Don't judge pastors by viral clips, cleric urges Christians 

A Nigerian cleric, Reverend Deji Olabode, has urged Christians to avoid forming opinions about ministers based on short online clips, amid ongoing conversations around prosperity teachings.

Speaking during a sermon at Enthronement Assembly, Lagos, Olabode emphasised the need for believers to listen to complete messages before drawing conclusions about any preacher.

The development follows reactions to a viral video that emerged after an in-depth interview on the “prosperity gospel” involving Pastor Komaiya.

“Get to listen to messages. Messages are not clips, not clips,” he said.

The cleric criticised what he described as a growing culture of “clip listening,” warning that it often leads to confusion and misinterpretation among believers.

“You can't judge a man of God by a clip. You need to hear the full spectrum of his message before you can serve a judgment on somebody,” he stated.

He explained that teachings are often interconnected and should be understood within a broader context.

“Because what I did say in one message, I may say in the next… I may say later,” he added.

Olabode further noted that many Christians struggle with proper understanding due to reliance on fragmented teachings shared on blogs and social media.

“One of the problems of blog listening is you hear a clip here… Then at the end, you end up totally confused,” he said.

He attributed the confusion to a lack of consistency and discipline in spiritual growth.

“Most believers are confused because they are not systematic, disciplined and consistent in their hearing,” he added.

He also encouraged Christians to commit to a church community where they can receive structured teachings and guidance.

“If you are here and you have not decided to join a church… I recommend the Enthronement Assembly to you as your home church. Settle down here,” he said.

He assured worshippers of what he described as sound teaching and genuine spiritual experience within the ministry.

“The Word of God is here… there’s always fresh word, fresh manna from heaven,” he added.