- Jimmy Odukoya, a Nigerian actor and pastor, addressed criticism of wealthy pastors.
- He highlighted that many criticized pastors once faced significant struggles to establish their ministries.
- Odukoya noted that public scrutiny often arises only after a ministry achieves success and visibility.
Nigerian actor and senior pastor of the Fountain of Life Church, Jimmy Odukoya, has addressed those who fault pastors of large ministries for living lavishly.
Jimmy pointed out that many of the same pastors facing criticism today once struggled to build their churches from scratch, yet no one paid attention during those difficult periods. He said people only begin to complain once the ministry becomes successful and visible.
He said:
“Listen, it is very easy to talk about pastors who have mega churches and big, big crowds. It is easy to talk about them when they are at that level. Where were you when they had no one?
“The reason you want to talk about what they are doing is because the church has grown to a size that you recognise. But where were you when they started with two people in a living room? Where were you when the pastor had no money and he was using his salary to rent a hall? No one remembers those times, but now they want to get mad because the pastor is driving a nice car. But when the pastor was walking to church, you had no problem.”
He also reacted to those who criticise pastors for handing over their churches to their children.
“All the big-time pastors, you too start your church and make it big if it’s easy. Go and do it. All these pastors, they just do it, it’s just family business. They just pass it to their children. You too start your church and pass it to your children if it is easy. What is the problem? I said what I said,” he added.
Jimmy Odukoya is the son of the late pastors Taiwo and Bimbo Odukoya, founders of the Fountain of Life Church.
A video capturing Jimmy’s response to critics has since circulated online.
Read some comments below:
@oyedelekolawole:”But they don’t go through all these stages you mentioned alone, at least some people work with them and should be compensated too but the reverse is the case in Nigeria. And that was why your own father’s church was handed over in you even when your dressing and behaviour is not Christ like?”
@dixydee247:”Its high time pastors stop countering criticisms bcus it won’t go away bcus criticisms no start today ,even Christ faced worse, just allow people criticise you and focus on the teachings of christ.”
@adorasmakeover:”Whose money did pastor use to buy the cars.”
@femmyluther:”If E Eazy run am …. People don’t know the story behind the glory the seee. Chocho no workings. PJ, free them. They don’t know neither do they understand. Pastoring is seriousssssss work.”
@iam__polymath:”This is not the gospel of Christ. Just stop yelling bro. 90% of Nigerian Pentecostal pastors are just low tier noise makers, this includes you by the way. My advise is to not engage in pulpit gossips, just preach the gospel of Christ and dismiss the church. It’s not too much to ask.”
@de_custodian_:”It is not easy to do it I agree, but what is fake is fake.”
@busari.temi:”I am sorry I disagree. There is NO church that has NOT been built on the back of sins of those you have mentioned. All my life since the age of 11 ALL the churches I’ve attended have ALWAYS asked for building funds. So please.”
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