Prof. Oyewole Sarumi PhD
The Pentecostal and Charismatic movements have grown exponentially over the years, drawing millions of believers with their emphasis on spiritual gifts, vibrant worship, and miracles.
However, beneath the surface of this growth lies a troubling trend: the rise of idolatry. From the veneration of objects like handkerchiefs, wristbands, and olive oil to the idolization of church leaders, this movement has increasingly blurred the line between honoring God and worshipping His creation.
This article seeks to expose the subtle yet pervasive forms of idolatry within these circles, urging believers to return to the biblical standard of worship that belongs to God alone.
THE IDOLATRY OF OBJECTS: FAITH-EXTENSION TOKENS
One of the most alarming practices in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles is the idolization of physical objects. Handkerchiefs, wristbands, olive oil, and even water are often elevated to the status of “faith-extension tokens.”
These items are believed to carry spiritual power or blessings, and believers are encouraged to use them as conduits for miracles or divine favor.
While the intention may be to inspire faith, this practice dangerously shifts focus from God to His creation, and it’s strange to the New Testament doctrines as most of what we read there were majorly descriptive events and not prescriptive for our practice.
The Bible is clear that God alone is the source of power and blessing. In Isaiah 44:9-20, the prophet condemns the folly of idolizing objects, stating that those who worship carved images are feeding on ashes and deluding themselves.
Similarly, Acts 17:24-25 reminds us that God “does not dwell in temples made with hands, nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything.” When believers place their faith in objects rather than in God, they risk falling into idolatry, no matter how well-intentioned the practice may seem.
THE IDOLATRY OF LEADERS : WHEN HONOUR BECOMES WORSHIP
Another disturbing trend is the idolisation of church leaders. Many pastors, prophets, and evangelists in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles have become objects of adoration, with their followers treating them as spiritual superstars and deities. This idolisation is often masked under the guise of “honour,” but in reality, it crosses the line into worship.
Have you not watched the videos online of members squatting (loso in Yoruba language) for their leaders when talking to them? I even learnt that in major Pentecostal churches, hardly can any church members, elders or Pastors speak or make a request to their church heads without “loso-ing” to show reverence to the so called leaders!
Let’s agreed that the members or ministers are doing it, but has the leadership repudiated such actions and insist that nobody should be squatting or “loso-ing” when speaking with/to them? The answer is a big NO! Rather, from investigation, it has become a norm, and even their gatekeepers will induct you on “what to do and how to behave” once you are in the presence of the church leaders in order to get what they want from them.
Let’s take notice that the Bible warns against the worship of men. In Revelation 22:8-9, when John attempts to worship the angel who revealed the visions to him, the angel immediately rebuked him, saying, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” Even angels, who are far superior to humans, refuse to accept worship that belongs solely to God.
Similarly, in Acts 14:11-15, when the people of Lystra attempt to worship Paul and Barnabas after a miraculous healing, the apostles tore their clothes and declare, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you.” They understood the danger of accepting worship that belongs to God.
Sadly, many modern church leaders would not respond with such humility. Instead, they often bask in the adoration of their followers, claiming it as a reflection of God’s glory. This is not so, as it is strange to the Bible and the Kingdom of God.
THE ROOT OF IDOLATRY : SATAN’S ANCIENT DESIRE
The desire to receive worship that belongs to God is not a new phenomenon. It traces back to Satan himself, who was cast out of heaven because he sought to exalt himself above God. Isaiah 14:12-14 describes his fall: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!… For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God… I will be like the Most High.’”
Satan’s temptation of Jesus in the wilderness further reveals his obsession with worship. In Matthew 4:8-9, he offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. Jesus responds unequivocally: “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
Today, Satan continues to inspire this same desire for worship, not by leading people to abandon the church, but by tempting them to seek adoration within it. Many church leaders, knowingly or unknowingly, fall into this trap as shared above, craving the praise and reverence that should be reserved for God alone. Oh, may the Lord God have mercy on this generation!
THE DANGER OF CODED WORSHIP: HONOUR VS IDOLATRY
One of the most subtle forms of idolatry in the church today is the redefinition of worship as “honour.” While the Bible does call us to honour our spiritual leaders (1 Timothy 5:17), this honour must never cross the line into worship. Unfortunately, many leaders exploit this biblical principle to justify their desire for adoration.
The nonsense started from calling church leaders “Father”, when the scripture in Matt. 23:9 expressly warned us not to call any man man your father! “And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven”
Let’s have clarity on the distinction between honour and worship, and this is crucial for our instruction. Honour is respect and appreciation for the role someone plays in God’s kingdom, but worship is the exclusive right of God. When leaders demand unquestioning loyalty, lavish praise, or financial offerings as a form of “honour,” they are treading dangerously close to idolatry. Believers must be vigilant and discerning, ensuring that their reverence for leaders does not overshadow their devotion to God.
A CALL TO BIBLICAL WORSHIP
The solution to this crisis of idolatry is a return to biblical worship. Nothing more, nothing less. The Bible is clear that worship belongs to God alone. In Exodus 20:3-5, the first commandment explicitly forbids idolatry: “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image… you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.”
Jesus reaffirms this principle in John 4:23-24, stating that true worshipers must worship God “in spirit and in truth.” Worship is not about physical objects, charismatic leaders, or emotional experiences—it is about a sincere and exclusive devotion to God alone.
CONCLUSION: GUARDING AGAINST IDOLATRY IN THE CHURCH
The Pentecostal and Charismatic movements have brought many positive contributions to the body of Christ, but they are not immune to the dangers of idolatry. The idolization of objects and leaders undermines the purity of the Gospel and distracts believers from the true object of their worship: God.
As believers, we must guard against these subtle forms of idolatry. We must reject the elevation of physical objects as conduits of divine power and resist the temptation to idolize church leaders. Instead, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and give Him the worship He alone deserves.
Let us heed the words of Revelation 22:9: “Worship God.” In a world filled with distractions and false idols, may we remain steadfast in our devotion to the One who is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory.
I come in peace 💯❤️