By Passman Akpos
A fresh conversation has erupted across Nigeria’s Christian community following a widely circulated commentary by Pastor Jackson, who lauded Pastor Chris Oyakhilome for building what he described as “one of the most successful ministries in the world” without relying on mainstream Christian associations or platforms.
In the statement, Pastor Jackson highlighted what he called the “uniquely independent” path taken by Pastor Oyakhilome, Founder of Christ Embassy and the LoveWorld nation, noting that the popular televangelist is not a member of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) or the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
According to him, Pastor Chris has rarely been seen at joint ministerial gatherings or as an invited guest to major clergy events in the country—yet his ministry has expanded into a global network with a massive digital footprint.
> “He has the largest online ministry in the world by any man of God and one of the largest collections of gospel music ministers,” Pastor Jackson wrote. “He is proof that you don’t need ministerial friends, Christian bodies, groups or colleagues to do ministry. All you need is following God’s instructions for your life.”
He further emphasized that despite facing criticism and accusations over the years, Pastor Oyakhilome’s influence has continued to rise.
Pastor Jackson referenced the recent Christ Embassy outreach events that reportedly ran simultaneously across 15 stadiums in Nigeria, all filled to capacity.
> “No stadium can contain Pastor Chris right now,” he claimed. “And no external minister was invited… just Pastor Chris.”
A Challenge to Fellow Ministers
Beyond praising Pastor Oyakhilome, Pastor Jackson directed a thought-provoking question at Nigerian ministers, asking them to consider whether their ministries could survive without external invitations, associations, or platform-based validation.
> “What if there was a gang up like Papa Isaac allegedly said and you no longer had invitations again? Will it end your ministry? Can your ministry still make waves or will it die slowly?” he asked.
He warned that some ministers have built their relevance solely on invitations and public endorsements rather than developing a self-sustaining ministry base.
> “Invitations are good and validation is good, but may our ministry not rely on them,” he wrote. “Build your platform, build your members, build your men.”
Growing Reactions
The commentary has sparked mixed reactions online. Some pastors and church members applauded Pastor Jackson for “speaking hard truths,” while others felt the comparison was unnecessary, noting that ministries vary in structure, calling and approach.
Leaders within PFN and CAN have not issued any official response as of press time.
Still, the debate continues as many ministers reflect on the core of Pastor Jackson’s message: Should a ministry depend on associations and invitations—or should it be able to stand entirely on its own?
The conversation, for now, remains vibrant across social platforms and within ministerial circles.
