Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo of Common Wealth of Zion (COZA) in his message on YouTube some days ago mentioned about how Apostle Joseph Ayodele Babalola of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) died a poor man despite the fact that he was an anointed man of God.

After the CAC members saw that video, a press release was done by the Director of Publicity to counter and make clarification on what Pastor Fatoyinbo said and also mentioned that Apostle Babalola was blessed but not flamboyant, they pointed out that he didn’t raise funds, yet he did some significant things in his time and they backed up everything with some scriptural passage and one of them is:

“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” — Luke 12:15.

In my column today, I will address both parties separately and give my candid view and opinion about the matter.

Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo might have big churches built with beautiful lights, beautiful choir members who dress corporately and do some riffs and runs during services, he can even have most of the popular Gospel Music Ministers eating at the palm of his hands, he can fly on first class tickets, dress in well tailored suits and drive fancy cars. But I hope he is not teaching his members heresies and only prosperity gospel?. Are his members sound in doctrinal issues?. Are they a true worshipper and believer of our Lord Jesus Christ?. I hope they are not taking the grace of God for granted?. What if Jesus doesn’t recognize him on the day of judgement even despite his anointing?

My beloved CAC members, your founding father might have built a long lasting legacy of over 66years after his death, yes you guys might have CAC church in every street in Nigeria and in different countries all over the world. While Apostle Babalola was alive, he might have given lands to churches, supporting the education of many, feeding the poor and lived sacrificially. Yes, all these are very good and they are godly virtues but are your doctrines Biblical? Are you not running your churches like a franchise?. Are some of your prayers also Biblical?. Have you not replaced obedience with religious activities?. The children that Apostle Babalola left behind, are they Born Again Christians truly serving Jesus or Christians idolizing their founder?

I am not on anybody’s side on this matter! I am on the Lord’s side!!

It is God who calls and anoints people. Therefore, He is in the best position to identify “A true” and “A false” Man of God whether “Rich” or “Poor”

The number of souls won for Christ is a proof of a “True Man of God”

My advice is that everyone should face their ministry with a clean conscience, they should stop comparing and stop boasting in their earthly accumulation of wealth and fulfill God’s mandate of winning souls for the Kingdom of God.

Olubukola Olabiyi is a teacher, social media content creator, life coach, Gospel artist, and writer with focus on religion, morals, education, and motivational themes.