RCCG: Implications of the resignation of Adeboye’s Senior Pastor, Tola Odutola
If there’s one thing that can discourage a congregation of people or followers looking for hope and comfort in a religious sanctuary, it is a situation where the shepherd leaves the flock for heartbreaking reasons.
The sad and shocking news of the resignation of Senior Pastor, Tola Odutola of the Redeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG), Jesus House Baltimore, USA, has gone viral and has sparked a lot of heat following the reason for his departure. The clergyman who has served for 30 years made the announcement in a video on the grounds of lack of care. Simply put, he has served for so long and yet has received nothing in return as gain.
This comes just after Pastor EA Adeboye’s sermon on Sunday,12th July, 2020, was met with heavy criticism.
The Senior Pastor who was also the founding Chairman of the Redeemer’s Leadership institute(RLI), the Leadership arm of the Redeemed Christian Church of God North America (RCCGNA) which provides continuous training for Religious Leaders worldwide, revealed that he was prepared for whatever backlash he may receive and that his church will run independently.
Implications
When a shepherd abandons his flock, the sheep scatters likewise when there is division or unsettled grievances in a church organisation or any other religious institution, the aftermath could be fatal for both the individuals involved and the followers. The Church is said to be a clinic people run to for proper healing of the soul and other psychological issues that affect ones day to day life but when a Pastor pulls out it could render them hopeless and discouraged.
Many who flock our churches today are just one step away from giving up and with the daily torrent from the harsh weathers of life hitting us without remorse we could easily break and give in. When a senior Pastor makes a statement as disheartening as this it leaves one wondering.
It is general knowledge that when you are called to serve, you are called by God Himself who alone is the ultimate rewarder of those who serve in His vineyard but as humans who expel energy in the course of service, certain measures are put in place by administrative heads of the organisation to cater to the welfare of its leaders. Pastor Tola may have just given us a brief summary of his 30 years in service but buried deep between the lines are untold stories that are unpleasant enough for him to walk away.
Looking at this from another perspective, it could also be a ploy to take over the church for as we know, many Pastors invest a lot in their Churches just before they are whisked away to start another from the scratch. Call it a brilliant or deceptive move, the downside of this development may just be the beginning of worse things to come.
Termination of staff: When Pastors pull out many will be asked to leave as they work fully registered under the previous administration in charge of the church. The ‘clean house’ effect starts immediately as the financial burden solely depends on the man in charge. If the cost is too much to bear the only reasonable thing to do is to lay off staff.
Living in 2 worlds: Those who choose to stay will be torn between the church and the general public because staying with the Pastor means you support his decision thereby implying that you share in his sentiment against the RCCG. This may not sit well with your other friends, colleagues or even neighbours who are against it. This puts you is a position between the devil and the deep blue sea as resentment may set in.
Lack of faith: Witnessing discord among leaders in any organisation can be dampening talk more of a prestigious one as the RCCG. It leaves nothing for others to hold on to except the ones who are mature enough to weather the storm, make wise decisions knowing fully that misunderstandings are a normal way of life and what we choose to learn from it is totally up to us. For the feeble in faith, it may just be another reason to turn back.
In times like this…
When things go sour, it is your responsibility not to assume the worst. Speculation is the enemy of truth and the friend of scandals and rumours. Men leave and they do so for a thousand and one reasons. Regardless of their resignation we ought to assume the best and not jump into conclusions. A lot has happened for 30 years that you may know nothing about.
Inquiring minds do not need to know. Busybodies do! Be very careful about seeking information on a matter. If you must, talk to your senior pastor about it rather than seeking out information from people with selfish motives.
Pray about it. Misunderstandings are a normal part of life and sometimes the aftermath may be very unpleasant. No matter the authority an individual holds, they also need spiritual support. Pray for your leaders. Not everyone has it easy. Pray not criticize.
Be considerate. All parties involved have families. Being insensitive should not cross your mind. Try as much as possible to relate with them as before. He only resigned, he didn’t harm anyone.
Finally, keep your opinions to yourself. We all have scales under our skin.
Conclusion
The year 2020 will go down in history as the year that changed the world and now more than ever, we need to be on the look out for each other. Now is the time when churches and their leaders should come together as a force of love, peace and hope to the downtrodden. We should witness peace not war and if proper attention has not been given to those who strive to make the church a home, it should become top priority. The church should stand as a model of unity not discord.
so have you kept your own opinion to yourself, instead of chatting