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Category: Worship

  • Breaking invisible barriers by God’s word! (2)

    Breaking invisible barriers by God’s word! (2)

    Welcome to the last segment of this month’s teaching.  Let us attempt a brief recap of the month’s teachings. In the first week, I taught on how you can experience the wonders on the Word of God. I told you that God’s Word is pregnant with wonders and this is why all miracles, signs and wonders are direct confirmations of the Word (Mark 16:20).

    I showed you what it takes to access the wonders in the Word of God, namely:

    •One must be born again(Mark 4:11/ John 6: 63).

    •One must be filled with the Holy Ghost (John 16:12-13; John 14:26).

    • One must be Spiritual (1Corinthians 1:7; 1Corinthians 3:1-3).

    •One must walk in the Spirit (Rev. 1:10; Romans 8:6; 1Cor. 15:23).

    •One must desire more Revelation (Isaiah 44:3; 1Corinthians 8:2).

    •One must engage in the study of the Word (2Tim. 2:15; Jer. 15:16).

    In the second week, we discussed how to engage in the study of the Word. I said we must get addicted to the study of the Word and make it our lifestyle, by feeding on the Word daily in order to stay alive and well. The Bible admonishes that we meditate on the Word day and night; then, we will make our way prosperous and have good success (2Timothy 2:15; Jeremiah 15:16; Joshua 1:8).

    I showed you some Covenant Requirements for our Settlement such as being born again (Galatians 5:22, Isaiah 9:6, Philippians 4:7), going after the Word (2 Peter 1:2, Psalm 119:165), being planted in the House of the Lord (Psalm 92:13-15) and making a choice to serve God. Serving God is not a calling or a gift; it is a choice(Joshua 24:15).

    In the third week, I discussed the turnaround effect of God’s Word on our destiny.I showed you what our destiny is worth in redemption. You will recall that we said God’s Word in the scriptures make us understand that:

    We have a victorious destiny in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14).

    We have a glorious destiny (1 Peter 5:10; Rom. 8:29-30).

    We have an enviable destiny (Genesis 26:14; Galatians 4:28).

    We have a prosperous destiny in Christ (2 Cor. 8:9; 2 Cor. 9:8-11).

    We have a destiny of fruitfulness in the covenant(Deuteronomy 7:14; Ps 89:34; Matthew 5:17).

    We have a destiny of health and vitality in the covenant (Exodus 23:25). None of our covenant fathers were ever recorded sick; instead, they enjoyed health and vitality all through their lives.

    Longevity is our portion in the covenant (Psalm 91:16). All our covenant fathers enjoyed long life. These include Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Joshua, etc (Isaiah 51:1-3; Genesis 25:7; Genesis 35:27-28; Genesis 47:28; Deuteronomy 37:7; Joshua 24:29).

    I taught on how you can encounter destiny—

    Through the Bible – The Living Word of God.

    Through anointed books (Hosea 12:10).

       I showed you some benefits of encounters with the Word:

    •Encounter with the Word connects us with destiny, our inheritance. For example, Jacob had a glorious destiny through an encounter with God (Isaiah 9:8).

    •Encounter with the Word preserves our destiny, as in the case of Joseph.  (Psalm 105:17-22).

    •It dignifies destiny, as it was with Samuel, who had series of encounters with the Word and emerged an honourable man of God(1 Sam. 3:21, 1 Samuel 9:6).

    •It advances destiny. Diverse encounters with the Word enlarged the destinies of Abraham and Moses (Gen. 12:1-3; Gen. 22:17-18; 1Samuel 12:6).

    Friend, the power to see invisible barriers crumble, is for those born again. You get born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are set for this, please say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now, I know I am born again!”

    Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, you can get my books: The Force Of Freedom, Walking In Dominion and Maximize Destiny .

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. respectively.

    I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • Cleric charges on good hygiene

    The District Superintendent of The Apostolic Faith Church, West/Central Africa, Rev Bayo Adeniran, has called on Christians to clean their environment and maintain good hygiene while trusting God for safe protection against Ebola Virus.

    Adeniran said this at the 2014 Apostolic Faith Church Camp Choir Concert recently at the faith city, Igbesa, Ogun State.

    The programme tagged The Power of holy worship attracted participants from West and Central Africa.

