Corruption in churches responsible for underdevelopment —Evang Molehin

Shepherd of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Ayo Ugbe, Ikare Akoko, Ondo State, Evangelist Segun Michael Molehin, speaks with DANIEL AKEJU, on his call to the ministry and the way forward for Nigeria.

Journey into the ministry

I had my primary and secondary education in Lagos State, and got my B.Sc. degree at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, where I also had the privilege of working for seven years before I was called into full-time ministry. I grew up in the CCC, where how I was going live my life had been foretold. I was told I would be a shepherd in the future. I was told some special signs would serve as indicators of the time I would join the ministry, and when those signs occurred, I knew it was time to obey God’s call.

It is assumed that, in recent times, the easiest way to make money is to go into the ministry. What is your take on this?

The Bible states: “I know my people and my people know me.” The truth is that God knows the intention and thoughts of our heart, and also the motive for every decision we make in life. When we find ourselves in the gathering of believers, we know those that are called by God and those that are not. Joblessness has made a lot of people go into what God has not called them into. But if you have the calling of God upon you, you will always stand out amidst many. If there is no calling upon such person, failure is imminent. One that is truly called of God has the anointing of God upon him.

What is your take on paying tithes, following the recent controversy on the issue?

No matter how we try, some people will remain poor because of their mentality. God has His own reason for bringing up this topic at this point in time. If we take a critical look at the country, you would realize that we are the frontiers of corruption, because corruption issues from our churches; the church is corrupt, so the nation is corrupt. Lack of transparency is another factor – church leaders are not open to their members about things they need to know but they want to lord their wishes over the people and control their affairs.

What step should the church take to alleviate poverty?

There should be an emergency meeting to speak on paying tithes, where we levy ourselves and seek for ways to build the country. We can build the country ourselves with unity and love, without the input of politicians. Nigeria can boast of thousands of churches, and if each of us is asked to pay N5,000 each, for instance, I am certain we will definitely put an end to the misery of the people on the streets. It will also aid development of communities, provide succor for orphans and the homeless. I’m sure God will be pleased with the country and Nigeria will experience true development.

How do you think Nigeria has fared in the fight against corruption?

Nigeria is far behind, and truth be told, it is not as if we don’t know the right thing but we are not ready to do the right thing and follow the right path because of corruption. Some privileged few have decided to fill their coffers with treasures meant to develop this country, and the poverty level has skyrocketed. Despite the commitment of this present administration to alleviate poverty, it is so sad that they have done little or nothing to help the situation. At this point, only God can help us. We need genuine people of faith in politics. When we have leaders who fear God, they will do the right thing, and it is my desire to see a new order, where God-fearing believers will stand at the helm of the affairs of this country and this country will be a better place to be. Our political system is full of unbelievers and till believers take over the affairs of leadership, there won’t be positive change.

How can wealthy church leaders invest in improving the economy?

Churches are imitating each other, instead of summoning an emergency meeting for the sake of the country. We need to come together and look for common grounds to change the situation of the country. In those days missionaries built schools for the poor, but the schools we now have owned by churches are very expensive. I am not against churches owning primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. However, there should be efforts to make such institutions affordable, especially for the masses. Then, the world will truly see the church as an institution by God to save people.

How can the church influence good leadership?

Clerics have desisted from telling political leaders what they need for good governance. I implore all clerics to always tell them the truth, because only the truth can set us free.

Your advice for Nigerians as the year comes to an end?

Keep working hard and expect miracles. Play less, work harder and expect God to move in our lives.