…Does Pastor Idowu Iluyomade’s Life Reflect Christlike Qualities?
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
Although I am typically hesitant to engage in public discussions about religion, this hesitation does not necessitate my silence when faced with misconduct within the Christian community, for I am convinced, as a believer, that scripture should be read with nuanced comprehension that takes into account more than just literal interpretation
A comparison can be drawn between the conflict involving former Redeemed pastor Idowu Iluyomade, his flamboyant wife, and the leadership of RCCG, and the biblical account of Abraham, Lot, and God
Recall that Pastor Idowu Iluyomade was a genuine pastor at an RCCG parish in Lagos, where prominent societal figures worshipped and contributed to the parish’s growth
The debacle started when Pastor Idowu Iluyomade threw a lavish birthday party for his wife, inviting a hip-hop singer to perform, causing significant controversy among Christian adherents and other religious leaders
The controversy was extremely intense, generating widespread attention on all social media platforms, as Pastor Iluyomade’s parish had just lost one of its prominent members, Herbert Wigwe of Access Bank, who was yet to be buried at that time
Given the Parish’s recent bereavement, having lost a dedicated founding member a few days prior, should Pastor Iluyomade have considered postponing the birthday celebration or opting for a more subdued commemoration, considering the feelings of others? As it become serious arguments
This prompted the RCCG leadership from the headquarters to establish a committee to investigate the matter, which resulted in the subsequent suspension of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade and his wife
Here, the character of a disciple and discipler becomes clear, as Iluyomade, who initially admitted and accepted his mistake, allowed his wealthy wife to allegedly influence him further, ultimately leading to his resignation from the RCCG parish where he had pastored for years
While his contemporaries eagerly awaited his introspective self-examination and total submission to God and divine authority, many were surprised when the couple established their own church and danced in celebration of thanksgiving
From my observations of Islamic religions, it appears that mosques are not owned by individuals, which may suggest that Christians are their own problems though I stand to be corrected
Should pastors not seek a more in-depth understanding of holy scriptures, rather than just reading them? And where does the concept of total submission, which they preach to their followers, fit in?
Fostering a heavenly atmosphere is far more beneficial than concentrating on constructing church buildings, a practice commonly seen in many Pentecostal churches
Evidently, this could be a contributing factor to why some believers opt out of church attendance and instead worship God from the comfort of their own homes, having been disappointed by their pastors and churches time and time again
I feel sorry for those who blindly follow their pastors instead of seeking guidance from God.
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