By Divine Macaulay, in Kaduna
Apostle Emmanuel Bako, the Kaduna State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State has issued a warning to fellow pastors to stop manipulating and defrauding their congregants under the guise of divine instruction.
He made this statement during the PFN Kaduna chapter’s Elders at the Gate event, themed “Times of Refreshing in His Presence,” held at the HouseHold of Love Church in Ungwan Yelwa, Sabo Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Bako emphasized the importance of integrity and transparency among spiritual leaders. He stated, “God is not a tool for exploitation.” He criticized pastors who use the pulpit to extort money, demand unnecessary “prophetic seeds,” or promise miracles in exchange for offerings, asserting that such actions do not serve God but rather their greed.
His message comes amid growing public criticism that the PFN has become an organization with loose affiliations, allowing anyone to claim membership without concrete proof of ministry work. Bako lamented, “Today, we find magicians, herbalists, and all kinds of people claiming to identify with the PFN, which gives us a terrible image as a Christian body.”
He continued, “But those of us who are believers know that God died for us, atoned for our sins, and His spirit lives in us to carry out His work of salvation and love for the transformation of lives. When God is at work, you will see love and progress, not the exploitation that some individuals engage in to become wealthy by taking advantage of people’s conditions.”
Bako reaffirmed, “That is not our calling as pastors; those individuals are strangers among us who misrepresent God and jeopardize the integrity of the body of Christ.”
To address these issues, he announced plans for a comprehensive database aimed at identifying genuine pastors. “We are making this decision to restore sanity to the faith and ensure that every minister operates within the scope of their ministry. There must be order in the house of God,” he explained.
He stressed that true ministry is rooted in service to God and humanity, not in schemes that enrich pastors at the expense of the downtrodden, afflicted, oppressed, and needy. “The God I know and serve is loving and caring. Your job as a minister is to love and care for the brethren. If God truly calls you into ministry, He will take care of your needs in His way and time. Just be patient and committed.”
Referring to the Bible, he quoted Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all other things shall be added unto you.”
Bako also urged church members to stay vigilant and discerning. “Do not be swayed by emotional appeals or dramatic displays. Test every spirit and seek a personal relationship with God beyond what any man says.”
Attendees applauded his remarks, describing them as “timely” and “bold.” Many expressed hope that other religious leaders would echo this message and lead by example.
The meeting concluded with a call for accountability in church governance, as the ongoing debate over ethics in ministry continues. Voices like Apostle Emmanuel Bako’s are gaining traction, advocating for a return to the core values of humility, honesty, and genuine spiritual leadership.
