Archbishop John Osa-Oni, Presiding Bishop of Vineyard Christian Ministry, spoke to journalists as the church celebrated its 37th anniversary, reflecting on the power of worship, trials of leadership, and his vision for the future. ADEOLA OGUNLADE reports.
Congratulations on Vineyard Christian Ministry’s 37th anniversary. How do you feel?
This is my most joyful moment. I’m grateful to God for sound health, peace of mind, and the privilege to celebrate. We danced; we worshipped—what I love most. Many people talk too much; sometimes, God just wants to worship him. In 2 Chronicles 16, they blew trumpets, and the wall of Jericho fell. I do more of praise and dancing. Worship touches the heart of God in ways that even praise can’t. Jesus said in John 4. I love to praise God. I am a cow without a tail, God shows me mercy.
You mentioned worship is deeply personal to you…
Yes, I love to dance and worship. I disturb my wife sometimes—she’s quiet. I’m not! But our God is the same. Worship is my lifestyle. I don’t have fleets of cars anymore. I had SUVs, but God told me to sell them, and I obeyed. When I obey, my heaven opens.
Beyond worship, what other anniversary activities took place?
We had a medical outreach, as we do regularly. There’s a doctor and nurse stationed full-time at our premises, paid by the church. They serve from Monday to Friday, sometimes even during Sunday services. We’re here to help—Luke was a doctor. We care, and God heals.
By 2026, you will be 70. Are you thinking of stepping aside? What’s your succession plan?
I’m willing to step aside, but only if I find the right successor. Since the crisis in 2003, I have been trusting God for 22 years. I have done my part for 53 years, preaching since 1972. But leadership must go to someone with an apostolic drive, not just to occupy a seat. Like Pastor E.A. Adeboye, he expanded Redeemed massively. We can see the number of RCCG churches that God used him to establish. I want someone who will turn the church around and not scatter it. We need that kind of visionary.
How many branches does Vineyard have currently?
About 20. We were close to 30 before, but we shut down some. Growth isn’t just numbers—it’s about stability and purpose.
Are you satisfied with the state of the Nigerian church today?
There’s division. One pastor says this, another says that. But it’s not new. Even in Paul’s time, some followed Apollos, some followed Paul. As long as Christ is preached, that’s what matters. I don’t argue with anyone.
What about young ministers who publicly criticize senior pastors?
The basic truth is that who are the fathers, and who called them father? The fact that I am the Archbishop of Vineyard does not make me a father of other ministries. Not a father who has not impacted your life in any way. You don’t call someone “father” unless you have drunk from their well. Many who call themselves fathers didn’t labour over anyone—they just want the title. The only man I called father is Archbishop Benson Idahosa. When you are in any crisis, he would leave his work and be with you to make sure your head is out of water. Where are the fathers? Who are the fathers? Though Archbishop Idahosa is late now, there is no one like Baba Idahosa. Idahosa would not pitch the Church of God Mission in a city where he had his sons. I was in Lagos; he would rather want to preach for me rather than coming to squeeze with his children. That is a man who has a large heart for the kingdom. There are places I can pitch our branch because if I come to preach for you, I cannot come to hang a branch around you. His character and integrity are not a match. If I want to get land for my church, another church will come with more money and buy the same property. Where are we going? Is that Christ
Looking back, what’s the biggest change you have seen in ministry over the decades?
The absence of selfless fathers. In the ’80s, when I wanted to start Vineyard, I went to Pa Elton in Ilesa, Osun State. I stayed for three days. He didn’t speak until after God spoke to him. That kind of integrity is scarce today. Now, if you are not from someone’s tribe, forget it. Who are those to pray and tell you the truth and not self-interest? In those days, there are people who you would go to, and they will counsel you. I don’t know whether we still have them today, from what I went through since 2003, I doubt, except it is your tribal person, if not, you are largely on your own today.
How do we recover from this trend?
We need a genuine mega revival. But when revival comes, some people will fall out. That’s the truth.
There’s been debate about gospel artistses being paid. What’s your view?
If that’s their profession, they should be supported. I pay our instrumentalists over half a million monthly. They don’t have other jobs. You don’t muzzle the ox that treads the grain. Music ministers are part of the body too—Ephesians 4 didn’t list them, but 1 Corinthians 12 shows they’re just as vital. It is because, over the years, the church had neglected them, and that led them to begin to demand payment
You briefly touched on a major crisis in 2003. What happened?
I almost closed down my church because of conspiracy—internal and external. That incident almost ceased my life and the ministry, but for grace. For 22 years, things have not been the way they should be. In those days, I didn’t lack money. Between 1989 and 2003, everything I needed was at my beck and call, but after 2003, some big men of God moved with my subordinate. From 3,000 congregants, my church came down to less than 20. The reason I celebrate President Tinubu till today was his approval for the C of O of my church when he was the Lagos State Governor, and that was in the midst of my crisis. He did not know me. I can never forget him. A wicked man forgets the good done yesterday. For me, I can never forget and good that President Tinubu or anybody has done for me. The greatest asset and liability in life is human beings, and it depends on how they show up in your life. In our church, people have been fantastic because in the midst of our crisis, some men stood for me and some I laboured over did not. I wish the Archbishop was alive in 2003 because I know I would not have gone through what happened. The Archbishop was a great man of God who would stand with you come rain, come sunshine.
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How did you survive that season?
By His grace. I was on 30mg of blood pressure medication. But God used people—Pastor Paul and Pastor Wale Adefarasin stood by me. Paul even paid my staff and missionaries for six months. Wale supported the building project. God of miracles will always show up when we need to repay him. Some youths sold their bank shares to help. Thank God for the strength of our youth. Most have relocated now, and some are in different ministries today. Vineyard is strong today because some men stood in the gap for me. I’m forever grateful.
You mentioned a loan—how are you managing that?
I took a loan in the U.S. through a friend—about $75,000. It’s over ₦100 million now. I have never used one dime for personal comfort. I’m committed to repaying it. God is helping. I just want to settle the debt, stay alive, and keep our friendship intact.
What’s your message as Vineyard moves forward?
God has been faithful. Through storms, betrayals, and loss, He kept us. Men may fail you, but God won’t. My story is proof. I don’t know how, but He did it—and He’ll do it again.