In an era where every sermon can trend on social media and every pastor or prophet is under the glare of digital scrutiny, words weigh heavier than ever. When a man of God speaks carelessly, whether in Abuja, Lagos, or across the diaspora, the re-echoes travel faster than the gospel itself. The recent controversy surrounding American televangelist Kenneth Copeland, who described commercial flights as “full of demons”, offers a cautionary tale for Nigerian Christianity. While the comment was spiritual in intent, its reception highlights a simple truth: language shapes perception. In a nation where pastors wield influence not only from the pulpit but also across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter, careless words can erode trust, provoke ridicule, and obscure the message of Christ. It is time for Nigerian church leaders to pause and ask themselves: Are we preaching holiness, or merely amplifying hype?
Social media has turned private sermons into public conversations. In Nigeria, a casual remark by a pastor can ignite national debate, attract memes, and dominate the headlines of online newspapers. Words that might once have been contained within a congregation now travel beyond borders, shaping how Christians are perceived both inside and outside the faith. A phrase meant as spiritual counsel can be interpreted as arrogance, condemnation, or elitism. For leaders entrusted with the spiritual formation of millions, the stakes are high. Every word carries weight not just for reputation, but for the faith of those who listen, follow, and emulate.
The Copeland incident is instructive because it illustrates how spiritual metaphors can be misconstrued. By warning of “demons” in commercial flights, the televangelist aimed to emphasize vigilance against spiritual forces, citing scripture that Christians wrestle not against flesh and blood. Yet many misinterpreted his words as a personal attack or as disparagement of fellow travelers. Nigerian pastors must recognize that context matters. What is clear in one culture or congregation may be confusing or offensive in another. The power of language, amplified by the immediacy of social media, demands intentionality and clarity.
Beyond perception, careless speech can undermine moral authority. In Nigeria, where pastors often occupy positions of public trust, words that sound boastful or divisive invite criticism, suspicion, and cynicism. Congregants may begin to question whether leaders preach Christ or comfort, whether they model humility or privilege. When messages are misinterpreted, the spiritual message is lost, and the messenger risks becoming the story. Faithful leadership requires self-awareness, restraint, and sensitivity to both spiritual and social realities.
The responsibility is not limited to famous televangelists. Every church leader, pastor, or teacher in Nigeria faces the challenge of communicating with integrity in an era of virality. The language of faith must be both edifying and accessible, avoiding ambiguity that breeds scandal or division. Leaders must ask themselves whether their words build up or tear down, whether they foster understanding or confusion, whether they guide the flock or alienate it. The call to holiness is inseparable from the call to wisdom in speech.
Ultimately, Nigerian Christianity stands at a crossroads. The opportunity to wield language for transformation is immense, but so is the danger of careless amplification. Pastors must reclaim the sacred power of words, ensuring that every sermon, testimony, and exhortation reflects both spiritual authority and human sensitivity. Holiness is not only in doctrine or ritual, it is in the careful stewardship of speech. As believers navigate a world of viral content and instant judgment, the question for every leader is simple yet profound: will we speak words that honor God or words that merely chase attention and hype?
– Inah Boniface Ocholi writes from Ayah – Igalamela/Odolu LGA, Kogi state.
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