Popular Pastor Disagrees with Oyedepo, Okotie and Oyakhilome, Says Church is beyond building

The growing debate over the reopening of churches has gone unabated as senior members of the clergy are having different opinions on effective modalities to adopt amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Samson Ayokunle, had in a 10-point guideline for churches to adhere to, issued strong directives to worship centres as guides to prevent the spread of the virus. 

 Ayokunle said that the guidelines, drafted are in compliance with the government’s efforts to tackle the COVID-19, and noted that it would determine the operations of churches when they reopen.

Okotie

The directive among others, stipulated that “Every worshipper must wear face mask. Social distancing should be observed in the sitting arrangement with one meter gap between two worshippers.” 

But the guidelines by the Christian body didn’t go down well with some senior pastors as the lead pastor of the Household of God Church, Chris Okotie viciously lambasted the directives by CAN, describing it as unbiblical. 

Oyakhilome

Pastor Okotie said” Social distancing in the Church of Jesus Christ is tantamount to blasphemous infidelity and an impeachment of the integrity of the word of God, adding that it’s an abomination to allow the idol of COVID-19 to determine how the House of God is managed. 

Aside Okotie, Bishop David Oyedepo and Chris Oyakhilome, head pastors of Living Faith Worldwide(Winners Chapel) and Belivers world Ministry(Christ Embaasey) respectively have been critical of the government for restricting the conduct of churches. They noted that on no account should churches be shut down. 

Oyedepo

But while having a different opinion, the Senior pastor of The Elevation Church, Godman Akinlabi has countered his colleagues over their views, saying that religious leaders should exercise caution in reopening churches amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Akinlabi explained that religious homes must adhere to all safety measures put in place before they reopen, adding that online services should remain a priority.

Godman Akinlabi

Godman Akinlabi in a statement he issued on Wednesday, called on members of the clergy and especially senior pastors to reopen only with “critical thought, strategic planning and a sense of responsibility for the safety and convenience of their members”.

He said “Remember, that the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. In the last few months, we have all proven that the Church is beyond a building,” adding that Christians as believers of Jesus Christ are the church and not the building.