Get sound tertiary education, theological training before joining ministry —Very Rev Obaleye

Provost of St. Paul’s Cathedral of Egba West Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Very Reverend Solomon Olusola Obaleye, speaks with Rita Okonoboh on his experience since joining the ministry over 25 years ago, what government-church relationship should be and his advice for youths on embracing and reflecting their Christian faith. Excerpts:

What was growing up like and what made you embrace ministry?

I was raised in Abeokuta but born in Ilaro. I had my primary and secondary education in Abeokuta. In the days of the Oyo State College of Arts and Science (OYSCAS), I had my HSE, then gained admission the University of Ife to study Political Science. Immediately after graduating in 1990, after youth service, it was clear to me that I would serve God as a full-time minister. So, I joined the ministry in 1991. I was born into the Anglican Communion. I received the call sometime in 1984; I had just given my life to Christ, and with that burning zeal, as a young secondary school leaver, I received the call that I would serve in the ministry.

How would you rate your experience, seeing as you have spent over 25 years in the ministry?

Today, I have no regrets, although it has been very challenging. There have been ups and downs.

What is your greatest testimony, as a cleric?

In some of the churches in which I have served – started from Ibadan Diocese – as vicar, the testimonies I have had are the ones where God helped to raised people to support the vision of spreading the message of the gospel and expanding the church. Another testimony I can vividly point to is seeing lives blessed through God’s ministration using me. These are some of the never-to-be-forgotten testimonies I have as a cleric.

You studied Political Science, and now, you’re a cleric. What is your take on the suspended code by the Financial Regulations Commission, a government body, which proposed tenured positions and retirement for religious leaders?

I see a kind of unholy incursion into the church. These are the end times and we are preparing for Christ’s return. I see it as a subtle attack on the church, beginning with its leadership. Basically, government has no business proscribing regulations for the church, in that regard. It is unheard of. Conversely, if you look at the ruling class in this country, you would observe that they have been circulating themselves. We see people who have been in offices decades back and the same people are in government today. We have seen political office holders recycled and no one is talking about that. So how would anyone want to make regulations for the church of God? It is not an issue.

So, you don’t think other denominations should make provisions for retirement as is the practice in orthodox churches?

Who is calling for the heads of such General Overseers? What is the business of government with what goes on in new generation churches? They should leave them to manage themselves. Don’t forget that the Constitution allows for freedom of worship. You call them Pentecostal churches but we call them new generation churches, because the Orthodox Church to which we belong is also Pentecostal; we are being led by the Holy Spirit – that’s what Pentecostalism is about. These new generation churches have their rules and regulations and should be allowed to manage themselves. Government has no business legislating or legalising for any denomination, because I still want to believe we have freedom of worship. Since such churches have been duly registered with government, they should be left alone.

You joined the ministry as a youth. There have been concerns in recent times that youths are gradually losing interest in godly activities. What ways would you suggest to make youths attracted to the things of God?

I know that we have been experiencing a kind of degeneration and moral decadence that is on the alarming rate. Perception, views and values are changing. Some youths these days have a warped attitude in the way they relate to things. When I was much younger, the way we embraced spiritual things was very serious. What the church should focus on today is to guide the youths and give them enough windows of opportunities to relate and work with God and see the benefits of serving God. Depending on the workings of the Holy Spirit, the church should trust God that the Holy Spirit will touch the lives of our youths and guide them.

Comparing Christianity of the earlier times and now, many pastors affirm that things have changed. Where do you think the church got it wrong?

I’ll blame it on technology, civilisation and even the kind of education people receive these days. When you consider the advent of ICT in this country, I should think it has done more harm than good. These days, many youths go to the church with nothing but their phones. When asked for their Bibles, they say it’s available as an app on their phones. That is one of the areas where we are getting it wrong. In our days, without your hymnal and the Bible, going to the House of God was incomplete. With technology, our children are exposed to negative things day by day. We, however, trust God to continue to help and guide our children. Every parent, religious leader, denomination should strive to put our children on good spiritual footing and commit them to the hands of the Holy Spirit to mould their lives and their future.

Today, thousands of pastors come into the fold continuously, yet it would seem things are only getting worse, even with pastors in leadership positions. How do you propose the church creates a favourable balance?

Presently, because of the prevalent level of poverty, many pastors, so to say, have not been able to preach the truth. The antidote is to preach the undiluted truth of God’s word. We have thousands of pastors, just as we have churches on every street, yet our society is morally bankrupt; values have changed and it is as if hell is let loose. However, the only saving grace is that pastors, who have been genuinely called by God, who are out to affect lives positively, preach the word of God in an undiluted manner. The believers in Antioch were described as Christians because their lives reflected Christ. So, in the same vein, pastors, who are worth their salt should preach the message that will make positive difference in society. Pastors should be out to experience denial, suffering and make sacrifices. The ministry is not for ‘enjoyment.’

How would you advise young people considering joining the ministry?

I would encourage young people to, first and foremost, get sound education. I am particularly averse to the young men who, nowadays, do not pass through the four walls of the university and enter into ministry. I would advise them to get tertiary education and be fortified with sound education, so that they can decipher their left from their right. Then, they should go for theological training. Seminary training is very important so that they can be well grounded. I will advise youths not to come with the mindset of getting rich quickly and so, decide to join the ministry. They should imitate Christ in humility, godliness, sacrifice and righteousness. They should also trust God.