BY EVELYN ZORZOR/OGORAMAKA AMOS/CHIKA KWAMBA/FAVOUR PERCY-IDUBOR
For some time now, pastors and other men of God have come under fire, not for preaching the gospel, but for allegations of immoral relationships with female members of their congregations, financial impropriety, fake miracles, money laundering, abuse of power, and other corrupt practices. Social media trials, police investigations, viral videos, and whispered testimonies have placed the Church under intense public scrutiny.
For many Christians, these developments cut deep. Clergy are not just spiritual leaders; they are counsellors, moral compasses. When such figures are accused or exposed, the damage goes beyond individual churches; it affects faith, trust, and the moral authority of Christianity itself.
Speaking with our correspondent in Port Harcourt, Pastor Emeka Nworie, who has been in ministry for over 12 years, said it has become difficult for sincere pastors whenever such scandals occur.
“Let me be honest, this issue has wounded the Church badly. Every time another scandal breaks, sincere pastors like us pay the price. People look at us with suspicion, even when we have done nothing wrong. It affects attendance, it affects giving, and most importantly, it affects souls.”
According to him, the problem goes beyond isolated moral failure. “Some pastors have turned ministry into a business empire. When power, money, and fame come faster than character, temptation follows. Young female members are especially vulnerable because they trust the man of God as God’s representative.”
He believes silence has made things worse. “For too long, the Church covered up wrongdoing in the name of protecting God’s name. But the truth is that covering sin only multiplies it. Discipline and accountability are biblical. If a pastor falls, there must be consequences.”
Another respondent, Rev Fr Anthony Gbule, a Catholic Priest in Port Harcourt, said, “In my years of priestly experience, when a priest or a pastor is accused of immorality or corruption, the pain is communal. The Church suffers because people expect holiness from those who stand at the altar.”
He explains that the Catholic Church has established structures for discipline, though they are not always perfect. “The scandal is not new, but what is new is the speed at which information spreads. A single allegation can travel in minutes. Even when investigations are ongoing, public judgment comes swiftly.”
For him, the greatest danger is discouragement among believers. “Some Christians begin to ask, ‘If the priest is doing this, then what is the essence of faith?’ That question is dangerous if not addressed honestly, because before you know what is happening, the church is being seen as polluted, which automatically kills the faith of the believers.’’
He also advised that upcoming pastors should undergo training. “The new generation of pastors should be properly trained, after all, our Lord Jesus Christ trained his disciples before they began to preach and evangelise. Nowadays, everyone claims to be called by God but with no proper training. There are some things that a pastor shouldn’t do.
“Training will help mould them properly, it would help new pastors be aware of the Do’s and Don’ts, and at least the churches I know that do this are the Anglican and Catholic Church.’’
A female evangelist, Blessing Barido, has spent over a decade preaching in markets and crusades across Rivers State. In a chat with our correspondent in Port Harcourt, she expressed frustration at the unfortunate trend. “As a woman in ministry, these stories pain me deeply. Many young women joined the church seeking healing, direction, or comfort, not manipulation.”
She speaks frankly about abuse of spiritual authority. “Some men of God misuse prophecy and counselling sessions to emotionally trap female members. They say things like, ‘God told me you are my spiritual daughter,’ then they gradually cross boundaries.”
She believes women’s voices are often dismissed. “When victims speak up, they are accused of trying to bring down a man of God. That culture of blame must stop if the Church wants healing because the church is supposed to be a safe place for healing and not a place people run from.”
Another respondent, Deacon James Alali of Christ is Risen Pentecostal Church, has served in church administration for over 25 years. According to him, “What worries me most is how these scandals affect young people. When they see pastors living double lives, it confirms their fears.”
He says the Church must return to simplicity. “Ministries were never meant to be flashy. Many pastors live above their means, and this has made most of them commit fraud and money laundering without even having the fear of the Lord’s vineyard. They even go as far as taxing the church members financially, and definitely, people will ask questions. Transparency is not optional anymore.”
“The ideology of these new pastors who use the church as a source of income is so heartbreaking and disappointing. The members are not fools; they observe what happens in church. When a church member hears about these scandals, how do you think they will have faith and obey the word of God when God’s ordained servant is caught in shame?
“They will definitely look to other religions. Pastors should know they are supposed to lead by example. When a pastor is arrested for money laundering and scam, tell me how he would be able to win the soul of a scammer?”
Beyond the clergy, ordinary Christians carry the emotional burden of these scandals. For them, faith has become complicated. One of such Christians who spoke with The Pointer is Abiye Olunwa, a realtor. “As a human being, I understand we are not perfect in our ways. But in life and in the business world, integrity is important.