    It featured classical gospel songs sung in French, Egun, Hausa, and Yoruba languages.

    Church leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industries, academia, among graced the occasion.

    According to him, the environment is a gift given that God expects Christians to clean regularly.

    He said that the virus will have around us today can be contained “if we are very serious about good hygiene.”

    According to him: “We are not afraid of Ebola because God has delivered us from the spirit of Ebola. The fear of Ebola cannot come to us because we fear God first. We are not just to serve God but we must clean our environment.”

    Adeniran described diseases as an act of God to bring the people back to Him.

    He stated: “Any virus by the grace of God can be healed but the plagues that afflict a people are many times results of their sins and carelessness.

    “We don’t have to be careless about our hygiene but the correct hygiene starts from the inside of us when we have the right values that please the Lord.”

    Noting that governments are working hard on infrastructural and educational development, he said: “until the people have a change of heart and are committed to God and his principles, human effort to make life meaningful will fail.”

    The Emeritus Music Director of the church, who led the choir to sing Holy Jerusalem, Rev John Aina, said the essence of the concert was to win more souls to Christ.

    “Our music is an act of holy worship and our worship is patterned toward heavenly worship and when you worship God in the beauty of holiness, there is a power that is release into the life as well as the environment.”

  • ‘I’m not competing with anyone for anything’

    ‘I’m not competing with anyone for anything’

    Lawyer-turned general overseer of Ever Winning Faith Ministries, Ikeja, Lagos, Pastor Solomon Ojigiri, spoke with Sunday Oguntola on sundry issues relating to his church and Christendom. Excerpts: 

    How much has happened since we met last?

    Well, we have intensified our outreaches on Singles of Purpose. We held meetings in Ikeja and Lekki and had some really glorious moments. We talked about sex and had everyone comfortable enough to contribute.

    Some people gave their lives to Christ and those who have gone through rape came out for healing. The meetings were awesome and they asked us to come back again. So, we are planning to go back.

    You started out with Singles. Why was that?

    Actually, Singles of Purpose started in 2000. It was much later after we started ministry. I just found myself having a passion for relationship and marriage. While in school, I realised married people were always coming to me for counseling though I was a single.

    While on NYSC, I organised many fora for brothers and sisters. So, I started reading up on the area based on my passion. When we started out, I heard God telling me to help singles for a life without regret. So, we didn’t start out with singles but got into it along the line.

    What would be your reaction to gospel ministers who are specialists in one area or the other of the Bible?

    I believe very strongly that the fact is a specialist on one area does not mean he cannot teach on other aspects of the bible. I believe that our ministry is a faith-based ministry but you will find us teaching on many other areas. We have a special assignment to singles but we can’t dwell on that enough. For the church to be healthy, you have to teach on the whole bible.

    Some years ago, I was invited to minister in a church in Ibadan. The general overseer, who came from Lagos, was there. When I finished, he said he was the most surprised because he thought I could only preach on single issues. He confessed he was tremendously blessed.

    The fact that we talk on singles does not mean that is the only thing we do. I don’t think there is anything bad if a minister discovers what he is called to do, but for the church to be healthy, he has to offer balanced diet. It is balanced diet that makes one healthy.

    You can’t preach on only one subject and expect the church to be healthy. You must talk about faith, purity, holiness, prayer and everything in the scriptures.

    How about pastors who have branded their sermons only around one subject matter? Is that right a thing to do?

    You can discover your special assignment but cannot say you want your church to be known for something. You are a servant of God, not the owner of the church. It’s not for the product to determine what it would be but the manufacturer will do that.

    Some say pastors should be on full-time while others say they should find alternative means of livelihood to save church costs. Where do you stand on this?

    My view is that some people are called on full time ministry. For me, it is about conviction. I don’t feel there is anything bad if you are not doing it on full time based on conviction. The only challenge I have is to think that everybody must do ministry the way you are doing it. God has different assignments for different people with different methods. So, you have got to find what God wants for you.

    I know a man of God in Cameroon who believes he can combine ministry with being a Professor of Chemistry in Yaoundé. He believes God called him to be a professor and impact students. So, for me, it depends on what God called you to be and do. What is important is doing only what God wants you to do.

