Renowned cleric and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has issued a strong warning to pastors who claim to have been called into full-time ministry without any form of livelihood or preparation, describing them as “Yahoo pastors.”
Speaking in a recent message, Apostle Suleman criticized the mentality of some pastors who abandon work and responsibility under the guise of divine calling. He noted that many great men of God who are now fully into ministry did not start out that way but rather grew into it over time. According to him, true ministry requires a process of growth, dedication, and preparation, rather than a hasty plunge into full-time pastoral work without any means of sustenance.
“You don’t just wake up and say you are into full-time ministry without doing anything,” he cautioned. “Many of the great men of God you see today started with something before fully committing to ministry. But when you claim full-time ministry without any source of livelihood, you are not in ministry—you are into Yahoo ministry.”
Apostle Suleman shared a personal encounter with a man who told him he was in full-time ministry but had no job or means of sustenance. Expressing concern, the cleric emphasized that such a mindset is dangerous and misleading, as it creates an unhealthy dependence on church members and those who come for counseling.
“You see some pastors waiting for someone who comes for counseling to drop something before they can eat,” he said. “That is not ministry; that is begging. As a pastor, you should work, you should have something doing. Even Apostle Paul was a tentmaker while he was preaching the gospel.”
The fiery preacher encouraged upcoming ministers to focus on personal growth, skill acquisition, and sustainable means of income before transitioning into full-time ministry. He warned that a lack of preparation leads to financial struggles, dependency, and ultimately, the exploitation of church members.
Apostle Suleman’s message has sparked discussions among Christian circles, with many agreeing that financial independence is crucial for ministers to serve effectively without pressure or compromise. His call for responsible pastoral work aligns with biblical principles, reinforcing the need for diligence and preparation before committing fully to ministry.
