49: E. A. Adeboye

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  • Posted By: nelnmir @ 12/30/2008 4:53:48 PM

    People will criticize you, persecute you, envy you and say all sorts of bad and envious things about Pastor Adeboye and about his parish Pastors, but the truth of the matter is that these are outsiders who has no knowledge of what God is doing within Redeem (as the church is popularly called) I live right here in the Metro area of Baltimore/Washington and it is so obvious that the Redeem churches are the most successful (and of course targets of criticisms) of all African churches in the area. Please join us at Jesus House Baltimore on Sundays at our 9:00 and 11:00 services

  • Posted By: Chippa @ 12/30/2008 3:29:32 PM

    I am usually sceptic about most preachers from Nigeria but having read this article my conclusion is that this pastor has substance. I will look him am on his cable TV and will try to get the mag. I am surprised though with Okoroh Nicholas who can be critical of the writer and the writing. What Okoroh should understand is that this is a secular media outlet and it is not just Christians that reads it and contribute material to it. Even if the writer was a Christian the best way of presenting a story like this is exactly like he has done. You wouldn't want him to bring his own views to it.

  • Posted By: Justmewondering @ 12/30/2008 3:28:09 PM

    Be afraid. Be very afraid. More divisive rethoric wrongly delivered in the name of God. People, God is not complicated, churches and people like this guy use weak minded people for money and ego stroking. God just wants us to love and care for each other. It's really that simple.

  • Posted By: golgowave @ 12/30/2008 3:17:42 PM

    Habaa.... traveled 200miles on empty gas tank????? What a fraud!

  • Posted By: junics_perfect @ 12/30/2008 2:11:28 PM

    It appears the reporter do not believe in miracles, or more or less an atheist. I am strongly dissappointed with the manner, and language used in the story of Asaka\s governor seeking deliverance in the church. If you cann\t help her, don\t pull her spirit down., In the first place are Ministers of heaven seeking recognition from the world of wickedness and iniquity?. Excuse me, could you establish a place in the bible where Jesus and herold the governor did complete for recognition. Is this not a sign of a perverted and backsliding congregation of worshippers who have lost focus of heaven. Okoroh Nicholas-Nigeria

  • Posted By: JBolarinwa @ 12/30/2008 2:06:18 PM

    ;The man of God', Pastor E.A Adeboye had imparted several millions of Souls in the World around us through his leadership and authentic Christ Life exemplified in his ministry. If you doubt or you don't know a "christian' -He is one!

    Thanks
    Joseph Bolarinwa

  • Posted By: junics_perfect @ 12/30/2008 1:49:36 PM

    the way, manner and language of this story seems to suggest that the reporter do not believe in miracles or he is an atheist. be it as it may, for goodness sake why venture into a story you cannot report with assertiveness. \more so I am strongly dissappointed at the way the reporter indirectly ridiculed asaka governor for seeking deliverance in the church. Okoroh Nicholas from Nigeria

  • Posted By: waleadeniji@gmail.com @ 12/30/2008 1:33:05 PM

    What else can we say or add! The man Adeboye is in a true sense of definition 'A Man of God' . He brought reality of the bible to our generation. You need to study him closely; you will be amazed the kind of humility God has deposited into this man. May He live long to serve the humanity longer.
    No wonder the bible says in Mattew 5 verse 5 that ... the meek shall inherit the earth.

