Orthodox churches becoming more likWe pentecostal churches —Bamidele

The founding bishop of Victory Life Ministries International, Bishop Mike Bamidele, speaks with Oluwole Ige on proliferation of churches, the role of the church in the fight against corruption and the church’s forthcoming Pentecost Day celebration, among other issues. Excerpts:

There have been speculations that Pentecostalism is fast losing steam in Nigeria as it seems people are going back to orthodox churches. Is there any cause for worry?

To be honest with you, I do not agree with the observation that Pentecostalism is losing steam. I see the orthodox churches becoming more pentecostal. I see other denominations trying to copy what happens in pentecostal churches. I believe that there is an explosion of pentecostalism because there is greater consciousness of the spirit outpouring and the spirit work. I am rather very excited that many people are returning to church, whereas they had abandoned church before. Whether it is orthodox or pentecostal, they are returning to God and the church. If a movement now arises that awakens those already lukewarm in their faith, I think that is a thing to rejoice about and to thank God for.

Do you agree with the assumption that the rising number of churches is contributing to the level of poverty  in Nigeria?

I don’t agree with that observation. It is my take that the appearance of churches and the teachings have encouraged more enterprising. It has encouraged more small scale industries; it has encouraged people to be more hardworking. It has driven away indolence and made people to know their worth and this is evident in the communications industry, electronic media and in the local manufacturing industries. If a census is taken, those who are championing individual and corporate moves to create employment are those who attend churches. Various ministries of commerce and boards of industries failed the people. The banks and the interest rates scared them. It was the message in the churches that emboldened them to take steps. It is a disservice to the work of God to say that the establishment of numerous churches has not contributed to the advancement that we have had. Before any revolution in technology or technological breakthrough, what we have is spiritual revolution. Without the change of heart of men, you cannot achieve those economic breakthroughs. The church should be supported and encouraged.

How do you see the discrepancies between the increasing number of churches and the rising rate of  moral decadence?

Moral decadence is a function of several factors. The church is an answer to the decay. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. The church remains the agent of prevention of moral decadence. The church needs to be supported to exhibit its roles in the prevention of moral decadence. The church appeared to have been hampered by non access to schools to teach the sound doctrines of Christ; where the word of God had been withdrawn from schools’ assemblies and community because of some fears in some quarters. If you don’t give them Bibles, while in schools on their assemblies, be ready to give it to them when they are in prisons. I want to imagine a situation in which we don’t have as many churches as we now have, then the level of decay would have been worse. We should thank the churches for rescuing us. However, we still need to do more. The church is even a victim of the society decay. Priests are kidnapped; churches are robbed and people dress indecently when they come for service. However, it is a challenge for the church. I want to continue to encourage morality through spirituality.

What role can the church play in the fight against corruption?

Pentecost day is the antidote for corruption. If the nation recognises pentecost day and individuals are filled with the holy spirit, things would change for the best in Nigeria. The strongest anti-corruption force is the Holy Spirit. Any church where the Holy Spirit dominates will hardly condone corruption. When the Holy Spirit is allowed to direct all the ministers and parishioners, corruption would not thrive.

This is the fourth celebration of Pentecost Day in Osun State. What motivated you into championing the celebration?

The source of all inspiration is God. I accepted the divine leading and I could remember that I shared the vision with my daughter. After a 40-day fast, I got in touch with other leaders of churches and I shared with them that the Lord said we should celebrate the day of Pentecost. That was the leadership of the Pentecostal Movement of Nigeria, which I also belong to as a member of the advisory board. Some other things motivated the celebration. In Osun State, we are privileged to have a very religious governor, who wants to be fair to all faiths by promoting them. I was motivated by the search for justice and fairness to champion the celebration of pentecost day for the followers of Christ.

What should we expect at this year’s celebration?

This year’s Pentecost Day is a time to pray for the revelation of evil workers in the life of individuals and in our nation. This is because the Holy Ghost is a Revealer. In our communities and in our nation, those who are masterminds of evil would be exposed. Anything that is against the state, the nation and the welfare of families would be consumed by fire. Any evil worker in our nation is being served notice.