The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Ogbomoso, has lamented the failure of church ministers to preach the undiluted gospel of God as a core reason for reckless living by Nigerians and poor leadership in the country.
Deputy President (Academics), NBTS Ogbomoso, Reverend Ola Ayankeye, in the company of the top hierarchy of the seminary, stated this on Monday, in Ogbomoso, at a press conference to herald this year’s ministers’ conference, beginning on September 9.
Ayankeye attributed the security challenges rocking the nation to failure of the church to reach out to unbelievers and speak truth to power.
He added that the washing down of the gospel was exemplified in the invitation of fun makers to churches, while music, rather than the word of God, was being used to attract people.
Furthermore, he bemoaned that recklessness in leadership and followership was because several Nigerians were not spiritually grounded, stressing the need for the nation’s leaders to work with the church to restore the nation’s fortunes.
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Noting that the gospel was central to the transformation of lives of Nigerians, Ayankeye emphasized that the ministers’ conference aimed at recharging church ministers to live up to their roles of guiding the nation’s leaders aright.
“The problem we have in the country is spiritual. We have observed the washing down of the gospel. The pulpits have turned to something else and the word preached now is diluted. Ministers invite fun makers into the church and what attracts people now is music not the word of God.
“Many of the challenges facing the country came as a result of failing to reach out to unbelievers. The church has failed in its duty to reach out to unbelievers hence insecurity. It’s only the church that can solve the problems facing the nation. There is no alternative to transformation of lives of Nigerians except the gospel. Our leaders must work with the church to restore Nigeria,” Ayankeye said.
In their contributions, the seminary’s deputy President (Advancement), Reverend Gabriel Olaniyan and Registrar, Reverend Dele Oluwole pointed to the huge funds expended on purchasing ammunition to combat insecurity as evidence of poor leadership.
They noted that the nation’s security challenges will be minimal if the government, over the years, invested hugely on people’s welfare and provision of social and physical infrastructure.
Ministers to lead the charge at the conference themed, “Guard the Gospel”, include President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Samson Ayokunle; Chairman, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend Olumide Kehinde; Vice President (Ministerial) of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend Dickson Madoghwe;President, NETS, Ogbomoso and Reverend Emiola Nihinlola.