“For those of us who choose to serve in our Father’s Vineyard, we should try, as a matter of honour and integrity, in service to God. Remember, Jesus Christ said, He will leave us with the spirit of truth. Jesus, despite His life of forgiveness, only showed anger with those trading in the House of God. May God help us to serve him in spirit and truth”
A teacher and a member of the Apostolic Church, Mrs Ngozi Okafor, said, “When I hear such stories, my heart breaks. I trust my pastor with my prayers, my problems, and even my children. So, when a man of God is caught in immorality, it feels like betrayal.” She admits it has affected her confidence. “Nowadays, I am careful. I still believe in God, but I no longer put any man on a pedestal.”
Also, Mr Kelvin Jumbo, a member of Living Word Church in Port Harcourt, said, “The impact is generational, young people are tired of hypocrisy. They see pastors preaching holiness while living differently. It makes it hard to defend Christianity”
He believes accountability should start with church members. “We should stop worshipping pastors and start holding them accountable. The implications of these ugly developments are far-reaching. Trust has been eroded. Attendance in some churches has dropped. Scepticism has increased, especially among youths. Genuine pastors face suspicion, while victims struggle for justice. The Church is not beyond reproach. If anything, it should be the first place where truth prevails.”
For Mrs Grace Okeke, a Church member in Asaba, ‘’It is very painful and disappointing. Pastors are supposed to lead us in the right way. When such things happen, it affects the image of the Church and weakens people’s faith. It also makes one doubt the truth and potency of God’s existence and the integrity of men of God.’’
In the same vein, Mr Samuel John, Christian Youth Leader, told The Pointer, ‘’Many people no longer trust church leaders easily. Some members stop attending church, while unbelievers mock Christianity. It creates doubt and confusion among believers.’’
Similarly, a chorister simply identified as Ms Ruth said ‘’I feel sad, betrayed, but I also believe that the truth must be told. Leaders should be accountable. This will help clean the Church and encourage sincere worship.’’
Likewise, Mr Peter Johnson called for discipline and transparency in the church. ‘’Christians should pray, remain faithful to God, and not base their faith on any man.’’
On the contrary, an anonymous person who resides in Asaba believes that accusations against men of God are a powerful instrument of the kingdom of darkness. ‘’It accomplishes two things, among others: Many weak Christians who are struggling with sin will be emboldened to continue in sin without repentance. The unbelievers and agents of the Devil use the information to get more disciples.
‘’Every Christian, whether a man of God or a church member, needs to be cautious and sincere in all he or she does, so that an occasion is not given to the naysayers. Finally, Jesus should be your focus and your model, not a man of God. Woe is he who trusts in men.
Reacting to the topic, Pastor Anigboro Akpomiemie said, “The Bible spoke of three things that are in the world: For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh (craving for sensual gratification) and the lust of the eyes (greedy longings of the mind) and the pride of life (assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things)–these do not come from the Father but are from the world.
‘’Once a minister of the Gospel of Christ Jesus hasn’t yielded to the dealings of the Holy Spirit, to have Christ formed in him or her, those three things in the world will definitely play out in their lives. The cravings for sensual gratification, the greedy longings of the mind and assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things will always result in sexual immorality and financial impropriety.
“Once ministers of the Gospel of Christ Jesus are under the influence of those three vices, the world will find it hard to want to be born into the church of Christ Jesus. Our witnessing to the world will be hindered and made difficult. Turning men from darkness into the light, Christ Jesus, will be resisted by the unsaved.
‘’Young saints in Christ Jesus will be confused and likely return to the world, except they are under quality discipleship. The teaching of Christ Jesus won’t be celebrated and accepted by the unsaved.
Another respondent, Mr Oladele Ogundele, posited that immorality on the pulpit betrays trust, saying this is a call to a national spiritual reform. “In Nigeria, the Church is more than a religious institution; it is a moral compass, a sanctuary for the broken, and a voice of hope in a nation burdened by economic hardship, insecurity, and systemic failure.
‘’This is why the growing trend of men of God being publicly called out, especially for immorality, adultery, and other grievous acts, should not be dismissed as mere controversy. It is a loud alarm bell signalling a deep spiritual crisis.
“Men of God are not entertainers, celebrities, or untouchable figures; they are stewards of divine trust. Scripture makes this clear: “It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). When those entrusted with shepherding God’s people are exposed for sexual immorality, adulterous relationships, abuse of power, manipulation of vulnerable congregants, or other forms of evil conduct, the damage is devastating. This is not persecution; it is a consequence.
“Let it be said plainly: when immorality enters the pulpit, the altar is defiled. Adultery, sexual misconduct, and moral compromise among spiritual leaders are not “private matters.” They destroy marriages, traumatise victims, scatter congregations, and bring reproach upon the name of Christ. In a nation already struggling with moral decline, the Church must not become another institution marked by hypocrisy and silence.
