Pastoring 1, 000 congregate from 35 nations in the United States, Rev. John Aniemeke, Lead Pastor of Bethel Covenant Assembly of God in San Antonio, Texas at the just concluded Peniel Convention of the General Council of Assemblies of God in Enugu, Nigeria spoke to Adeola Ogunlade, about his ministry, lessons learned, the LGBTQ phenomenon, and other issues
Let us into how you came into ministry.
Thank God! I serve as the lead pastor at the Bethel Covenant in San Antonio, Texas, USA. I’m truly grateful to be here for the General Counsel Conference and to celebrate this annual event. It’s wonderful to be back in Nigeria. I was born and raised in Nigeria, where I pursued my education at the University of Ibadan before moving to the U.S. While I initially trained as a dental surgeon, I have always been involved in ministry, which runs in my family as my father was also a pastor. Twelve years ago, God called us to start a church in San Antonio, and we began with just eight people in my living room. Today, God has blessed our ministry with over a thousand members from diverse backgrounds.
What similarities do you see in ministry here in Nigeria and in the U.S.?
Ministry in both Nigeria and the U.S. ultimately revolves around meeting spiritual needs, although the methods differ due to cultural and societal differences. In Nigeria, the challenges often lie in addressing basic needs and building faith in the face of limited resources. In the U.S., while many material needs are met by the government, people face emotional and spiritual struggles that remind them of their deep need for God.
Both contexts require authenticity and integrity in ministry. Nigerian resilience and a strong spiritual foundation have equipped me to minister effectively in the U.S. By God’s grace, our church is a multicultural space with people from over 35 nations, Asian, Spanish, and African—reflecting the global unity of the kingdom of God.
Pastoring 1,000 people from 35 nations is remarkable. How were you able to achieve it?
It’s all by the grace of God. When we started with eight people in my living room, we focused on prayer, discipleship, and building leaders who could help disciple others. The saying, “Shepherds don’t give birth to sheep; sheep give birth to sheep,” is so true. A well-disciple congregation shares the vision with others, creating a ripple effect.
We emphasized intentional discipleship, authenticity, and integrity in everything we did. For the first seven or eight years, we worked quietly and consistently, laying a strong foundation. We were not seeking quick results but were faithful to the small things. Over time, God blessed the work, and the ministry grew organically.
How do you as a Nigerian pastor approach the topic of LGBTQ individuals and communities in the Western world, especially given the diverse societal norms and legal frameworks?
First, I always anchor my response in Scripture. In John 3:17, Jesus said, “I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.” This principle shapes our approach. Society has always faced challenges—be it racism, ethnic tensions, or issues like LGBTQ lifestyles. These are not new phenomena. Even in biblical times, there were societal sins like those seen in Sodom and Gomorrah.
The way to address these issues isn’t by fighting or condemning people but by showing them the love of Christ. The Bible teaches us to “overcome evil with good” and to demonstrate “a more excellent way.” Through love and the gospel, we offer a transformative message that invites people to experience the grace of God.
Does Bethel Assemblies of God accept LGBTQ individuals into church membership or leadership roles?
As a church, we hold firmly to biblical teachings. Therefore, we do not accept individuals living an LGBTQ lifestyle into membership or leadership positions, as their lifestyle conflicts with our beliefs. However, we absolutely do not deny anyone the opportunity to attend our church.
We believe in welcoming everyone who walks through our doors. They are free to come and experience the message of Christ. Many of those who have come—whether they identified as lesbian or homosexual—have encountered the love of God, repented, and found deliverance. Today, some of these individuals are faithful followers of Christ, serving the Lord wholeheartedly.
How do you minister to LGBTQ individuals who come to your church?
We treat them as individuals seeking help, just as a sick person goes to a doctor. Many come to the church because they recognize that something in their lives is not right. They are looking for a Savior, a place that will offer love while guiding them to find the truth.
In such cases, we provide spiritual support, counseling, and, where needed, deliverance. Deliverance is a key part of our ministry training, especially in Nigeria, where we are equipped to address deeply rooted spiritual issues. It’s not just about addressing LGBTQ struggles but all sin and challenges caused by the devil—whether lying, cheating, or other forms of bondage.
Can you share examples of transformations you’ve witnessed in this area?
Certainly, I have seen individuals who came to the church burdened by their struggles but open to the gospel. Through consistent love, prayer, and the power of deliverance, they experienced transformation. These individuals now testify to the freedom they’ve found in Christ and are actively involved in the church.
What’s remarkable is that this transformation often leads them to invite others. They tell their friends, “I found freedom here, and you can too.” This is how the gospel works—it draws people in through love and leads to lasting change.
How does your cultural background influence your ministry approach in the West?
Coming from Nigeria, where ministry training emphasizes spiritual warfare and deliverance, I’ve found that this background equips me well for addressing complex issues. In the West, there might be less emphasis on the spiritual management of such struggles, but the deliverance ministry handles these issues comprehensively.
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By offering a holistic approach—grounded in the Word of God, prayer, and spiritual support—we have been able to minister effectively in this cultural context.
How should the Nigerian church prepare for this?
The church must recognize this as a spiritual pandemic and equip itself to respond effectively. In many cases, LGBTQ issues are prevalent among youths, especially on campuses or those who attended boarding schools. It’s a “spiritual pandemic,” if I may call it that, and addressing it requires a multifaceted approach: Education: Teaching both the church and individuals involved about the issues from a biblical, empathetic perspective. Correction: Guiding with love, not condemnation, while addressing misconceptions. Inspiration: Showing a better way of life through spiritual and practical tools. Accountability: Providing ongoing discipleship and support to help individuals grow spiritually and emotionally.
This is not a one-time prayer and move-on situation. It’s a process. People need continuous support to navigate their struggles, much like overcoming an addiction. Relapses can happen, but with proper discipleship, accountability, and a supportive community, transformation is possible.
What message do you have for the Nigerian church?
The Nigerian church must prioritize discipleship. It’s not about the size of the church building or the congregation but the lives being transformed inside. Someone can be in church for 10 years yet remain unchanged beyond the first year.
Discipleship is the key to sustainable growth and transformation. We must invest in building individuals spiritually, emotionally, and socially. As we focus on people, not structures, we’ll better fulfill the mission of Christ—to love, guide, and disciple all nations.
