Last Sunday, I attended an online service of one of the mega churches in Lagos and as I listened to the head pastor support the call for donations of millions to cover logistics for an upcoming concert, I thought of the poverty in Nigeria. Particularly, the poor congregants across many worship centers in Nigeria, who attend services on Sunday and every other week religiously but are grappling to make ends meet; many who cannot afford to send their children to schools even the schools owned by their beloved churches. I just could not hold in the shock.
I need to state that as a Christian, I tend to speak more about churches and Christianity in this regard because this is where I am an insider and it would be wrong for me to "drag" other religions as an outsider looking in.
During the festive season at the end of the year in Nigeria, various religious festivals, conventions, and gatherings organized by different denominations are common. Religious organizations, particularly churches, invest significant amounts of money, potentially reaching billions of Naira, for these events. Large event venues, including stadiums, are fully booked for these events, which sometimes last overnight and even for several days, leading to road closures. Therefore, it is not surprising to hear church announcements soliciting funds for these concerts. Nigeria is widely recognized as a highly religious country, but recent economic challenges have brought into question the messages preached from the pulpit, especially in light of widespread poverty, while church leaders maintain extravagant lifestyles.
The challenging economic situation in Nigeria has led to a high cost of living, prompting Nigerians to question blind religious adherence, which poses important queries for the church to address. The country is experiencing significant hardship with minimal safety nets, forcing individuals to struggle to make ends meet. The era of unquestioned beliefs and doctrines is slowly fading, presenting denominations with an opportunity to unite and review the messages being delivered from the pulpit. Instead of dismissing dissenting members who raise crucial questions about religion and the country's economic condition, it is crucial to engage with them constructively, as many are struggling to comprehend the current state of affairs while religious leaders continue to hobnob with the elite.
The season of blind doctrines that do not recognize the signs of the times is gradually fading as society evolves and individuals become more aware of the world around them. Hostility towards rebels, those who challenge the status quo, will be met with resistance as people seek to assert their rights and demand change. This shift in mindset is becoming increasingly evident among Nigerian Christians, who are realizing that, despite the doctrines and practices that promise financial and material blessings from their pastors, true progress and success require more than just prayers and fasting. They are beginning to understand that taking action and actively participating in shaping their destinies is essential for personal growth and societal advancement.
Moreover, the recognition that functional systems and institutions are fundamental for citizens to thrive is gaining prominence. It is no longer enough to rely solely on faith and hope; practical steps and well-established structures are necessary for creating and maintaining systems and institutions that support collective prosperity. Hence, it is fitting that messages from the pulpit should reflect this reality.
While considering the call for donations, I reflected on the importance of hosting large-scale events during a time when basic necessities have become unattainable luxuries for many. The funds allocated for in-person concerts could make a significant impact on those in need. Throughout the year, there are numerous online events such as church programs, New Season Prophetic Prayers (NSPPD), Halleluyah Challenge, and others that are open to everyone regardless of denomination. These virtual events allow individuals to participate from the comfort of their homes anywhere in the world, reducing costs and logistical challenges. Despite the physical distance, the power of God transcends boundaries, and miracles have been witnessed by those who engage in these online gatherings.
I would argue that Nigeria churches could forgo large-scale in-person church gatherings this year and that does not in any way diminish the place of God in our lives or reduce the relevance of the church. The country is already inundated with all sorts of prayer points and religious events, yet the place of action and rationality is lagging. While these events may draw thousands even millions of people, leading to celebrations with the church brand, one must question their ultimate purpose. Each church now hosts some form of grand year-end event, it suddenly feels like competition or the bragging rights of who had the largest number in attendance. These gatherings are frequented by the elite, influential decision-makers, politicians, wealthy business leaders, and top executives, who are granted special treatment and acknowledgment. However, despite all the fanfare, no tangible change seems to materialize for common man on the streets.
There is no doubt that churches are actively working to support the less fortunate in society and their members. There is a rich history and tradition of churches involved in community development in Nigeria. Numerous churches have set up divisions to gather relief supplies and provide scholarships. Nonetheless, as highlighted by a Lead Pastor in another church, the current demand for aid surpasses any previous point in the church's 15-year existence. Members who were formally donating to help are now lining up to receive support. Nigeria is grappling with an unparalleled degree of multidimensional poverty, which left me feeling torn upon hearing a pastor seek millions in donations for concert arrangements, drawing a parallel to expenses for secular artists' concerts.
Should a Pastor with such a large following be making that comparison as a way to justify the reason for donations? You hear people say the church is different from other organizations till you look in and realize that it is being run like every other business with goals and leadership structures. Then when the pastor solicits funds from members who are part of the Nigerian society for a concert and he makes a comparison to a secular concert, I ask myself, what is the difference? We call out politicians for lavish lifestyles at the expense of constituents why then should the church not be called into question with the level of economic hardship in Nigeria? Are their members not part of the Nigerian population? Are they not facing the same economic challenges as other Nigerians?