By Gbenga Osinaike
The General Overseer of Guiding Light Assembly, Pastor Wale Adefarasin has observed that many churches are going through hard times as a result of the recession in the country.
He then charged church leaders to encourage their members to be productive and work hard in order to combat the current debilitating economy.
He made this observation during the monthly meeting of the executive of the Lagos Chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria on Tuesday November 29.
Adefarasin who hosted the meeting of the PFN leaders in his church said the reality of the recession is so strong in many churches. “Our incomes have reduced by 50 percent. That is the reality. We have poor people in our midst and we have to take care of them. But we also have to take care of ourselves. The implication of this is that we have to get to work and be productive.
“The way out of the recession is not clear yet but what we know is that the dollar is not there. And we have been so much dependent on foreign goods. What that means is that only those who export will make more money. There is a need for the Church to reinvent itself and begin to be really productive.”
He also touched on the issue of noise pollution in church vicinities stressing that churches need to conduct their businesses with some sense of decorum and fairness.
He said, “We must worship bearing in mind that there are people around us who need some quiet. It is not fair to disturb our neighbours in the name of serving God. We should bring the noise level during our services to the barest minimum. The simple way to do it is not to have loud speakers outside the church.”
While commending the PFN leaders on their commitment to the service of God, he called for more commitment to kingdom principles where issues that bother on God’s kingdom get more attention. “There is a need to begin to create a kingdom mindset among our people.” He said.
He used the opportunity to pray for the PFN leaders assuring that “God will prosper their ways and make all things work for their good in the coming year. As 2017 unfold your relationship with God will be stronger and better. You will be like the sons of Isachar that have understanding of the times. You will lead your people well. PFN will go from grace to grace and strength to strength.”
The Vice Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the PFN, Apostle Eyinnaya Okwuonu who moderated the meeting thanked him for sparing his time to attend the meeting assuring that the PFN as a body will act on his recommendations.