    I don’t want to live my life based on what others are doing. We may not have the same assignments or have the same convictions. So, for me, it’s about you and God.

    As a minister to singles, can you introduce mature waiting spouses or match-make people?

    When we talk of match-making, I tell people I don’t think it is bad to provide a platform for people to meet. What I think is wrong is if you say ‘why don’t you marry so so and so so person?’ But we do provide platforms for people to interact and exchange contacts.

    There are mature, highly-placed persons who come to me to ask if there is someone I can recommend for them to marry. My response is that it would be difficult for me to do that because I don’t know people intimate enough.

    So, you have never been tempted to hook people?

    Well, it is not common with me because I would want them to pray and be convinced. You know if they have storms tomorrow, they would see me as the devil that brought them together. I allow people to make the choices themselves while we only provide platforms for them to mingle.   

    Lately, there have been agitations that the process of how church funds are spent should be more democratised. How do you react to this?

    I believe there is no where anywhere that everybody determines how money is spent. In government, societies and communities, there are always people you entrust to make that decision. In government, we have voted for some people to determine how monies are spent. We can’t have a debate or national conference on that.

    In the church too, there are leaders entrusted with that responsibility. A pastor can always call the board of ministers who can debate and consider what they will spend on. I leave our Financial Committee to come up with the budget while I only share my visions with them.

    We brainstorm and determine how we want to spend the money. Sometimes, we can’t rule out the fact that there would be emergencies for which the church must respond. When our brethren had accident in 2009, we had to come in. They came for one of our programmes and had an accident on their way back to Abuja in Ile-Ife. We stepped in and paid for their hospital bills.

    That was an emergency that we had to take on. Sometimes, God also leads us to make some expenses. I was lying down here one day when God told me about the name of one of our mechanics. I later heard he had an accident. So, we had to raise funds for him.

    So, there is no way everybody can determine how church fund is spent but leaders have to take up the responsibility.

    How many branches do you have now?

    We have two in Lagos, one in Abuja and another one in Port-Harcourt. The church just started in Australia and we are planning to take off in Ilorin too.

    Is it that you don’t believe in expansion or chose to take your time to open new branches? 

    Well, I like to be sure God is involved in whatever I do. I don’t want to do something that He will not fund that will now put me under unnecessary pressure.

    I don’t believe in competing with anybody at all. I am not into ‘we started ministry together and he is way ahead of me’.  That does not bother me at all. What bothers me is doing what God wants me to do exactly. I discover that many African ministers are into fierce competition but I have decided to just do what God wants me to do. How fast I move does not bother me. I don’t mind supporting others at all.

    I recently saw Billy Graham ministries helping some villagers in Malawi and Rwanda. I told my wife that God will have us do something about it. I even started weeping. I was wondering why African churches can’t support a need in their own continent. Why does it have to take Billy Graham to raise support for villagers in Africa? The reason is that we are all busy opening branches and expanding our territories instead of doing what God wants us to do.

    So, ministerial success is not about expansion?

    It is not at all. It has nothing to do with the size of your congregation or the branches under you. It is also not about the car you drive or the jet you fly. You have to find a bible-based definition of success. It is not about things but your assignment in life.

    Making money is not wrong if God helps you to. You can make money and still be a failure. It is about the impact you are making and the lives you are touching.

    If making money is your motivation, then you will make all that you can and can all that you make and sit on it, like someone said. There are churches with billions stashed away while needs are there everywhere.

  • Otubu to Nollywood: Stop portraying Aladura as evil

    The General Evangelist of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide (MCCSW), Professor Joseph Otubu, has appealed to Nollywood producers and script writers to stop painting the Aladura churches as occultic, wicked and criminally- minded.

    Though he noted some clerics have misrepresented the movement, Otubu said their practices are not limited to the Aladura Movement, stating that every denomination has its share of bad eggs.

    The gynecologist spoke last Sunday at the 50th anniversary and thanksgiving service of the church at its International Sub-Headquarters in Lekki, Lagos.

    He said although it is very easy to identify an Aladura member when he or she commits a crime, he stated that members of other denominations are culpable of greater crimes.

    He wondered: “Are the Aladura’s church members the worst of all persons in Nigeria? Are the Aladura the only people committing crimes?”