    Regards,
    Wale Adeniji

  • Posted By: funlayo @ 12/30/2008 7:53:24 AM

    Dont believe he is that influential. I know he preaches and has a lot of followers, but I believe he like so many other pentecostals make the same mistake, they make the church about them and keep on stating God has spoken to them about nearly everything, including filling up their gas tanks. I find the man a bit eloquent, but I believe he is also taking advantage of the povery, hopes and dreams of the common man, that is why his church usually discuss what God can do for you if you do this or that. I am a christian and believe the holy father is just that - holy. We need to be careful when we say God told us to do this or that and make sure we are actually hearing it right and need to know that just because you are holy, it does not mean you are going to get special favours or riches while here on earth, because everything on earth is man made of of no significance, although I am not saying you wont be blessed with riches and favours, all I am saying that it is not a given, no matter how holy you are. Most pentecostal churches can not survive after their main preacher leaves or passes on, because they base their churches on the man and not fully on the word (if you ask them honestly - would you stay if Adeboyes leaves?, I wonder what the honest answer would be?). Unlike the conventinal churches where the pope or archbishop dies and the church continues, with these ones, it always fragments when the main person moves on. I also feel it is important to have trained preachers (pentecostal or not), as I see this is lacking, mainly in the pentecostal churches, hence the reason they always focus on taking exerts from the bible. A good preacher knows anyone can take the bible and make it read what they want, but not anyone can understand the history of christianity, how christianity grew, how the bible was written and different points of view about the word, which is the bible. I am not knocking the guy, but what I am saying is that he is not as relevant as the ratings suggest. There would be another pentecostal preacher coming soon, after all, all Adeboye's followers were from other churches as well and if they can move once, then all that it needs is for another man of God to move them again. But, still God bless the man, because anyone spreading the word in my view is a man worth being blessed.

    • Posted By: Gwaine @ 12/30/2008 10:59:02 AM

      Dear funlayo,
      You actually have missed the whole point in the recognition of Adeboye in this article. Take an honest and unprejudiced look at issues here, and I'm sure why some of us would share davidakintola's sentiments (probably not in loud fonts as in his, lol). The RCCG did not begin with Adeboye, nor will that church end or wobble when he is called to be with the Lord. It has grown simply by the evident grace of God, and its pastors have not made it a matter about them or Adeboye himself.

      For the most part, your complaints are simply that: 'complaints'. Many Pentecostal churches actually have very well trained pastors and ministers. As for the 'Pentecostal preacher coming soon' which you announced, no one has to wait for such a figure before simple matters here could be taken well into a happy recognition. The 'holy father' of the Catholic tradition was also recognized as influential, not so? Em, why does the RCCG's minister draw such needless daggers from any one of us as 'Christians'?

      Just my observations, and let's try to be balanced in our perceptions on any issue.

  • Posted By: davidakintola @ 12/30/2008 10:47:15 AM

    I AM SURPRISED THAT SOMEBODY WHO PROFESSED TO BE A CHRISTIAN WOULD BE CRITICAL OF AN ARTICLE AND ASSESSMENT DONE BY AN UNBIASED, SECULAR AND OBJECTIVE MAGAZINE LIKE THE NEWSWEEK. IT MAY BE AN INDICATION THAT SOME OF US ARE NEVER HAPPY WITH THE ACHIEVEMENT OF OTHERS. THE COMMENTS BY FUNLAYO SEEM TO BE OUT OF TUNE WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE ANALYSIS BY NEWSWEEK.DAVID

  • Posted By: Oluwasegun @ 12/30/2008 10:20:21 AM

    No doubt one of the most powerful men and influential too. Highly respected and humble. You need to watch him up close and personal to understand the kind of leader God has blessed RCCG Worldwide with. Frankly, it takes God's grace to remain humble in such a position. God bless you real good Sir.

    Oluwasegun Popoola

  • Posted By: funlayo @ 12/30/2008 7:56:14 AM

    Don???t believe he is that influential. I know he preaches and has a lot of followers, but I believe he like so many other Pentecostals make the same mistake, they make the church about them and keep on stating God has spoken to them about nearly everything, including filling up their gas tanks. I find the man a bit eloquent, but I believe he is also taking advantage of the poverty, hopes and dreams of the common man, that is why his church usually discuss what God can do for you if you do this or that. I am a Christian and believe the Holy Father is just that - holy. We need to be careful when we say God told us to do this or that and make sure we are actually hearing it right and need to know that just because you are holy, it does not mean you are going to get special favours or riches while here on earth, because everything on earth is man made of no significance, although I am not saying you wont be blessed with riches and favours, all I am saying that it is not a given, no matter how holy you are. Most Pentecostal churches can not survive after their main preacher leaves or passes on, because they base their churches on the man and not fully on the word (if you ask them honestly - would you stay if Adeboye leaves?, I wonder what the honest answer would be?). Unlike the conventional churches where the pope or archbishop dies and the church continues, with these ones, it always fragments when the main person moves on. I also feel it is important to have trained preachers (Pentecostal or not), as I see this is lacking, mainly in the Pentecostal churches, hence the reason they always focus on taking exerts from the bible. A good preacher knows anyone can take the bible and make it read what they want, but not anyone can understand the history of Christianity, how Christianity grew, how the bible was written and different points of view about the word, which is the bible. I am not knocking the guy, but what I am saying is that he is not as relevant as the ratings suggest. There would be another Pentecostal preacher coming soon, after all, all Adeboye's followers were from other churches as well and if they can move once, then all that it needs is for another man of God to move them again. But, still God bless the man, because anyone spreading the word in my view is a man worth being blessed.

