At the Convocation Ceremony of Life Theological Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos, renowned cleric and founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, delivered a stirring charge to young Christians and emerging pastors, stressing the urgent need for deep biblical knowledge in an age dominated by social media.
He made this known at the 2025 Convocation ceremony of Life Theological Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos, which took place at the Seminary’s premises, where the best graduating students were awarded not only certificates, but also given cash awards.
Categories of graduating students include those who obtained certificates, diplomas, Bachelor of Theology, Master of Theology in various fields, including Doctor of Ministry, as well as Doctor of Philosophy.
Reflecting on his first encounter with the seminary 49 years ago, Ashimolowo described Life Theological Seminary as a ‘balanced institution,’ then and now, applauding its consistency and growth over the decades. “Life Theological Seminary was balanced when I came 49 years ago. It is still balanced,” he said.
He warned that the ease of preaching and online popularity should not be mistaken for pastoral competence.
“Don’t just assume that because you can preach and do shabbalabala that you can pastor a church,” he cautioned. “There are very deep questions members will ask you. And if you don’t know how to rightly divide the word of truth, you can create problems.”
According to him, social media has become “a space containing the good, the bad, and the ugly,” making it even more important for ministers to be grounded in sound doctrine.
He expressed concern that many young preachers rely heavily on borrowed sermons and trends without a solid theological foundation.
“Some of the pastors we are celebrating on social media have only garnered messages from others but cannot defend them,” he said.
“Ask some of them serious questions about the Trinity, and they will struggle. They become afraid when confronted by Muslims because they cannot explain basic doctrines.”
Ashimolowo, who clocked 70 this year, encouraged young ministers—regardless of their academic background—to pursue formal theological education.
“You have your degree in astrophysics, chemistry, and God has called you. Fantastic. But after you gather the crowd, you need to feed the people of God,” he said. “If all you are doing is going online and gathering sermons, you will end up eating in all the spiritual bookers. You need to know the food to feed your people.”
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Ashimolowo further stressed that spiritual leadership requires more than charisma. “I can’t carry a knife and begin to do physical surgery. Spiritual surgery is tougher. Get education,” he urged.
In his words, the General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, has given kudos to Life Theological Seminary for its steadfastness, towering tall and strong in advancing the course of theological education in Nigeria.
Aboyeji gave kudos to the management of the Seminary and said he looked forward to better performances after celebrating its 70th Anniversary.
“In the near future, I believe that the new leadership of Life with the coming in of Rev. Emmanuel Adejoro as New Provost will be able to align with modern techniques” he said.
He applauded the outgoing Provost of the institution, Prof. Cletus Orgu, for his outstanding, enviable and productive leadership in the last twenty years.
He further remarked that his two decades at the helm of affairs of the Seminary had produced visible, tangible and undeniable results in infrastructure, staff and personnel development, students’ outstanding achievements, diaspora recognition and affiliation, among others, adding that there was no doubt that he has served diligently and meritoriously