    The cleric added: “In every denomination, there are bad eggs but unfortunately our own bad eggs have been overemphasised and Nollywood should talk about sin and its repercussion in every assembly, denomination, association or religious association, not just in Aladura.”

    Praising the prayer fervour of the Aladura churches, Otubu said it is a remarkable legacy that must be sustained till the end.

    “Aladura churches have earned themselves the name because the foundation fathers of the Cherubim and Seraphim churches believed in the efficacy of prayers, God will always answer our prayers in his way, wisdom and in love.

    “I can tell you that the Aladura Church established by Orimolade is an excellent church built absolutely on the efficacy of prayer,” he stressed.

    He lamented that many churches organise prayer meetings with dirty hands and unclean hearts, expecting God whose eyes cannot behold sin to answer them.

    According to him: “If you are committing secretly or openly and have not found adequate time to repent wholly and solely as to receive God’s pardon, there is little or no hope of prayer being answered.”

    On the efficacy of prayers, he said: “Prayer is the key to opening the door to the presence of God.

    “Certain elements are required in prayer as exemplified in the classic prayer taught to the disciples in the Lord’s Prayer.”

    He stated churches must unite together as one big family to stem the tide of sin, unrighteousness and ungodly in the society.

    The National President of The Apostolic Church (TAC), Pastor Tola Odutola, also charged Nigerians to remain committed to prayers to fix the challenges facing the nation.

    “There is no hope aside from prayer and we must continue to pray. Our God will answer our prayer and will take all the problems that we have from Nigeria including the recent upsurge of insurgency,” Olutola assured.

    Dignitaries at the anniversary with the theme prayer is the key include Former Lagos Commissioner for Health, Dr. Leke Pitan; the President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, represented by Rev Femi Asiwaju; the President of the Apostolic Church, LAWNA Territory, Pastor Tola Odutola; the head of TEKAN/ECWA bloc, Rev Emmanuel Gigawu, among others.

  • Okonkwo turns 69

    The Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr Mike Okonkwo, will be 69 on September 6.

    Some of the activities lined up to mark his birthday include the 15th Mike Okonkwo annual lecture with the theme: The Power of your vote- a catalyst for a stable and united Nigeria.

    The lecture holds under the chairmanship of Professor George Obiozor with Prof. Akin Oyebode as the guest speaker.

    There would be presentation of gifts to the winners of the 11th Mike Okonwko National Essay Competition for Secondary School Students at the event on September 4th.

    On Saturday August 30th, the finals of the Mike Okonkwo’s soccer tournament between Maryland United Football Club of MaryLand and Current Football Club of Gbagada takes place at Yaba College of Technology Sports ground Yaba Lagos from 12pm.

    A special thanksgiving service for the celebration is at the TREM International Headquarters, Obanikoro Anthony Oke, Gbagada Express Way, Lagos on Sunday.

  • Breaking invisible barriers by God’s word!

    Every child of God is redeemed a star, a pacesetter, a role model and a trailblazer (Revelations 22:16; John 17:18). Also, every child of God is a spiritual tree. Not just a tree, but a cedar tree, the tallest amongst trees, a palm tree, ever flourishing, no dry season (Psalm 92:12; Isaiah 61:3).

    But, if the picture of our destiny is so enviable and glorious, why are many of us still living a bleak and colourless life? The answer is: Invisible barriers. God’s Word says: For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries (1 Corinthians 16:9).

    This scripture establishes that on the path to the realization of our glorious destinies are invisible barriers. This is why many believers today are struggling. They work very hard, but nothing seems to be working because there are invisible forces resisting their progress (Zechariah 1:17-21).

    What, then, must we do to see invisible barriers crumble?

    Remain in love with God: The love of God is our greatest security and guarantee for unstoppable advancement in the race of life (1 John 4:16-17). When we are truly in love, we dwell in God and God dwells in us. Therefore, whatever gives way to God must give way to us. David was in love with God, so he was not intimidated by the size of Goliath. This is because perfect love casts out fear (Psalm 24:7-10; 1 Samuel 17:43-50; 1 John 4:18).

    Furthermore, the three Hebrew boys were diehard lovers of God and they walked through the fiery furnace unhurt. Also, Daniel, a diehard lover of God could not be devoured by the lions. Indeed, when we are in love, all invisible barriers are crushed (Daniel 3:14-25; 6:16-20).