“While it is true that false accusations exist and must be resisted, the Nigerian Church must confront an uncomfortable truth: many of these call-outs are justified. Repeated allegations are often met with intimidation, denial, or spiritual blackmail.
‘’Some church members are told to “keep quiet,” victims are silenced, and offenders are protected under the dangerous misuse of the phrase “touch not my anointed.” This distortion of Scripture has become a shield for sin. While some of these men command a stronger influence in society, they use them as tools for intimidating their victims.
“The Bible does not excuse immoral leadership; it condemns it. “A bishop then must be blameless… not given to sexual immorality, self-controlled, of good behaviour” (1 Timothy 3:2–3). Anointing does not cancel discipline. Grace does not erase accountability. Power without character is a disaster waiting to happen.
“The cost of this failure is especially evident among Nigeria’s youth. Many young people are leaving the Church, not because they reject God, but because they are disillusioned by leaders who preach holiness on Sunday and are exposed for adultery and corruption on Monday. This contradiction fuels cynicism and erodes the Church’s moral authority in the public space.
‘’Calling out immorality is not rebellion; it is responsibility. “Judgment must begin at the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17). Silence in the face of evil is not honour; it is a betrayal of the gospel. However, correction must be guided by truth, due process, and a genuine desire for repentance and restoration, not mob justice or social media trials. Yet, where wrongdoing is proven, repentance must be visible, and consequences must be real.
“Nigeria does not need perfect men of God, but it desperately needs accountable ones. Leaders who fear God more than public applause. Pastors who understand that the pulpit is not a throne for entitlement, sexual exploitation, or unchecked authority. Shepherds who live what they preach.
“This is a defining moment for the Nigerian Church. It must choose between protecting reputations and preserving righteousness. The altar must be cleansed. Accountability structures must be strengthened. Moral discipline must return to leadership. Without this, the Church risks losing its credibility, its influence, and its prophetic voice in the nation.
“The children of God deserve leaders who lead rightly, walk uprightly, and live cleanly. Until the Church confronts immorality within its ranks with courage and truth, the call-outs will continue, and rightly so.
“May this moment not be wasted. May it lead to repentance, reform, and a genuine return to holiness. For the sake of the gospel, the faith of believers, and the moral soul of Nigeria, the Church must rise.’’
Vincent, a 37-year-old trader was unapologetic about his stand regarding pastors and ministers involved in scandals, especially when it is sexually related. According to him, once it is rumoured that a pastor is involved in sexual scandal, he ought to stop preaching.
“As a matter of fact, I would advise the members to change their place of worship. It does not matter whether the accusation is true or not. The members should leave first and then investigations can be carried out because sexual sin is a very serious offence when it comes to the body of Christ “.
A lot of other respondents were also of the opinion that the church to a large extent, has enabled the unscriptural behaviour of some ministers through various means. In the words of Steven Jacob, an evangelist, “Because of how some churches are encouraging ministers to embarrass the name of God because of their attitude.
“When an ordinary member steals or is known to have committed a sexual sin, it is very easy for them to ex communicate that member. If he or she has any leadership role, they strip it off and in some churches, such fellows are asked to sit at the back of the church.
“And so, virtually all the church members are aware of the fellow’s sin. So many brides have had their wedding stopped right on the spot because pregnancy test was conducted on the morning of the wedding and it came out positive.
“According to such churches, stopping the wedding would serve as a warning for other intending couples to abstain from sexual sin because they understand that the church does not tolerate such.
“While all these are not necessarily wrong, the problem is that the same hand of discipline is not extended to ministers. When a minister is caught, the issue is handled privately. He is still allowed to preach so the members do not begin to ask questions.
“Some churches and ministries immediately transfer the said Minister to another branch. In all these, what do they use as defence? They claim they are protecting the body of Christ from ridicule.
“And I keep asking them, what exactly is the Body of Christ? Who is this Body of Christ that must be protected by all means? Where do the members of the church fall into? I’m yet to get a satisfactory answer”, Evangelist Jacob noted.
According to him, the problem of the church today is foundational. “When people and especially ministers cannot separate church doctrines from scriptural principles, a huge problem is created.
“Rather than upholding the truth of God’s word, a lot of us in the church are glorifying man made rules and church regulations, which in themselves are not bad because they help to give structure.
“But it becomes a problem when it is done at the detriment of God’s word. The principle of God’s word should be upheld in every situation, no matter who is involved.’’
Mrs Precious Ochor, a member of a Pentecostal Church in Asaba, said ministers should be given more grace. “Some of the scandals that our ministers are involved in are not ordinary. Because of the call of God upon them, they face a lot of challenges.
“So instead of judging them, we should pray for them because the temptations are too much”, she said.
