Cruising Lagos (part I): My Church for God

By Bola Babs
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
bola@nigeriahorizon.com
January 2009

I often refrain from talking about the church because of my humility more so as a believer in the ‘existence’ of the church.  Most importantly, I love going to church in solidarity, worship and praise.  But, it doesn’t surpass my personal relationship with God.  I strongly believe in the importance of the role of the church in society.  It does foster and promote morality, love and peace under the umbrella of divine light of wisdom.  Though atimes, I have questioned the structure of its existence and this recent observation is no exception but to further enhance the puzzling quest.  On a recent trip outside N.America, to be exact - my homeland, I just had to exhale out loud – enough is enough! To say I was appalled by my observations is an understatement, yet, this is the sole basis for this article.  It was one of those mornings and a couple of us were on our way to church.  But wait - lo and behold, I was shocked to see the number of churches situated on this one street.  That was the highest peak of my utmost shock!  Four varying churches, a few feet away from each other and each one firmly planted on the same street were truly beyond my comprehension.  Believe me; the stark realization of this fact was not just limited to this particular street of observation.  As a matter of fact, this is the norm as you go outside the outskirts of the city.  I wondered, is this the church for God or ‘My church for God’?

The next question that came to my mind was, so then if it is true that we are all worshipping the one and only true God who is the same yesterday, today and forever.  If I were looking for a church to attend, what criteria must I use to express my preference for one over the other and if in fact, it is all about what is in the best interests of promoting spiritual and inspirational values?  What criteria would I use to determine which one of the churches to go to if contemplating either or? Or better still, would I just alternate between the four churches located on the same street?  After all, they are all churches or are they not?  Imagine the state of confusion for a non-believer looking at the differently named churches on that single street?  On the other hand, because I am not a novice, I am quite familiar with churches and their varying doctrines.  Hey, one individual’s liquid may be another’s solid food.  But, must I have so many church options at my disposal to choose from?  Why? I wondered if truly it is about the church for God not ‘My church for God?’

 In all humility, I am ecstatic to know God in faith as the Supreme, the Omnipotence and Divine Creator of all mankind.  Most importantly, it is a privilege to find solace always in his presence and no doubt an exceeding joy in his fellowship.  But is that enough reason for me to start up my own congregation.  Should that be enough grounds conducive enough for me to start up my own version of ministration called, “My church for God?” I don’t think so!  Not unless of course, it is all about, ‘My church for God.’  And Yes. Just because you have the love for ministry does not necessarily mean you should set up your own ministry.  Imagine if each one of us on planet earth had the calling to be preachers (though outright impossible) and followed suit by starting up an ‘empire of a church’ accordingly, there wouldn’t be enough physical space to contain anyone of us.  I mean, where would we have the room to build our homes, our schools, our businesses, our outdoor activities etc?  After all, we need all of these establishments as well in our daily upkeep of the society.

God is not the author of confusion, man is!  Remember, the twelve disciples? There were trillions of people on planet earth during Christ era, yet he chose 12 disciples.  Though I have not forgotten the fact that Christ in his era preached ‘go yea out and preach the gospel’, but these preachers still came back with the understanding that they were under one body, one leadership.  It was not “Simon Peter’s Fellowship Church”; neither was it “John the Baptist Divine Congregation Church”!  There was an understanding that there was one body in solidarity under this Christ leadership. Yes. They had their share of trials and tribulations, but the consensus to maintain a congregation for God persisted and prevailed.  What am I saying? In essence, I will no doubt support the reasoning behind having branches in various locations for easy accessibility.  After all, the world is not as small as we often think it is in this context that is.  However, it is not necessary for the varying named churches circulated all over the continent. 

How glorious it would be to have a unified, dignified establishment that caters and embraces the entire powerhouse of Christian leadership with their distinct gifts and talents under one roof? After all, despite our differences, every country is in agreement with having one presidential candidate voted in at all times and in all cases.  Imagine the state of confusion we would all be in, if we had President Yar Adua; President Obama; President Clinton; and President Harper amongst others running a single nation.  Thus,  the appointing of varying ministers running different arms of the country, yet, still under one state presidency.  In other words, it is not impossible for us to have one church running and lifting up the name with divisions and branches within that same umbrella.  Imagine the ‘powerhouse territory’ we would create as believers: male and female; young and old; colourful and colorless; generation next and catholic; charismatic and protestant leadership etc.           

What is wrong with the collaboration with other ministers ahead of me to build a stronger congregation for Christ?  Why should my availability to the things of God be limited only to the congregation that I have personally attached my calling to or initiated, in other for me to bring my ministration calling to pass? Being called to minister should not mean I am strictly for a specified congregation.  Having recognized that I have a desire or a vision in faith should mean an expansion with other pioneer of the same faith to accelerate and foster this vision of love.  The different churches with different leadership systems further highlight the old adage which says: ‘two captains steering the same ship’ downright impossible! God is not the author of confusion, man is! Similarly, just because I have been called to ministry work should not mean I am limited or caged to a specified group of congregation. 

Our works as ministers should expand the vision of God’s love in every environment in which we find ourselves. For example, my church for God would be redundant if started under the camouflage of my church at another location.  How beautiful it would be if there was only one church for God managed by great leaders each with their unique spiritual gifts and contributions coming together to manage different arms of the household of Christ, all under one umbrella? There would be less chaos, more unity and more dignified environment for worship and ultimately a powerhouse solidarity.  After all, the great book does mention that ‘none can withstand two if they be joined together’.  In unison of our current neighbours – the United States celebration let me be optimistic that this too shall come to pass, possibly tomorrow as: A Dream Fulfilled Again! My Church for God!

Watch out for Cruising Lagos (part II): Enroute Lagos Via Air Danfo

www.bola2008.wordpress.com

Other articles by Bola Babs

The Birth of Body & Soul
When Beauty Says..
BET
The Term is 'Make-up' not 'Mask up'
Women and Attitude
Almost Summer
Strength of a Woman
Women and the Women in their Lives
Change is Inevitable: What We Need Is An Obamalina