    Keep trusting God: Trusting God commits His integrity to clear off invisible barriers on our path. This was proven in the lives of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, when their faith graduated into trust, God showed up.

    Years ago, when my wife’s health was challenged, I told God, “That You heal her is not what makes You God, whether You heal her or not, You are still my God forever.” This is because faith believes that God can and God will do it, while trust means, even if God does not, it doesn’t change His position.

    Also, Job said: Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him (Job 13:15). People that overcome barriers do not just believe God, they trust Him (Ephesians 6:16).

    Be planted in God’s house: Zion is a spiritual service station, where we fellowship with heavenly bodies. Much more importantly, whenever we are in church, which is the City of Refuge, we come under the spiritual Blood of sprinkling that makes us untouchable entities (Obadiah 17; Psalm 91:1, 6-7;Hebrews 12:22-24).

    Remain steadfast in your service: When we serve God, barriers on our path crumble. Serving God entitles us to a triumphant ride in life, where barriers can’t stand our way. When the Israelites entered into a covenant to serve God, He cleared all the barriers on their path and gave them rest roundabout (2 Chronicles 15:12-15; Luke 10:17-19).

    How do we serve God?

    • Through Prayer Stewardship: This is serving God with prayer and fasting like Anna did (Luke 2:37). In prayer stewardship, we pray for the growth, expansion and wellbeing of the church and her members. Also, we pray that the Lord of the harvest brings in bountiful harvest to His church, and that every believer be perfected in their walk with God (Colossians 4:12; Ephesians 6:18).
    • Through Soul-winning: This is reaching out to lost souls for their salvation and establishment in the Kingdom (John 15:16).
    • Through the Church Service Units: This implies serving the people of God to make their stay in church comfortable. Understand that God spares and delivers those who serve Him (Malachi 3:17-18).

    In conclusion, I have also discovered that if you really love God, you will trust Him. If you really trust Him, you will serve Him and when you serve Him, He will honour you. It is your turn to be honoured! May we all receive grace to take full responsibility to see all the invisible barriers on the path of our destiny crushed!

    Friend, the power to see invisible barriers crumble, is for those born again. You get born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are set for this, please say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now, I know I am born again!”

    Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, you can get my books: The Force Of Freedom, Walking In Dominion and Maximize Destiny.

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. respectively.

    I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • Fulfill Christ’s mandate, cleric tasks Knights

    Christians have been advised to take the gospel mandate more seriously in line with the injunction of Christ.

    This was the focal point at a seminar of the Knights of the Order of Saint Mulumba Lagos Metropolitan recently.

    The theme of the seminar was Catholic Knighthood: A call to witness to Jesus.

    The seminar master, Rev. Father Anthony Okoro, in his reminded the Knights that Jesus gave his disciples a missionary mandate- to go and make disciples of all nations as recorded in Matthew 28:19 before his ascension.

    The cleric identified the mandate as “a mission to bear witness to him (Jesus) and his good news.”

    The same mission, he stated, is also the mission of all Catholic faithful, to stand for Jesus.

    He defined a witness as one who has a first-hand experience of an event and is ready to testify by giving a detail account of the event.

    According to the Priest, becoming witnesses involves three basic stages of being called, being a disciple and becoming an apostle.

    The cleric said: “There is a primary call and a secondary call. Being a member of Knights of St. Mulumba is a secondary call; a call within a call. It is a specific call for a specific mission.”

    He added: “The second stage is the period of being a disciple, the stage of learning. It is a period of catechetical instructions. It is a time to learn, to study, to have knowledge of the faith and of the mission, a period to equip ourselves for the mission while the third stage is being an apostle, one who is sent out to preach, to witness to the life of Christ.”

    Charging the Knights to always fight and stand for the truth, he said: “St Mulumba lived and died for the truth, we cannot call him our founder and not fight and stand for the truth.

    “The history of knights in the church was that of total loyalty to the church and complete defense of the truth. For years, it was physical defense but now a defense of the faith.”

    He identified Christian marriage as a key component of Catholic faith that is in danger of going into extinction in terms of rationalisation postulated by secular humanists, legislation from government among others.

