Prophetess Adeola Oyegbami is the founder of Christ Author of All Souls Evangelical Ministry. She is a humble Servant of God, a true Prophetess, who says as she hears from God. She is beautiful, faithful, God-loving, people-loving and heaven-focused. In this Interview, she answered various questions on: being called into God’s Service, issues on funds and general accountability in churches; the responsibilities of a Church in the host Community and other insightful information. Let’s read, learn and be blessed.
Welcome to Interviewers Magazine, Ma. Please, can you share with us how you got this calling? Also, how long have you been in this Ministry?.
Thank you very much. I got my calling in the year 1987, while I was on a business trip to Zartech Farmers Shop. Then, they were operating at Olorunda. I was going on a business as usual that day, but I decided to go to the Church and pray before leaving. When I entered, a bright light shone on me, and I fell into trance immediately. Until the third day before I could comprehend what was happening around me, and I knew I was seeing visions of heaven. That was how I started. Since that time, I thank God that I have never looked back.
Before I started my Ministry about 25 years ago, I was with Ayo Ni and later, Pentecostal denominations. I later joined Christ Apostolic Church, and that is the denomination of my Ministry.
Today in Nigeria, there is proliferation of Churches. Many men and women operate Churches as business and arrange fake prophecies and miracles. How will you address this issue?
There are lots of churches based on true foundation and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. But there are also many men and women, who probably were called, but became money-conscious, thereby not showing interest in God and His Righteousness. For such, most of their activities could involve lying or arranging fake prophecies and miracles; just to collect money from people, even as they continue to claim they are serving God. It’s disheartening to know that many people have already concluded that all Pastors, Prophets and Servants of God are involved in such vicious activities.
Jesus Christ came purposely for the salvation of our souls, and for us to enjoy the provisions available to us from our God, when we connect with Him indeed. Through His three and a half years of Earthly Mission, He laid good examples for us. Christians were first called so in Antioch because of their Christ-like ways and behaviours (Acts 11:19-26).
But today, due to proliferation of churches without control, many are trying to make money by all means, killing, being involved in ritualism, turning churches to business centres, and all evil activities, which used to be unheard of in Christendom.
There is an urgent need for we Christians to humble ourselves and call upon God on behalf of the Nation and the Church, as stated in God’s Word in 2 Chronicles 7:14. May God have mercy on us.
Most churches are located in the densely-populated areas, which makes it possible to attract members and worshippers. What responsibilities do you feel the Church has to serve such towns and communities where they are located?
It is good for churches to be located in densely-populated areas, because it is helpful in reaching out to more people easily. According to Matthew 6:33, children of God are meant to seek His Kingdom and righteousness, and every other thing that we will ever need shall be added unto us. The onus is therefore on the Church to help and guide congregants in such areas and others, as stated in the Scriptures.
In both densely-populated and sparsely-populated areas, Churches are generally expected to ensure the well-being of their host communities and the indwellers. One of the ways to achieve this is for the church leaders, workers and members to set good examples, not laying emphasis on materialism and other ephemeral things; but preaching the Word of God to them, and raising them as good disciples, so they can be Christ-like. Also, Churches should always encourage their members and community people along their individual lines of endeavours. They are to generally work with the leadership of such. communities to rid the environment of all negativities and entrench
Most churches are located in the densely-populated areas, which makes it positivity. The Church can also render meaningful and positive assistance to the people in the Community. This may be by providing jobs, organizing different academic and vocational training programmes, and empowering them as entrepreneurs.
Church finance and its limited accountabilities are part of the motives that drives many people into church business, since most of the churches in Nigeria are privately-owned. Do you account to anybody? If yes, what measures do you have in place for accountability?
We thank God. My own church is within the network of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC). We have a Treasurer and Financial Secretary who oversee all Church accounts and financial records, and we have Auditors who come to review our accounts from time to time. We also remit information on monies received to the Central Body of the Church. This is based on the laid-down instructions and policies usually given by the Central Body of the Church before a Ministry is registered within the network. A Church leadership must render accounts appropriately if they want the church to grow and be fully established to glorify God.
As a Prophetess, ma, have you experienced failed prophecies before? If yes, how did you manage the situation?
God is not mocked. It takes a false Prophet to encounter false prophecy. According to Matthew 24:11: “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many”. Also, in Isaiah 55:11: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper the thing whereto I sent it”. in
Anything the Lord says must manifest. I have never encountered a failed prophecy before, because before I release any prophecy, I would ask questions for confirmation. It is peculiar to me, even if it is considered a weakness. Just like it is written concerning Moses in the Bible, that he told God they would not move anywhere until He gave them go-ahead. I do not take steps on any issue without confirming from God. So, if you are really walking with God, you cannot have a failed prophecy. But when you are not on God’s side, when you prophesy, it will not manifest. May God continue to help us.
Ma, is it Biblical for a woman to be a Pastor in a Church?
In my church network, a woman is not allowed to be a Pastor. But some doctrines allow for women pastors. According to scriptures, women should listen when men are preaching in the church. However, maybe people believe that such instruction was given, due to lack of education and exposure then. Nowadays, that more women have become enlightened and educated, many women have the privilege of going to schools, Bible Schools, Seminars, Conferences, etc. This probably enables them to be ordained and stand as Pastors. However, I hereby emphasise again, that women are not allowed to become Pastors in my church.
What is your take on paying of tithes?
According to Malachi 3:10: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” believe tithing is ordained of God, and though it is meant to take care of affairs in the church of God, spiritually, it brings addition to the givers. There is no one who tithes faithfully, and is walking in line with God’s instructions, who will not enjoy God’s multiple blessings. It is very important to pay tithe and all church mandatory offerings, to further enhance church growth.
Ma, what are some of your strengths and weaknesses as a Church Leader?
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. My strength is in God. When you rely on God, you will not be tired, wearied, or go astray. This is the secret behind my evangelism drive, and also to doggedly work on people till their lives change positively for God.
One thing I consider to be a weakness in me is how I feel when I see people flagrantly disobeying God’s Word, despite all efforts to help them out of their situations. But God says every of His word will not go unfulfilled. I pray that He will always enable His people to be hearers and doers of His word in Jesus name. Amen
What is your advice to your members concerning the current situation in Nigeria?
They should not see the situations in Nigeria as being too peculiar and unsolvable. Remember God has several provisions for us if indeed we can abide in Him, have His word dwelling in us, prayerful and always obeying Him. Let us endeavor to be Christ-like. Good characters and attitudes will always pay off any day. Remember Matthew 24:13: “But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved.”