  • Posted By: modupe @ 12/30/2008 4:53:54 AM

    it's a good thing to have daddy Adeboye (as we members of his church call him) as one of the top 50 in our world. God bless u sir.

  • Posted By: clemmygates@yahoo.com @ 12/30/2008 4:12:14 AM

    it gladdens my heart to see this our humble man of God on a global limelight. One thing i have learnt from this unassuming embodiment of Christ is humility. Daddy GO as he is popularly called puts humility into everything he does. People like him are needed in goverments to make this world a better place for all. Once again, i am happy for this global recognition.
    Olusoji Clement
    Nigeria

  • Posted By: seyi2001 @ 12/29/2008 6:12:07 PM

    I am so happy to see pastor E A Adeboye in the top most influencial people in the world. I know this is just the begining of his acknowledgement in the global arena. He is there to preach the word of God to the unsaved soul. I am a member of the church and i can confidently say the Lord is with him.

  • Posted By: richardsop @ 12/27/2008 11:21:00 AM

    Dear Toba and nugeso1
    l wonder why Nigeria thou has the largest number of churches in the world, also the most successful churches and is one of the most poorest nations in the world. This surprises me a lot, i find it quit hard to explain.

    Richard

  • Posted By: nuges01 @ 12/24/2008 3:45:08 PM

    Am I the only one that thinks that it's slightly worrying that a Man of God is one of the 'Global Elite'? Most people will see this as an endorsement of their favourite pastor or an African pastor, but is that a good thing? I don't expect this to be popular, but isn't this missing the point? Do you think Jesus was in the top 50 most powerful people while he was on earth?

    In response to a previous comment about Africa being the centre of gravity for the Pentecostal Movement, the Pentecostal Movement that I know of is self-centred - It's all about me and what God will do for me: how he will bless me, heal me and keep me from harm - and not others-, or God-centred. It is popular in Africa because most of us are poor and afflicted and pastors are salesmen, selling a fix to my problem - It's like capitalism in the church of God!

    I think the church in Africa and our pastors needs to shift focus from self, megachurches and global elitism to social justice and God! I don't think there's much point having churches in Asia when the ones in our home land aren't doing their job!

    • Posted By: Toba @ 12/25/2008 6:59:05 PM

      Sorry, you are probably the only one who hold such view. Your comment betray a particular limited, jaundiced mindset that fly in the face of true knowledge of God's word. A lot of people find the pentecostal faith attractive because it rightly portray God not as an abstract, cold, theological entity not relevant to their lives. The God of the bible was interested in those who believed in Him. Jesus devoted a greater part of his short life healing the sick, cleansing the leper, feeding the hungry as part of the total salvation package. No branch of christian group exemplify this than the pentecostal faith, and it's a fulfillment of Joel 2:22-32. It would soon overtake Catholicism as the dominant branch of Christianity by its phenomenal growth. It's a divine movement of God that cannot be stopped or resisted by man. And please do a bit of research to find out about the good works some of them have done. They don't blow it on the roof top, part of its attraction is the impact it has on ordinary people.

