How Nigerian pastors can avoid scandals
The recent sex scandal involving the founder and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries Apostle Johnson Suleman and a Canadian-based singer Stephanie Otobo is a reminder that pastors need to cautious as they are not above temptations.
Pastors are human, they are frail and fragile, they are tempted and sometimes fall just like every other person.
The thing is they are expected to be role models. People look up to them and have high expectations of them which is why they come under harsh criticisms whenever they do not practice what they preach.
READ ALSO: Apostle Suleman arrives Washington D.C looking dapper (Photos/Video)
While some Nigerians have been criticizing Apostle Suleman after he was accused of having several illicit affairs, others are still finding it hard to believe and are wondering what really transpired between the man of God and Otobo.
There are many out there who call themselves men of God but they commit more sin than people who don’t even go to church. There are so many undisciplined and sexual predator pastors out there and there are also immoral women and Jezebels whose sole purpose is to bring down men of God.
There will always be sex scandals but how can pastors avoid this embarrassing situation that damages their ministries and tarnishes the image of the church?
1. Spend quality time with God
Are you really called to be a man of God or you are just in it for the fame and money? As a pastor you should be spending quality time praying and studying the word. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.
2. Avoid counseling women alone
If you must counsel a woman, do it with your wife or an assistant present or leave the door to your office open. Never counsel a woman alone. Traps are set all the time, even in the most subtle ways, so as a pastor, you have to be careful so you do not fall into those traps.
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3. Be professional
Not everyone comes to church with the right motives. In as much as you want to be accessible to all your members, there should be restrictions. Keep things at a professional level with your members, especially the females. Be careful how you compliment the ladies before they start taking it the wrong way. You must maintain your professional distance at all times.
4. Know your limit
Stop hiding behind religion and titles. Do not lie to yourself, you know you are human and you have weaknesses just like every other person. If you know your weakness is lust, avoid compromising situations. Do not live in denial of your weakness
5. Never call a lady at odd hours
Why would a married pastor be calling a lady at odd hours? You cannot go around calling ladies and chatting with them all the time just because you are their pastor. Your chats and calls could easily be used against you especially when the lady wants more and you are not giving in. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
READ ALSO: Suleman's alleged ex-girlfriend Stephanie Otobo demands public apology from him (Video)
6. A healthy relationship with your spouse
Most pastors have allowed their ministries to take the place of family which is as important. Some pastors are not intimate with their wives which make them fall prey to sexual temptations. No amount of prayer can make up for physical and emotional intimacy.
7. Tame that greed monster
Some people are not committing sin just because they cannot afford it. For some pastors, once money starts to roll in from offerings and donations, it is time to start misbehaving as they can now afford to get anything including women. Pastors who are not carfeul when the church starts to make money may soon fall into sexual sin.
READ ALSO: Suleman and 6 other Nigerian pastors that have been involved adultery scandal
8. Giving of gifts should be official
As a pastor, do not send money or gifts to a woman without documenting it. Make it official Your wife should know and your aides can handle it on your behalf. You do not have to be dealing with the ladies yourself. Keep detailed records which can be verified in case a scandal comes up.
If you have witnessed grown men behave like babies because of a woman, you will know that women are powerful.
Do you think a woman can ever become the president of Nigeria? Below is what Nigerians have to say.
Source: Legit.ng
