The Sun News On-line/man in the pulpit

You would hardly have imagined that he would one day be working as a minister of God since he was born into a home where idol worshipping is held very sacrosanct. But today, Rev Emmanuel Aleyakpo is not just a pastor, he’s also the National Presbyter of the Church of God Mission Inc (CGM), the church founded by the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa. Beside, his job at the church’s national headquarters, Rev Aleyakpo is also the head pastor at the Amuwo, Lagos branch of the ministry now headed by Idahosa’s widow.

"I come from a home where idol worship is at its peak," says the man of God. "My father and grandfather were strong idol worshippers and it went down the family line. I didn’t get born again until after I had attended a crusade in my hometown in Delta State on August 1, 1976."

Certain Pentecostal Christians openly campaigned against women ordination as clerics, saying the practice is unbiblical. But this man of God has no problems having a woman as general overseer.
"The gospel of Jesus has been preached by women," he tells you as you broach the subject. "In the Bible, women like Dorcas, Priscilla and even Deborah preached the gospel. So, if it could happen in the time of Jesus, what stops it from happening in our generation?

When papa went to be with the Lord, the question was who would lead the church? But after series of prayers, it came in a revelation that Mama Idahosa should take up the leadership of the church. And I must say that indeed the cap fits her head. We have no right at all to question God’s decision. The truth is, we have no regrets at all and before God, there is neither male nor female."

And for the stylish Pastor of the Household of God Church, Rev Chris Okotie, who has twice failed in his ambition to be Nigeria’s president, Rev Aleyakpo has some counsel: Please, try some more!
"People believe politics is a dirty game. If it is actually so, we need people with the fear of God to go sanitize it. It may not necessarily be pastors but one who fears God. Since Rev Chris Okotie says his call to politics is divine, then I encourage him to go on. He might have lost out twice but who knows what would happen in the next elections? If God is truly leading him, then He would make a way for him."
The cleric also reveals how working in God’s vineyard led to the collapse of his former company.

Journey into the Ministry
After surrendering to Jesus, I had the zeal to serve God, and I was encouraged by my friends and wife to go into pastoral work. I initially declined but when the call persisted, I yielded and went into the Bible School in 1990 and was later ordained a deacon at the Church of God Mission in 1992. My first assignment was in Oshodi. From there, I was transferred to other branches. The first promotion I had was in Abule-Egba where I was made the district presbyter, and by God’s grace I have been appointed national presbyter.

In the beginning
Before being called to the ministry, I worked with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as a technical instructor. I instructed there for some time, made some progress and by His grace, was promoted to Vice-Principal, Academics Technical. And so when the call was severe, coupled with the law in NPA then, I had to resign and go into full-time ministry.

Life as a pastor
It’s been wonderful as well as glorious, because I find fulfillment in being a pastor. Living as a pastor means you must think less of yourself and more of others. The souls of the people are top on your mind and it takes full courage through God’s word to achieve that. I try as much as possible to meet the needs of the people spiritually, financially and otherwise.

Opening your hair and wearing trousers to church
In CGM generally, we believe in women covering their hair, and we also believe that if you don’t cover your hair, you have not sinned, so long as you are born again. Decency and moderation have always been our watchword. We teach the truth on holiness which is the principal thing. God looks at beauty from the heart and not the outward appearance.

Challenges
I had the greatest challenge when I worked with Nigerian Ports Authority and was also serving in His vineyard. I barely had little or no time at all for myself and my family then. I used to leave the house as early as possible to work, then again I would leave the office to the church. I would get home late at night to start the following day again. It was hectic for me but it’s a little minimized now that I am into full time. I now have some time to myself. As a pastor, I learn to administer the people rightly to avoid conflicts. This is the greatest challenge of all, knowing how best to put the square peg in a square hole to avoid friction among groups.

Vision
We have a trend of people gallivanting from church to church. But I believe God for the expansion of our church so that wherever you are, you would be able to find our church there. In that way, we will be able to preserve souls for Christ.

Regrets
Right now, I don’t have any regrets. But when I was running a private company and I was a pastor at the same time, my employees exploited me because I had no one to oversee their activities. So, I had to close down the company. At that time I almost regretted being a pastor because I couldn’t make money.

On Nigeria
This year, there is hope for Nigeria because God has brought us this far for a purpose. No matter what people say, Nigeria is making progress. We need to check how long it took countries like America, Japan and the rest to get to the level they are today. Though it’s gradual, we are moving at God’s pace. We only need to embrace the light of God and it would shine out corruption. God would definitely expose the works of darkness when we all embrace the light.