In the documentary Millionaire Preachers, Dr. Sign Fireman, a pastor from Nigeria, says that he believes God wants him to be rich and denies that Jesus had a humble life.

"Jesus was rich and had an accountant who followed him around," Fireman says in the film, which shows how millions of Nigerians crowd into many churches around that country, seeking divine intervention to their problems.

The film shows Fireman doing miracle healing and claiming to have God-given powers that can raise the dead and heal the cripple and blind.

As the service closes, the crowd throws money at Fireman's feet. The amount of money is so great that ushers have to collect it in bins. Worshippers here claim that God repays those who give money with good fortune.

When the service is over, Fireman leaves in his yellow Hummer, an expensive vehicle by African standards.

Wealthy pastors

It all boils down to the giving of tithes. In Biblical teachings, it is believed that giving at least 10 percent of your wealth to God's cause brings you more blessings and it's a duty for every Christian.

But some sprouting Pentecostal churches are now using this provision to exploit churchgoers. It is no wonder that miracles, sleek cars, and bodyguards to protect the men of God are part of the lucrative business religion has become. 

Fireman's Perfect Christianity Ministry has over 40 branches in Nigeria. And that is the result of his teaching that being rich is a sign of spiritual blessings.

In June 2011, Forbes magazine published a list of the five richest pastors in Nigeria

Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel, worth $150 million, topped the list. He owns a private jet donated to him by the congregation and runs the Dominion Publishing House, which produces his books that deal with wealth and God. The Winners Chapel church has a presence in over 120 countries including Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya.

Others on the list of wealthy preachers include: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of the Christ Embassy, the first African televangelist to broadcast globally 24 hours a day. Forbes could not quantify his wealth although it is estimated to be between $30 and 50 million. Joshua Temitope of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), present in Nigeria, Ghana, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Greece, estimated net worth of $15 million, claims to possess powers to heal diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer and even polio. Mathew Ashimolowo, a Nigerian who heads the Kingsway International Christian Center, with businesses in media publication of gospel literature, estimated to be worth around $6 million.