An Evangelical pastor in the US has said people can “speed up” the process of Jesus returning to earth by donating more money to congregations.

Speaking during a live TV programme Victorython, right-wing evangelical pastor, Jesse Duplantis, said: “I honestly believe this - the reason why Jesus hasn’t come is because people are not giving the way God told them to give."

“When you understand this, you can speed up the time,” he continued.

Pastor Duplantis leads Covenant Church in Louisiana and is the founder of Jesse Duplantis Ministries. He is been known to be part of the prosperity gospel movement, which preaches that financial blessing and physical well-being are always the will of God for them.

“I realized that I will not move people emotionally to give, I’m gonna have people move according to the word of God. What is God saying to you?," Pastor Duplantis continued. He then urged people to donate on the number appearing on screen emphasising that in that way “God the Father would say ‘Jesus, go get ‘em.’”

A clip shared by Twitter account Right Wing Watch of the programme has gone viral, sparking a big backlash against Pastor Duplantis.

One user said: “Can you believe this crap? How can people be so lost and not understand that you don't have to fund the lives of Pathetic People like these?"

“Do not listen to these Evil Men! They are what is wrong with this world. This is what the Bible says to avoid, is ministers like these!!" wrote another.

Another one said: "How is this legal? Saying that viewers can "speed up the return of Christ by donating" should 100% count as false advertising, right?"

Pastor Duplantis was recently criticised after critics said he was not doing enough to help people affected by Hurricane Ida. Covenant Church is located in Louisiana, one of the areas most affected by the hurricane.

In a Facebook post, the 72-year-old pastor revealed he had donated $100,000-worth of generators and had plans to “do even more”.