Nigerian Christian Leaders Are Too Silence on the State of the Nation – Pastor Gideon Oyedepo 

The Minister-in-Charge, C & S Bible Ministry, Lagos, Pastor Gideon Oyedepo, also known for his unwavering belief in the mantle of God for national direction, has criticized Nigerian Christian leaders for becoming too silent on the state of the nation, Nigeria.

Oyedepo, while making the clarion call, underscores his deep concern over the current state of the nation and the apparent silence of religious leaders in the country in the face of mounting challenges.

Pastor Oyedepo expressed his dismay at the reluctance of Christian leaders to speak out on issues beyond elections, suggesting that many seem afraid of those in power. “Christian leaders have been too quiet about the state of the Nigerian nation. They only speak about elections, but where is the counsel for economic survival, the blueprint for the nation’s future? It seems they haven’t sought God’s direction on these matters”, he lamented.

He further condemned what he perceives as a failure of the Church to fulfill its role as God’s solution agent. “The Church’s silence and inaction have allowed political leaders to use religious leaders for the legitimization of questionable policies, leading to a loss of credibility and relevance. “If the leaders of faith don’t have counsel for the rulers, what should we expect? Some only prophesy doom and judgment upon the future of our nation. Where is the place of national intercession, and what are we doing about it?” he questioned.

Pastor Oyedepo also highlighted the corruption and complacency that he believes have infiltrated religious institutions, warning that the Church’s integrity is at risk if the leaders continue to accept handouts from political officeholders. “Some say that the Church leaders have been silenced in Nigeria because corruption has happened to them. If so, what has the Church turned into under such leaders?”

He expressed concern over the apparent confusion among political leaders and the potential for Nigeria to fall further behind in development if religious leaders continue to play only ceremonial roles. “Almost all our political leaders are confused, and they know not what they are doing. If the religious leaders remain just ceremonial, our country will go backwards.”

Oyedepo called on the Church to step up and institute developmental research, offering practical, foolproof advice to Nigerian leaders. He urged Christian leaders to focus on community development and seriously take their biblical mandate to exercise dominion and steward God’s creation for the benefit of all.

Urging the Church to embrace a more proactive measure and development-focused faith, “Jesus Christ fed the 5,000 not by predictions and prophecies, our generation can do better,” he said.