By Samuel Olamide Osifuye
The Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary (CACTS), Ile-Ife, Lagos Campus on Saturday November 9, 2024 hosted its inaugural academic summit under the theme “African Christianity: The Awakening of the Spirit.”
The summit, which gathered church leaders, scholars, and theological students, was a significant occasion for engaging with contemporary challenges and opportunities within African Christianity. The event featured a series of thought-provoking lectures that explored the intersection of spirituality, culture, and the evolving role of the Church in society.
After the welcome address by the Coordinator of CACTS Lagos Campus, Pastor Gabriel Agboola, a speech on ‘African Christianity: The Intruder Within’ by the President of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel O. Oladele, delivered by Pastor Abraham Ekebafe addressed a range of critical issues facing African Christianity, urging church leaders and believers to confront unbiblical practices, reclaim their identity, and engage meaningfully with societal issues.
Pastor Oladele began by tackling the rise of unscriptural practices in some African churches, pointing out the dangers of superstition within the faith. He cited troubling examples, such as the feeding of roasted millipedes to congregants as part of supposed spiritual healing, warning against practices that divert from biblical principles and create confusion among believers.
He also addressed the abuse of prophetic authority within the church, sharing an alarming case where a prophetic directive led a woman to marry a man already married to another woman. “How do you explain a prophecy that told the woman, ‘go and marry the husband of another man’?” Pastor Oladele asked, emphasizing the potential harm of such teachings to family structures and Christian integrity.
The Clergy emphasized the urgent need for the church to become more actively involved in shaping society.
He called on Christians to take a stand in areas such as politics, business, and education rather than retreating from these fields. “We are very quick to run away from where the devil has come to plant his influence. Light is not known to run away from darkness,” he urged, advocating for the Church to be a transformative force in society.
The summit's first lecture, titled “The Promise is for You and Your Children: Pentecostal Spirituality, Mission, and Discipleship in Africa,” was delivered by a Faculty Member at the Baptist Theological Seminary, Eku-Nigerria, Dr. Blessing Onoriode Boloje. Dr. Boloje examined the rapid expansion of Pentecostalism across Africa, highlighting both its positive and problematic aspects.
He acknowledged the fusion of indigenous African spirituality with Christian beliefs, which has played a crucial role in the growth of Pentecostalism.
However, he cautioned that while the movement is growing numerically, it often lacks spiritual depth. “Many churches are 'a mile wide but an inch deep,'” he warned, urging the church to focus on deep, transformative discipleship rather than material prosperity.
He also addressed the social impact of Pentecostalism, particularly its activism and social services, while warning against the commercialization of ministry. He emphasized the need for accountability and integrity within Pentecostal practices and called for a more holistic understanding of spirituality that goes beyond material success.
While recognizing Pentecostalism's focus on personal experiences of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and healing, Dr. Blessing Boloje urged for a broader understanding of spirituality. "The gifts of the Spirit are important, but they should not overshadow the core mission of the church; to make disciples and to engage in societal transformation," he said.
The second lecture titled ‘African Christianity: The awakening of the spirit’, delivered by Professor Benson Ohihon Igbon of the department of religion and African culture, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo state, focused on the historical roots of Christianity in Africa.
Professor Igbon challenged the notion that Christianity is a foreign import, pointing to the significant role Africa has played in shaping the development of Christianity, from early biblical figures like Abraham to influential African church leaders like Saint Augustine.
He emphasized the critical need for revival in the African church, urging a return to the core teachings of the gospel and a rejection of materialism and entertainment-driven ministries. “Christianity is not about numbers or material gain—it’s about a genuine transformation of the heart,” he stated.
Looking at the historical trajectory of Christianity in Africa, the professor acknowledged the explosive growth of Christianity in countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, he warned that social struggles and poverty might be driving conversions rather than authentic spiritual awakenings. "It is crucial that we address not just physical needs, but the deeper, spiritual needs of individuals," he stressed.
In his lecture titled “African Christianity: The Intruder Within,” Dr. Ademola Julius Olajide of Christ International Divinity College, Erinmo-Ijesa, Osun State reflected on the legacy of European missionaries in Africa. While acknowledging the missionaries’ contributions to education and healthcare, Dr. Olajide criticized the Europeanization of Christianity, which he argued had disconnected the faith from African cultural traditions.
He called for a more indigenized form of Christianity that would allow African believers to interpret and practice their faith in ways that resonate with their own cultural values.
He addressed the historical injustices perpetrated by missionaries, including their complicity in the transatlantic slave trade, and emphasized the importance of African Christians embracing their cultural identity and leadership potential.
The final lecture, delivered by Dr. Joseph Moyinoluwa Talabi on behalf of Bishop (Prof.) Dapo F. Asaaju, focused on “Embodying the Spirit: Pentecostal Demonology and Deliverance.” Dr. Talabi underscored the importance of spiritual empowerment for Christians, particularly in facing modern challenges.
Drawing from his own journey, which includes both academic success and a deep commitment to ministry, Asaaju declared, “If you don’t have power, you haven’t started.”
He highlighted the essential role of prayer, faith, and deliverance in the life of every believer, stressing that spiritual power should not be viewed merely as a theological concept but as a practical force for societal transformation.
“One cannot engage in spiritual warfare without the power of God,” he said, urging the audience to understand that confronting evil spirits and achieving deliverance requires more than belief—it requires an active manifestation of God’s strength. “Spiritual power is not just for the church but for society,” Asaaju added, stressing the need for Christians to be instruments of transformation.
The summit concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, as attendees were encouraged to take ownership of their faith, engage more deeply with societal issues, and uphold the integrity of the gospel.
Photo Speaks!