      • Posted By: nuges01 @ 12/27/2008 12:55:27 AM

        Hey!
        Thanks for your reply.
        You make a lot of assumptions in your reply.
        I happen to be one of the people that know God, not as an abstract, cold, theological entity. I know God as a living God, who desires more than anything to fellowship with His people, and I will not have you assume otherwise. I should also point out that I am not an advocate of Catholicism or any branch of Christianity ??? I am a witness and I belong to the same CHURCH of God to which you belong.
        Your second sentence talks about ???flying in the face of the true knowledge of God???s word???. What is this knowledge of God???s word that I have betrayed? The fact that I pointed out that as a church, we???re inward-focused? Look at the state of our Nations in Africa. The Church is meant to transform lives! That is our goal. Like you rightly pointed out, Jesus healed the sick, cleansed the lepers and fed the hungry. How much of that is the Bride of Jesus doing in our Nations? Contrary to your point, the God of the Bible is interested in EVERYONE that He created, so it is OUR job ??? You and Me (the Church) ??? to transform these peoples??? lives!
        I think you???re missing the point here. You???re too quick to counter my point (in defense of Pentecostalism or our pastors?) that I feel you???ve failed to see that this is a call for us to open our eyes and seek the heart of God for the people that he created and has called us to heal, cleanse and feed, like Jesus did. And I???m not talking about good works ??? anyone can do good works! I???m talking about Social Justice, part of the work the Church of God has been called to do! Deut. 16:9-20
        Lastly, I don???t think you should be so short-sighted as to say that ???No branch of Christian group exemplify this than the Pentecostal faith???. What is the Pentecostal faith that is different from the Christian faith? There is only one Christ. We shouldn???t be so foolish as to think we have all the answers ??? we need to remain humble as we seek God.
        Remain blessed

        • Posted By: Gwaine @ 12/27/2008 8:35:07 AM

          Dear Toba and nuges01,

          Your comments actually caught my attention and frankly I don't think there was any need to be at each other's throats. In some ways, you both have some valuable points; but the complaints and partisan attitudes seem to have dimmed your submissions.

          It is not only in the Pentecostal movement that we find God "rightly portrayed" - we should be thankful for the huge gift of theology and apologetics that godly men from other expressions within Christianity have given us.

          True, the Church (whatever the denomination) is called to seek and enjoy fellowship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:9) and with one another. The outworking of that fellowship would include social justice to others outside the Church. But how does Deut. 16:9-20 portray this under theocratic Israel? The appeal to social justice is seriously weakened by the complaint about 'having churches in Asia when the ones in our home land aren't doing their job'. Evangelism and outreach doesn't work like that; and God didn't wait for the social transformation of Jerusalem and Samaria before He sent minsiters of the Gospel unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). I think it is disingenuous to harp about the Church not doing its job in 'transforming the lives of people' when the evidence proves the contrary. People with transformed lives are the reason for and pointers to Church growth; for if their lives have not been affected positively one way or another, who would be speaking about the many churches in the world today? One should not use the excuse of social injustice (a matter of many social non-religious factors) to accuse the Church of not doing its job, in as much as the God's ministry is not a social gospel.

          That said, while the article itself may have some praises, I wonder if Lisa herself was just a joke. Whatever did she mean by referring to speaking in tongues as "crooning or keening or jibber jabber"? Such risible journalism seems to forecast the value of the once respected Newsweek magazine.

          Gwaine.

        • Posted By: Gwaine @ 12/27/2008 8:34:10 AM

          Dear Toba and nuges01,

          Your comments actually caught my attention and frankly I don't think there was any need to be at each other's throats. In some ways, you both have some valuable points; but the complaints and partisan attitudes seem to have dimmed your submissions.

          It is not only in the Pentecostal movement that we find God "rightly portrayed" - we should be thankful for the huge gift of theology and apologetics that godly men from other expressions within Christianity have given us.

          True, the Church (whatever the denomination) is called to seek and enjoy fellowship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:9) and with one another. The outworking of that fellowship would include social justice to others outside the Church. But how does Deut. 16:9-20 portray this under theocratic Israel? The appeal to social justice is seriously weakened by the complaint about 'having churches in Asia when the ones in our home land aren't doing their job'. Evangelism and outreach doesn't work like that; and God didn't wait for the social transformation of Jerusalem and Samaria before He sent minsiters of the Gospel unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). I think it is disingenuous to harp about the Church not doing its job in 'transforming the lives of people' when the evidence proves the contrary. People with transformed lives are the reason for and pointers to Church growth; for if their lives have not been affected positively one way or another, who would be speaking about the many churches in the world today? One should not use the excuse of social injustice (a matter of many social non-religious factors) to accuse the Church of not doing its job, in as much as the God's ministry is not a social gospel.