    Other key components of Catholic faith under threat, according to him, include human family and its core values, worldliness and materialism, legalization of unorthodox practices such as gays and lesbians, triumph of social evil and political ills.

    He lamented that the family institution is seriously endangered with its sacred nature being down played by policies that are injurious to family values.

    Such policies range from extra working hours for young couples, shortened or removal of maternity leave, which indirectly dissuade couples from procreation, lack of family prayers and meals.

    On worldliness and materialism, Okoro said: “The rate at which men and women go after wealth is alarming. The drive for wealth is deeply rooted in us to the extent that we can sacrifice anything such as morality, values and integrity in order to acquire wealth.”

    He said that legalisation of practices such as gays and lesbians calls for sober reflection as it is a calculated attempt to redefine traditional truth such as marriage and sexual orientation.

  • Should churches use comedian in services?

    Should churches use comedian in services?

    For some time now, some churches have been inviting comedians to anchor their services. This practice has become controversial in the Christian community, reports Sunday Oguntola 

    Hell was literally let loose in a new generation Church a few weeks back. The general overseer was fuming. He was livid that the youth department had spent a whopping N750, 000 on honorarium to invite a popular comedian for its annual summit. The comedian, who requested for N1million to anchor the occasion, was persuaded to accept the cut.

    The general overseer, who was away on a foreign trip when the deal was sealed, was furious such amount was expended on someone “who is only interested in cracking ribs.” He wondered if any spiritual enrichment took place when the star comedian featured and castigated his pastors for allowing such ‘ignominy’ take place right under their nose.

    “I thought with all the teachings here and the seriousness we attach to the gospel, none of you will think of such infamy. How on earth can you bring a comedian to our pulpit? How can you expend N750, 000 on a comedian who did nothing but make jests? How much value did that add to you as a Christian? I am ashamed to be your general overseer,” the church founder stated.

    But the youth leadership was unimpressed by the stance of the general overseer. They felt he was too conservative and outlandish. “With due respect sir, I don’t see anything wrong in bringing a comedian to the church,” the youth pastor mildly started.

    “These youths come to church when they are happy. All we wanted was a bait to bring them before we preach the word to them. What we paid is very inconsequential sir if you consider what having five steady members from the summit will bring to us. Besides, we paid from our purses and did not approach the treasury for the fund. We were just trying to help and we see nothing wrong in what we did.”

    The general overseer was boiling by the time his youth pastor finished. He castigated the exuberance displayed by the department and insisted using a comedian in a service was inimical to the church’s health. The youth pastor, utterly disappointed, tendered his resignation. The general overseer was happy. According to him, the pastor was a bad influence polluting the youth department.

    Using comedian as anchors and comperes in churches has become a trend these days. It is not uncommon to see A-list comedians in churches, cracking ribs and smiling to the banks. The trend, our correspondent observed, is prevalent among new generation churches, especially model parishes.

    Those who embrace the idea confided in our correspondent that it is simply to shore up attendance, especially among the youthful elements. “You need more than persuasions to bring youths to church these days. You have to go the extra mile and use popular faces to interest them,” a youth leader, who craved anonymity, said.

    He argued that it is just like using popular singers and artistes to drive membership. “If you ask me, I don’t see anything bad in this. I mean we invite gospel artistes and singers, so why not Christian comedians? They light up the atmosphere and bring humour to play.

    “They make people relax and give room for the church to reach people through some other means other than the preachy angles. It is just as simple as that and we should not spiritualise things in this direction,” a female member of a Pentecostal church in Abeokuta stated.

    The parish priest of St Peter’s Anglican Church, Lekki Lagos, Rev. Asoliye Douglas-West, sees nothing wrong in the practice. He said: “Obviously, and without doubt, the art of comedy is a talent. Every individual has benevolently received some gift of endowments from God. So do the comedians.

    “Then why should we restrict the choice of arena where such talents could be displayed? The church is a very dynamic institution which is not alienated from the environment but in due manner connected to the world, otherwise atrophy would encroach on its fabric.

    “The church is also a platform where potentialities could be identified, nurtured, and energies channelled into creative and profitable enterprise. There is nothing out of place inviting comedy artistes to anchor programmes in the church for as long as they do not poke obscene fun at the revered personality of Jesus or diminish the Holiness of God.”

