ARE THERE IMMUNITY FOR PASTORS? Part 1
"Amazingly, the people around us were supportive and understanding. It was some outsiders who were not privy to a whole lot of stuff that were making some kind of remarks. But the truth is, we were just friends when she told me about what happened. I was pained and hurt because here was a man who I held in high esteem. I only told her to do what she had to do because she felt like she was enslaved by something she didn’t have control over. And when she tried to reach out for disclosure that would have led to her healing, she was treated badly by some people who sent the message that some person is untouchable. I can tell you that she reached out not once or twice. Continue..
In the end, she did what she did for her peace of mind and to encourage others who are in a similar situation. She opened up not because she is the boldest person; she knew that she was taking a big risk. But she opened up because she is someone who has a conscience and will not stand for something wrong. Her making that bold move endeared her to me. When she came out with the truth, I believed her, having heard the same story two or three times from other women. When she spoke out, she was attacked. But I believe that with her simple act of speaking the truth, she not only liberated herself but also other women in a similar situation" he said
A lot was said in 2013 when this news broke out. Devoted followers defended the Pastor with so much vigor and animosity as if he's not human, who's prone to make mistakes. The problem is not with us falling, where the problem lies is when we assume this larger than life status, competing for the 'infallibility-status' with God. It is no longer news that great men of God often fall into sin. The problem lies with us assuming the position that we are saints when we know exactly how depraved we are. If I fall, I'll strive to rise, and when I've risen, I'll use my mess as a message to my congregation. It will help someone struggling with similar situation. But no, particularly in Africa and Nigeria to be precise, we are the greatest pretenders on the face of this planet called earth. We sleep and wake up on the laps of Delilah and mount the altar proclaiming Jesus is Lord and lifting up holy hands without any sign of remorse whatsoever; by the way, we are living in the era of grace. When the going gets tough, we step up to 'a higher level of grace', glory!
I am not qualified to pass judgment on anyone, I am not perfect myself. I have got issues in my private life that I often ask God for his help on daily basis but I must grow to own up and take responsibilities for all of my actions. I am convinced and strongly persuaded that as a Pastor, I am answerable to God and accountable to my congregation at material time.
I was grieved in my spirit when some time ago, on Linda Ikeji's blog, I read a story where a young and smart looking man who goes by the name; Rare Gentle was ranting like a robot-gone-bad. In his opinion, the late Kefee (God bless her soul) collapsed because she said some negative things about Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of COZA. for me, that was the dumbest thing I have ever heard in my entire life. Sadly, we have a million of Rare Gentles out there who lack wisdom and the gift of discernment. These are the group of individuals I call "Doctrinal Junkies".
Below is what Gentle wrote on his Facebook page;
"You must have heard that gospel artiste Kefee, the
'kokoroko' crooner is presently in coma after she
slumped on a flight bound for Chicago.
I couldn't help but randomly think yesterday that
maybe this has something to do with an interview she
granted Encomium in February & lashed out at Rev.
Biodun of COZA referring to him as "so called man of
God".
While I don't quite agree with the church suddenly
cancelling her engagement with them when d scandal
about her failed marriage was rife, attacking the
Church or a man of God never ends well.
When Christ announced Peter as the Rock of the
Church, he established the Authority of the Church
on the earth (whether d world likes us or not). NO
MAN OR GOVERNMENT can bring d church down;
Idahosa proved it to Babangida's govt, Oyakhilome
has proved it since 2001, Fatoyinbo proved it after
the Ese scandal, Ashimolowo has proved it to the UK
govt, Adelaja has literally subdued the Ukrainian
govt.
Another truth is that Men of God get level- some
carry a weight of glory more than others.
And though Pastors are not perfect, they are like
Parents; their prayers, words & insight has
empowered millions to experience unimaginable
breakthroughs who hitherto were broken, poor &
dejected. ONLY A CHILD WHO IS A FOOL TURNS
AGAINST THE PARENTS BKOS OF A SCANDAL. So
just bkos a congregation sticks to its pastor even
after a scandal doesn't mean they are brainwashed,
its simply bkos they are children who love their father
unconditionally.
So Father, we ask that you have mercy on, heal &
restore back our sweet kefee in Jesus Name. Thank
you for answering bkos we still need her beautiful
voice.”
I was just wondering why the Pharisees who opposed Our saviour on different occasions, they called him names and even plotted to kill him, the worst was when they said "It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons." -Matthew 12:24NIV (They were referring to Jesus. They even called Him a fellow). Why did they not melt like wax or vanish from the face of the earth for daring to speak against God himself. It is instructive to note that these folks were bearing falsehood, yet, they moved on with their daily life. The Big question then is, as Pastors, why are we so concerned with what people say about us if indeed we are doing it right? Why dwell so much on the issue of "touch not my anointed"? Did you call yourself? If you are genuinely called and you are doing the will of God, and are not guilty of what you've been accused of, let God avenge you of your adversaries.
One question I want Mr. Rare Gentle to answer; why is Ese Walter still alive? Isn't she the one that stirred up the hornet's nest? Not only is she still with us in the land of the living, She's living life to the fullest and has just been blessed by the almighty God with one of Abuja's hottest Bachelors, Benny Ark?
These days, we have lots of so-called Pastors committing atrocities with impunity and we are expected to close our eyes and mouth, so we don't incur the wrath of God. Which God? Even human judges will tell you in clear terms that the Law does not aid illegality. I consider all these 'touch not my anointed' talks as a form of manipulation. It is a form of mental slavery.
If as a Pastor, you give me reason to talk, or air my opinion on any issue, I will gladly do so without apology to anyone. Like I said earlier, every Pastor, no matter his status, rank or class is answerable to God first, and then accountable to his generation.
It is about time Christianity came out of the closet! Lets wake up Christians, We've slept for so long!
Bob Marley was right to sing 'Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery'. Pastors do have immunity clause in some ways. As a child I used to have this mental picture of pastors as Holy Prophets of God as such should not be seen commiting sin but as I grow older, I realise they r human beings like us however they have deeper walk with God cos they speak d mind of God to the ppl. However, a sin should not be covered so he or she can receive true forgiveness from God and himself as well.
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