Leila Djansi Slams Church Reward System

 

American-based Ghanaian filmmaker and director, Leila Jewel Djansi has stirred conversation on social media with a thought-provoking critique of the modern church, highlighting what she describes as the monetization of Christianity and the exploitation of church workers.

In a candid Facebook post dated May 20, 2025, Djansi questioned the disparity in how churches treat their leaders compared to ordinary members who volunteer their time and efforts. She expressed concern over the growing trend of pastors receiving earthly rewards such as salaries, luxurious gifts and cars while the congregation is told their rewards await them in heaven.

So, the church expects its workers to receive their reward in heaven while the pastor receives his reward here on earth; Salary gifts, the pastor’s appreciation with houses and cars. The mother of all scams, she wrote.

Djansi didn’t hold back in describing the situation as spiritual manipulation. She voiced particular worry over how the theology of grace is being used to subtly enslave believers through what she termed “spiritual blackmail.”

I dunno why God is not performing Old Testament gymnastics and has brought this grace that is being used to keep his children in bondage through spiritual blackmail, she lamented.
Very soon we’ll stay home read our Bibles and take our tithes straight to hospitals and orphanages where they might actually do God’s work, she added.

The award-winning filmmaker further decried how the gospel has become commercialized, stating bluntly that people are now pimping Jesus for profit.

Despite her strong criticisms Leila Djansi also offered some guidance and hope in the comments section of her post. She encouraged believers not to give up on their faith but to continue serving God from a place of love and sincerity rather than expectation.

Serving is serving, not a transaction. You can serve in the church for years, and see no reward. And people who’ve never cleaned a church pew will send their children to Harvard. I have witnessed both,” she shared.
How God chooses to bless anyone is not in our control and is none of our business. Our job is to trust and obey.

Her post has since generated a mixed response online, with some praising her for speaking out against hypocrisy in the church, while others argue that her stance may discourage church involvement.

Nonetheless Leila Djansi’s bold statement opens up a broader conversation on accountability, fairness, and the true essence of Christian service in today’s religious landscape.