    Douglas-West added: “Comedy contains satires and caricatures which mirror ills and contradictions of the society. Beyond the rib-cracking jokes and wisecracks, the issues bordering on the wellbeing of society highlighted should provoke the thoughts and conscience of the listening audience to cause a change in our attitude and relationships.”

    But the general overseer of House Favour Church Egbeda, Rev. Bayode Olubo, frowned at such practice. He said: “I hate it because it is a means of desperation. I know they want to use them to invite youths but Jesus would never do that. When comedians come, they offer no inspiration, even if they are Christians.”

    He said the pulpit is a sacred place that must be protected by all means. “The church is the only property of God on earth and it must be protected with consciousness. The Holy Spirit has left many churches because such comedians pollute the altars.”

    The General Secretary of Lagos Chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Toyin Kehinde, said there is nothing wrong in inviting comedians to social functions organised by Christians. He, however, said comedians must never officiate in services because they don’t instruct Christians on righteousness.

    “There are Christian comedians, but are they teaching us to be better Christians? Are they praying for us to be healed? Are they coming to instruct us to be disciples? There are also Christian bankers and drivers who work elsewhere and come to church for instructions. Should they also start functioning in churches because they are Christians?”

    Kehinde, who is general overseer of Agape Generation Church Maryland, said churches must rededicate themselves to instruction in righteousness and leave inconsequential acts that tend to subtract as against adding value to their mandates.

    To the President of International Church Growth Ministries, Dr Francis Akin-John, humour is a necessary ingredient among Christians. He pointed out that even God laughs and is humorous. “God has a good sense of humour. Even Psalm 2 says that God laughs. We can be humorous but we must never be jesters.”

    Comedians, he explained, are jesters who trivialise serious issues of great values to the church. “Bringing comedians turn churches to commercial and entertainment centres. People just laugh off serious issues of eternity. These comedians jest on pastors, the church and even God.”

    He pointed out that Ephesians 5:14 warns against jesting that is not convenient, warning to get over the practice of bringing comedians to anchor their services for whatever reasons. “It is wrong and God is not happy about it,” Akin-John maintained.

  • WHAT AND WHERE?: God’s Covenant Woman International celebrates at two

    The second anniversary of God’s Covenant Woman International Outreach holds next Sunday with the theme “realm of glory”.

    It holds by 12noon at GCWIO auditorium Unity Estate, Pakuro in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    The chief host, Rev (Mrs.) Irene Agbanobi (JP), in a statement, said that God will bless every participant.

    Guest speakers include Pastor Benny Apena (Rhema World Ministry, Lagos) and Pastor Olaolu Ojo of Christ Apostolic Church, Lagos among others.

    Baptist youths meet

    The annual youth summit of Triumphant Baptist Church Akowonjo takes place next Saturday.

    The theme of the summit, which holds at Shonowo Hall behind Mr. Biggs, Akowonjo, Lagos, is the visionary youth.

    A renowned educationist, Mrs. Olukemi Oke; The  Chief Finance Officer of Leadway PFA, Mr. Abayomi Adesope and the senior pastor of the church, Dr Sunday Oladejo, will minister to the youths.

  • My vision for Lagos PFN, by new helmsman

    THe newly elected chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Sola Ore, has said his administration will pursue unity among Christians.

    He spoke at a meeting of the new executive committee, which is due for inauguration on August 29 at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju Lagos.

    Ore told the new executives that there was a need for Christians to come together and work towards advancing the body of Christ to make a meaningful impact in the country.

    According to him: “We want to build the body of Christ by fostering love among members.

    “We want to extend fellowship to members outside the fold. We really have to humble ourselves to do this.

    “We want to create a sense of belonging to everyone. There is no small church. We have growing churches.”

    Ore, who is also the General Overseer of Love Aglow Ministry, added that his administration will pursue a policy that will give every member a sense of belonging.

    He assured that “the new administration will empower grassroots ministers.

    “We will try to do something. Whatever we can do, we want to improve the minister himself. Information is empowerment. We need to educate our people.”

    He charged the new executive to be ready for service, saying “I want to appeal to you all get ready for real work. We have a responsibility to reposition the PFN in Lagos for greater service.

    “The past executive has worked a lot. We should help to build on what they have done and make our members feel a sense of belonging.”