Before you read on, let me state that I am
a Christian and I believe in Jesus and the
gospel.I humbly respects all men of God
but I'don't idolize any.
Nigerians are religious people- that may
be a good thing,
but perhaps we may just have taken
religion to an extreme. Why else would
we worship a pastor? We kiss the floor
they step on and bow to
their whims and/or caprices. we so much
believe in pastors that we don't access
their words any longer,sadly this is
disheartening, too many ‘heralded’ men
of God are not as
humble as should be rather they carry
themselves with airs of supremacy and
by extension make
the congregation treat them in the same
regard.
In reality, they are simply vessels of
the gospel just like anyone of us can
be. The anointing the pastor speaks
of; the one with which he performs
miracles did he get it from his
mother’s soup? No, he got it from God
and so when the pastor yells
anointing, don’t marvel at the work of
his hands rather marvel at the God
who makes it possible.
A majority believe that their prayers will
not be answered unless a pastor lays
hands on them, that they will
not have kids till that special pastor
intercedes on their behalf, that they
will not walk down the aisle till the man of
God professes love into their lives. In so
many ways, people allow their faith to be
held to ransom.
Yet in a despised way, maybe some
pastors have knowingly let the trend
continue. Maybe they enjoy the
veneration but it must be said that the
church, regardless of what name is on the
signpost or front entrance,is an extension
of God’s ministry and not any man’s tool
or machinery for
fame and/or fortune.
In the words of 2face Idibia, ‘No be
me Holy pass’, I simply understand
and believe that there should be a
difference between the man of God and
the God himself. We are all
wonderfully and fearfully made, so do
not ascribe divinity to whom you
shouldn’t. The chant goes ‘Jesus is Lord’
and not ‘pastor is Lord’.
Cynically, some questions can be
asked: Why take offering(s) from the
congregation to build universities that the
same congregation cannot afford to put
their kids through?
When high-ranking government officials
show up in church, why not tell them the
truth where it hurts?
Why not preach about the perils of theft
and bad governance instead of ramble on
about the merits of
cheerful giving? Why not say ‘Your
Excellency, things have to get better’
instead of saying ‘We’re honoured to
have you in our midst!’ Why not?
Doesn’t the bible says speak the truth at
all times?
And what if we took our country as
seriously as we take some of our
pastors? The way you admonish that
‘brother or sister’ that missed a day of
church, admonish corruption.Shout
‘enough is enough’ with the same ferocity
with which you would
shout ‘amen’ to a prayer. Hound bad
government officials as though they have
demons that need binding
(frankly, some of them really do).
Hopefully these will work some wonders
for Nigeria and maybe the country may
get her much- needed miracle through
our collective efforts then we can all
shout a mighty Halleluyah.

I agree with you, Bro. Well-said!

There is an honour specially reserved for pastors or anyone in charge of a congregation. Afterall genuine and spirit- filled pastor work with the power of anointing. They were/anointed and I am not yet. The only thing we have in common is our salvation and the holy spirit. That said I do not worship pastors neither do I support the notion. I respect the anointing on them. I give them credit for what they are doing (the real and genuine Pastors). It is not easy to be in charge of a congregation with different needs at the same time. Not every one has that grace.

And the issue of universities owned by churches. How will they fund the school aside from school fees. Will they be hassling the church members for continous funding? These universities are privately owned, no support or fund from any source except their purses. I believe some churches have some incentives in place for church members. E.g Bowen university has some percentage discount for any baptist member.
Its high time we put sentiments to rest and reason accordingly.