By our reporter
Founder and Senior Pastor of Warrior for Christ, Christ Apostolic Church in Fagba, Iju- Station, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos, Prophet Solomon Olukunmi Ajao (JP), has expressed concern over the impact of social media on the youths of the today’s church, stating that its dangers far outweigh its benefits.
Speaking with Church Times during the thanksgiving service of the 11th edition of his church’s annual convention at the Ibogun Odeyinlo, Warrior Camp in Coker, Ifo, Ogun State, the cleric likened social media’s influence to tithing to the devil
“The time you spend doing rubbish on social media is like tithing to the devil. It is wasting the precious time God has given you on evil. Social media is good if used politely.” Ajao said at the three-day power-packed event.
He lamented that many young Christians are using platforms like Facebook and TikTok to display immodest dances and nudity rather than spreading the gospel, noting, “How many of our youths are actually preaching on social media? Instead, they embrace immorality. Many church leaders refuse to caution them because they fear losing their congregation.”
Prophet Ajao further stated that, if given the chance to leverage social media or Artificial Intelligence (AI), he would use it solely for evangelism.
“If I have access to AI or platforms like Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram, my only focus would be to preach the gospel,” he said.
Crowd over salvation
The pastor also criticized the modern church for prioritizing crowds over salvation.
“Most people come to church seeking miracles, blessings, or healing, but they don’t listen to the message of salvation. They don’t love Jesus and Satan can easily enter the heart of those who don’t dwell in Him.
“Many ministers tell people what they want to hear, fearing a drop in attendance. Some are even driven by greed and engage in unspeakable acts. God is displeased because Christians are backsliding, no longer serving or worshiping Him properly,” he noted.
He reminded believers that God is not dependent on human acceptance, stating, “Even if no one enters the kingdom of God, it doesn’t affect Him. The kingdom is already full. Who loses their soul because of worldly desires is not God’s concern.”
Addressing the theme of this year’s convention, “The Reproach Was Rolled Off at Gilgal,” Prophet Ajao said it was inspired by the need for his congregation to be spiritually diligent.
“I realized that many of my people are too lazy to pray or meditate on God’s Word. To help them embrace the Holy Spirit, I encourage fasting and fervent prayer. If even a few listen to my message and gain salvation, I am fulfilled.”
On the turnout for the 11th edition, he observed that while there were new faces, the attendance was not as high as expected.
“Our goal is not crowd size. Many who came last time were not sincere. I believe God is sieving the church, separating the grains from the chaff.”
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Speaking about the church’s achievements this year, he highlighted one significant milestone
“One great thing God did for us this year is that the former auditorium we were using had a leaking roof, so that when it rained, there was no place to take cover. But we were able to build this new auditorium, and we celebrated this year’s event here after completing it in just one month and two weeks,” he added.
Prophet Ajao, who remains apolitical, also criticized the economic situation in Nigeria, which he said affected this year’s convention.
“Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral resources, yet our leaders are self-centered and callous. There’s rain and we have fertile land. If agriculture is encouraged the price of food commodities will reduce but our leaders are not doing the needful. The country should be among the best in the world, but we are still struggling,” he said.
The event featured salvation, healing and breakthrough. The presence of God could be felt at the program as there were instant miracles and testimonies.