The Bible tells us a story of how Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem while riding on a donkey. At a time when there were chariots and horses, Jesus chose a donkey, the humblest of all domestic animals. In all the Biblical stories about Jesus, he was portrayed as a humble person whose only mission on earth was to deliver people from evil. But modern-day “pastors” are taking this whole gospel to a new level. They seem to have veered off the path of Christ-like living. We have heard stories of modern day African pastors doing strange things in the name of saving sinners.
Being carried by members of the congregation
While Jesus chose a donkey to carry him, some modern day “pastors” prefer the members of the congregation to carry them shoulder high. Some sit on the members of the congregation while some even walk-on members of the church. They portray themselves as if they are so holy that they cannot walk on bare ground/floor. The pulpit of their churches is covered with expensive woolen carpets.
“Holy Water”
We have heard news of some African “pastors” sleeping with women who have come to them for prayers concerning getting pregnant. That their “semen” is like holy water which will break the chain of childlessness and unblock the fallopian tubes. Childless women coming to consult them are advised not to wear pants if indeed they want a child planted in their wombs.
Anointing Oils
Some modern-day “pastors” have taken the gospel of anointing oil to a new level of interpretation. Their anointing oils come in different forms. It can be a chilled water sprayed on the eyes of members of congregation or insecticide sprayed on the members of the congregation (as it happened in South Africa). Most of these “anointing oils” do not come for free. They are paid for handsomely.
“Beer festival”
There is a “pastor” in South Africa who presides over a ‘church service” for sinners (read drunkards) in a bar. According to the news, which was circulated on social media and other leading media stations, the service cannot be conducted without alcohol. As the “pastor” delivers the sermon, alcohol is distributed to all members and they drink as the sermon continues. From afar, it may look like a beer festival. The “pastor” might have taken the gospel of turning water into wine to a whole new level.