Nnadiebube Journal of Religion, Culture and Society

The phrase "the church is a scam" describes Nigerian churches' growing reputation for fraud. It examines how financial mismanagement, sexual immorality, erroneous prophecies, hypocrisy, and other church issues damage trust. Social and traditional media scandals are weakening Christianity's effect on Nigeria's morality and society. The mixed-methods study used quantitative and qualitative data to explain these impressions. Researchers surveyed 356,100 Nigerians in 14 Christian-oriented states in person and via Google Forms. In the qualitative component, 24 key informant interviews and 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 46,000 participants were used to explore personal and social narratives that undermine church credibility. Quantitative data analysis included descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multiple regression, whereas qualitative data were analysed using NVIVO theme analysis. Research shows that financial malfeasance, sexual impropriety, and hypocrisy lead to a perception of church fraud. Many say religious leaders profit from their followers while living in luxury. The media is necessary because viral videos, digital conversations, and investigative journalism breed scepticism. Younger, more educated people are more critical in these evaluations. However, financially transparent and accountable churches are trusted. The study recommends ethical church leaders, transparent financial management, congregants' engagement in financial and administrative choices, and independent monitoring bodies to review church funds. Churches must own up to their fault, compensate victims, and put gospel-centered missions before consumerism. The media and public must be accountable to rebuild trust. This study examines religion, trust, and accountability. It advises Nigerian and international religious organisations on restoring integrity, transparency, and public trust in the church's moral authority.

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