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Abayomi Emmanuel, a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), a teacher and preacher of the word, and a marriage counselor, is the head of administration at the ICT Department of RCCG at the Redemption Camp. A full member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Pastor Emmanuel, in this interview with SEYI JOHN SALAU, speaks on the role the church in Nigeria should play in society and why Christians should be active players in the political space. Excerpts:
Looking at the recent cases of attacks on places of worship in the country, what are the lessons for the clergy, the laity and the church in Nigeria?
There are a lot of lessons to learn from the recent incessant attacks. You will recall that this has not always been the case. If the church had positioned herself well decades ago, we would have taken over the nation. It was the giants we refused to conquer in the past that have become thorns in our flesh. If we refuse to win souls as we should, it would be worse than this in the future. Meanwhile, we must learn to be more security-conscious. The church must do everything at her disposal to prevent such assault going forward.
These giants you talk about, how can the church now reach them with the gospel?
Love and exemplary living are the keys. Love is contagious. When the church stops being selfish and greedy and discards acquisition of material wealth and demonstrates love to the unbelievers, they will be drawn to Christ seamlessly.
We should do less of preaching to unbelievers but more of living and giving. The scripture says, ‘Let your light shine before men, so that they can see your good works and glorify your father that is in heaven’. When we live a good and godly life, others will come to Christ, but when our life is not different from theirs, they will never come to us.
With the present state of things in Nigeria, do you think the church has done enough, and in what areas can we do more?
The truth is that the church has not done enough at all in nation-building. For the church to build the nation, we must be grossly involved in every sphere of the national activities. We must take the lead in every profession including politics and demonstrate how it should be done. We must beat them, but not join them in singing songs of corruption. Nigeria is blessed with very intelligent people in all walks of life. However, corruption has eaten deep into every fabric of our system and has crippled the economy. However, it is never too late, Nigeria can be great again. The onus lies on the Christians to redefine leadership and set the pace for transformation.
There is so much religiosity and less spirituality in Christendom in Nigeria; what can be done to grow the faith?
Definitely, there is so much commitment to religion in Nigeria possibly because of our cultural background and tradition. However, we need to note that Christianity is actually not a religion. There has never been any record of a certain place where religion has positively impacted the life and economy of any nation in history. Religion does not bring about transformation. It is man’s attempts and efforts to appeal or serve the deity. In the real sense, this is what has saturated our country Nigeria. They are activities void of reality. Christianity, on the other hand, is a way of life. It is a life patterned after Christ. Christ was known to be holy, righteous, peaceful, patient and anything godly. A life different from this is not Christianity. It cannot affect an individual positively talk less of a nation. The solution to the Nigerian problem is not about going to church but going to Christ. Jesus is the answer.
Some argue against Christians going into politics; do you think it’s time for Christians to get active in the political space?
If we do not get involved in politics, how do we positively change the nation? Someone said, ‘I prefer my own way of doing it to your own way of not doing it’. You have no right of blaming anyone for doing the wrong thing until you are able to demonstrate that it is possible to be a Christian politician. Those who say Christians should not go into politics are either ignorant or myopic. It is true that it may be difficult for a genuine child of God to succeed in politics in Nigeria, but it is not impossible. With God all things are possible. I recommend that Christians should participate in politics and rule the nation in righteousness.
Looking at the current dispensation, do you agree with those who say the Buhari administration has not done enough to deserve a second term in office?
Actually, things had gone so bad before the present administration took over and it should be understood that changing things in such a big nation like Nigeria is a herculean task which cannot happen overnight. No one is actually expecting a sudden change. However, it appears as if change is rather too slow and very insignificant. Nigerians have put so much hope in the present administration and have met so much disappointment. Considering the merciless massacres in different parts of the country, I do not think that this administration deserves any second chance. Before they begin to clamour for another chance, it is advisable for them to take advantage of the first chance to restore peace in the country and also make our economy buoyant. I urge the administration to try and earn the love and respect of the people they lead. Nigerians are very patient and forgiving. If incessant killings end and the economy is revamped, Nigerians may still give them another chance. Suffice it to say that we must mature to a level where we allow our election to speak. Leadership must not be by hook or crook. I pray we will get to that level where it is only people that we vote in that will get into power.
