil did, when he tempted Jesus saying that he would give Him power if He bowed down,” Ng’ang’a said.

The televangelist further reflected on the contrast between his modest upbringing and his current life, underscoring that true faith is measured not by material success but by spiritual growth and devotion.

He encouraged fellow pastors and believers to prioritise eternal values and to guide congregations toward repentance, humility, and moral integrity.

“Preach so that people can repent. It is better to go to the grave poor but with eternal life, because all other things are worldly, and you will leave them behind when you die,” he added.

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