The Church in Africa and Societal Transformation

Written by

Emeka Orji

November 2023

 

 

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)
 
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.(Matthew 28:19,20)

From the scriptures above, we understand that the responsibility for the salvation of souls and transformation of lives with a resultant societal transformation is given to the Church.

Unfortunately, our African societies have not attained desirable level of transformation despite our spirituality or religion. This has been a concern to me, and I am wondering if it is traceable to the misplaced priority or the approach of the Church.

It’s true that according to end time prophecies, INIQUITY and DECADENCE will be on the increase but, at the same time we are admonished to occupy until He comes (Luke 19:13). Obviously, we’ve been able to gather multitudes through various means and we have large followership, but it seems we have not been able to raise or make many disciples of Christ out of the multitudes.

We thank God for all the Revivals or Spiritual awakenings in the past and present in Africa, but it is my belief and desire that all these lead to individual or personal transformation with a resultant societal transformation.

Historically, we have seen the Reformations and Spiritual awakenings of the past resulting in Societal transformation.Permit me to take us on a trip down memory lane. We are all aware of the revival that began in the 1st century in Jerusalem (Acts 2) and spread to Europe. We are also aware of the persecutions, setbacks and adulterations that took place prior to the following reformations listed below among others:

  • The 16th century Protestant reformation catalysed by Martin Luther and John Calvin
  • The 16th century Scottish Revival led by John Knox which led to the birth of the Presbyterian Church.
  • The 18th century English Revival led by John Wesley which led to the birth of the Methodist Church.
  • The Welsh Revival of the early 20th century.
  • The Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles USA in the early 20th century, that began the Pentecostal movement.
  • The Revivals that began in the USA after the 2nd World War that began the charismatic movement. Which produced the men of God in America most of us hear their names today.

 

All these Revivals led to missionary activities around the world including Africa. It was during these missionary activities that God used a British missionary of The Apostolic Church named Sydney Granville Elton to guide and give focus to a Revival that began in Nigeria in the early to mid-20th century. This faithful servant of God began his missionary work in Nigeria in 1937 and continued until he passed on to glory in 1987 and was buried in his residence in Ilesa, Osun state Nigeria. He mentored most of the Church leaders we hear their names today in Nigeria. His only daughter is also a missionary in Nigeria as well as Nigerian citizen.

Stories have it that this faithful servant of God, S. G. Elton tried his best to correct some of the erroneous approach of the Church in Nigeria and even gave a prophecy thus;

“Nigeria will be known for corruption worldwide but the tide will turn, and Nigeria will also be known for righteousness worldwide. Many shall take hold of him that is a Nigerian, saying, “We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”

You will agree with me that the one half of that prophecy has been fulfilled, that is, the part about corruption. Indeed, the corruption in our society has reached an alarming level but we pray that the other part, the part about righteousness will be fulfilled as well, if we do what’s expected of us. Furthermore, I believe that our message or ministry to the western world that is now experiencing apostasy, will be effective if we get transformed as a people.

I believe that time has come when we need to;

  • 1.Re-examine our THEOLOGY and APPROACH in carrying out our core assignment of soul winning.
  • Examine if some things we do are hindrances to genuine soul winning.
  • Re-examine our definition of RESULT in ministry.
  • Re-examine our definition of Kingdom Stewardship
  • Get united despite our differences and leverage on the power of unity

As we ponder on these, it’s important that we’re all reminded that the key to sustainable societal transformation begins with individual or personal transformation. Furthermore, personal transformation begins with the regeneration of the heart and renewal of the mind of an individual (Romans 12:2). It’s also my belief that societal transformation is as a result of intimate relationship with God (not necessarily religious activities) and continual, correct application of His Principles as contained in the Manual of life (The Bible) in our lives and in our spheres of influence.

May God continue to empower us to continually live up to our responsibilities in Jesus Name!