By Ajewole Joshua, |ABNews|September 6, 2025
Lagos, Nigeria – The General Overseer of Cherubim and Seraphim Bible Ministries, Pastor Gideon Oyedepo, has declared that Nigeria’s healing and national transformation depend heavily on the church reclaiming its spiritual integrity and true purpose.
Speaking during the ongoing National Convention of the church, held at its Surulere, Lagos headquarters, with the theme “One Church,” Pastor Oyedepo lamented that corruption, selfishness, and hypocrisy within the church have contributed to the worsening moral and societal decay in Nigeria.
“The church is in so much trouble today. If the church gets its bearings right, there won’t be trouble in Nigeria again,” he said. “Fraudulence within the church has weakened its voice and ability to be a defender of the people.”
Church’s Role in National Healing
Pastor Oyedepo stressed that the church is designed by God to be a voice for the oppressed and a guiding light for the nation. However, he warned that many churches have abandoned this divine mandate.
“One of the duties that God wants the church to perform is to plead the cause of the people. Sadly, the church is failing because it no longer understands this calling,” he lamented.
“Some people are even marginalized inside the church, and if the church cannot protect its own, how can it speak for the nation?”
Citing James 1:27, he called on believers to seek a deeper spiritual renewal, urging them to separate themselves completely from worldly corruption and distractions.
“The world has lost me, my family, my work, and my children – and I have lost the world,” he declared, asking worshippers to make the same heartfelt commitment.
Root Cause of Nigeria’s Crisis
The cleric noted that many of Nigeria’s problems, including bad governance, insecurity, and moral decay, are connected to the church’s failure to live up to its true calling.
“When the church becomes fraudulent and divided, the nation suffers. If there is no fraudulence in the church, Nigeria will be a much better country,” he said.
“The quality of leadership in any society reflects the spiritual state of its people.”
Pastor Oyedepo observed that many Nigerians approach worship with selfish motives, focusing on personal gain rather than genuine service to God and humanity.
“When people go to church only for what they will get, they are not building the nation. A true friend of Christ prays for the advancement of God’s kingdom, not just personal prosperity,” he admonished.
Call to Action
He urged the church to rise in unity and truth, describing the theme of the convention, “One Church,” as a divine call for believers across denominations to work together for national restoration.
“You are the church. When the church stands united in righteousness, God will rise to defend the nation,” he emphasized.
“When the church fulfills its duty, Nigeria will experience lasting peace and transformation.”
A Prayer for Nigeria
Pastor Oyedepo concluded by leading participants in fervent prayer, asking God to deliver the church from hypocrisy and to raise leaders who will defend the weak and marginalized.
“Satan is gaining the world every day, and it is enough,” he cried out. “If the church truly returns to its purpose, Nigeria will not only survive but thrive.”
The convention continues with worship sessions, prayers, and teachings aimed at equipping believers to live out their faith as agents of change in both the church and the nation.
You can join the ongoing program via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16rVDE9UXo/ or https://www.youtube.com/live/en19GzYKPFM?si=citT0LpeTQI0Tzo_
