By Solomon OKPO
As Nigeria grapples with economic instability, hunger, and unemployment, a call has been made for the nation’s mega-churches to redirect their vast resources towards mechanized farming and industrial development. The argument suggests that just as churches invest heavily in building campgrounds and estates, they should also invest in agriculture and manufacturing to create jobs and ensure food security.
The writer proposes a vision where major churches such as the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Deeper Life Bible Church, and Winners Chapel establish large-scale farms cultivating rice, maize, cocoa, and oil palm. The idea is that, by doing so, churches can contribute directly to the economic revival of Nigeria.
Beyond farming, the call extends to industrialization. Winners Chapel, for instance, is urged to open a factory for producing ICT materials and mobile phones, while churches could establish processing plants to refine agricultural produce into finished goods. According to the writer, this shift would not only create employment for Nigeria’s teeming youth population but also position the church as a formidable force in national development.
A Biblical Precedent:
Drawing inspiration from the early church, the argument highlights how the church in biblical times did not only focus on spiritual growth but also ensured the well-being of its members through organized distribution of food and resources. The writer likens this approach to Joseph’s leadership in Egypt, where food security became a national priority during famine.
A Strategic Business Model for Churches
The piece suggests that churches set up dedicated committees, similar to those that organize annual conventions, to manage these business ventures. These committees would operate like corporate boards, employing professionals to oversee daily operations and reporting back to church leadership. The involvement of skilled and anointed men, like Bezalel in the Bible, is encouraged to drive this initiative.
The Consequences of Inaction:
A warning is issued that if churches fail to act, financial constraints could hit them hard. Declining tithes and offerings, due to widespread economic hardship, may eventually affect the ability of churches to sustain their massive infrastructure projects. Investing in food production and industry is seen as a proactive way to safeguard church finances while simultaneously helping Nigeria overcome hunger and joblessness.
A Call to Action:
The message concludes with an appeal to church leaders, including General Overseers, Board of Elders, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), to consider this approach prayerfully. The writer insists that if churches take on this role, Nigeria’s future can be transformed, allowing religious leaders to preach with boldness and independence, free from reliance on politicians and individuals of questionable character.
Finally, the piece calls on Nigerians to share this message widely, hoping to spark a movement that will see the church take an active role in shaping the nation’s economic destiny.
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