The church needs to return to sound doctrine —Pastor Oyedeji

The General Overseer of Rebuilding in Holiness Bible Church and Ministries (RIHBC, Ibadan, Oyo State, Pastor John Oyedosu Oyedeji, speaks on his 35-year experience in ministry and the seeming imbalance between increasing number of churches and moral decadence with Rita Okonoboh. Excerpts:

 

How did you find yourself in ministry?

I was working with the Oyo State Water Corporation. I was later transferred to Ogun State at the time Ogun State was created before we were brought back to Oyo State. Afterwards, I resigned and started my company, John Rock Company which was involved in building and construction. Before I became a pastor, I was a Muslim. I became born again in the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) and also received the call in 1981. I attended the International Bible Training Centre at Ayobo in Lagos State under Pastor W.F. Kumuyi. After attending the Bible school, RIHBC&M was set up in 1984. Afterwards, in 1991, Nehemiah International Bible Training College was set up.

 

Having been in ministry for over 35 years, how would you describe the experience?

I have no regrets serving God. We have had testimonies of sharing the word of God and winning souls. Although there have been challenges relating to getting land for the church building – we had many challenges with location as we were sent out of so many places including the menace of omo oniles. We also have challenges with regards to people accepting the true message as well as finance. In fact, we don’t organise fund-raising activities. However, God has been faithful through all the challenges. God has been providing support for the ministry through those who have been blessed by God through the ministry.

 

How did you pick the name, Rebuilding in Holiness Bible Church and Ministries?

It is based on the vision of Nehemiah, when Jerusalem was in ruins. Nehemiah fasted and prayed because Jerusalem was in ruins and the king with whom he worked realised that he was bothered and gave him freedom to participate in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. That is the vision God has given to me. The walls of sound doctrine, holiness, salvation, sanctification has been broken down. People, nowadays, are just attending church without deep spiritual connection. So, the mission is to rebuild the church.

 

The ministry also produces pastors through its Bible College. In spite of the large number of pastors Nigeria boasts, moral decadence seems to be on the rise. What is the church not doing right?

It is a sign of the end of time, that is, the last days. The apostles also said it in the scriptures, of what to expect of the end time and that is what is happening. Clerics also need to ensure they preach the sound doctrine rather than focus on messages that seem to pamper the people and accommodate all sorts of vices in the church. I pray the Lord will intervene and that people will repent and come back to God.

 

Has God told you anything about Nigeria for 2017?

We thank God for the New Year. As a Bible-believing pastor, I believe that the Lord is in control of this nation. There have been many prophecies for 2017. However, even if there are prophecies of doom, God has given us power to change that situation. I believe that 2017 will be a year of testimony, success and blessings for all who give their lives to God. Those who know Christ and follow the Lord to the letter will do exploits.

 

What is your New Year message for those in government, Christians and youths?

I will advise those in government to remember those who they serve. Many people are facing challenges. The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) should also be adequately cared for. For the people in the South-South, I would advise government to dialogue with militants and bring development to those areas ravaged by oil exploration. I pray for God’s wisdom for all those in positions of administration. They should also do all possible to avert religious crisis. Steps should also be taken to tackle violence of all sorts. May God help us.

For Christians, We should believe the Lord as we ought to believe. We cannot fight God’s battle. We should trust God in prayer and humility that all will be well. We should also love our neighbours, irrespective of tribe or religious affiliation. Christians should also pray for those in positions of authority that God will give them the wisdom to direct the country according to His will. For youths, I would advise them to study the Bible more and shun all negative attitudes, especially acts of immorality that seems to be taking over the youth of today.  They should ensure they live according to God’s approval.