          That said, while the article itself may have some praises, I wonder if Lisa herself was just a joke. Whatever did she mean by referring to speaking in tongues as "crooning or keening or jibber jabber"? Such risible journalism seems to forecast the value of the once respected Newsweek magazine.

          Gwaine.

      • Posted By: nuges01 @ 12/27/2008 1:02:13 AM

        Hey!
        Thanks for your reply.
        You make a lot of assumptions in your reply.

        I happen to be one of the people that know God, not as an abstract, cold, theological entity. I know God as a living God, who desires more than anything to fellowship with His people, and I will not have you assume otherwise. I should also point out that I am not an advocate of Catholicism or any branch of Christianity - I am a witness and I belong to the same CHURCH of God to which you belong.

        Your second sentence talks about "flying in the face of the true knowledge of God???s word". What is this knowledge of God???s word that I have betrayed? The fact that I pointed out that as a church, we're inward-focused? Look at the state of our Nations in Africa. The Church is meant to transform lives! That is our goal. Like you rightly pointed out, Jesus healed the sick, cleansed the lepers and fed the hungry. How much of that is the Bride of Jesus doing in our Nations? Contrary to your point, the God of the Bible is interested in EVERYONE that He created, so it is OUR job - You and Me (the Church) - to transform these peoples' lives!

        I think you???re missing the point here. You're too quick to counter my point (in defense of Pentecostalism or our pastors?) that I feel you've failed to see that this is a call for us to open our eyes and seek the heart of God for the people that he created and has called us to heal, cleanse and feed, like Jesus did. And I'm not talking about good works - anyone can do good works! I'm talking about Social Justice, part of the work the Church of God has been called to do! Deut. 16:9-20
        Lastly, I don't think you should be so short-sighted as to say that "No branch of Christian group exemplify this than the Pentecostal faith". What is the Pentecostal faith that is different from the Christian faith? There is only one Christ. We shouldn't be so foolish as to think we have all the answers - we need to remain humble as we seek God.

        Remain blessed

  • Posted By: fellooow2 @ 12/27/2008 1:40:33 AM

    One thing you cannot take away from Pastor Adeboye is his humility. I guess he is the most humble preacher in Nigeria too. All the time you see him pray, he is on his knees. Being on your knees does not ordinarily show humility but the consistency he does it has convinced me that this man have great respect for God, no wonder the Church is prospering greatly. However, Pastor Adeboye, the RCCG leadership and Nigerian General Overseers of Churches must pay greater attention to the quality of sermons from their Churches and character of preachers under them. In 2009, we must see changes in our country, starting from the Church.
    Bola Adewara,
    Publisher, www.nigeriansermons.com.

  • Posted By: eolaifa @ 12/26/2008 6:16:01 PM

    I am appreciative of the recognition of this man of God. I am not a member of his church but on numerous occasions have attended services in Chicago branches. In the past I have attended 2 of the annual conventions in USA (Chicago and Houston) where he presided. He is very comfortable in putting the WORD forth, well respected and sought after religious leader. He is emboldened by the deep knowledge of God that you can believe anything that is said by him as coming from God. He has repeatedly and boldly predicted how he is going to die even though he would not reveal when. I can conveniently if not arrogantly say that religion is no longer for the meek at heart or the downtrodden; just attend one of those monthly Holy Ghost nights.

  • Posted By: loppel @ 12/26/2008 4:04:06 PM

    I am really excited and really thrilled that something Good can come out of Nigeria and our beloved Daddy GO whose HUMILITY has really made an impart in this Country.We have to look unto the the Finisher and Author of our faith to excel he will exalt us if we only Humble our self and that is what God has Done.Let us shout Halleluyah
    obed A PHC

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