By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Over 300 church leaders from across Africa have condemned the rising abuse of the pulpit for political manipulation, self-promotion, and false teachings, warning that such practices distort the Gospel and weaken the Church’s witness.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 2025 Africa Expository Bible Preaching Summit, held at First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja, with the theme “ Preaching Christ, the Bible’s Main Character (Colossians 1:15–20).”
The summit, organised by the Langham Expository Bible Preaching Initiative (LEBPI), Nigeria, brought together participants both onsite and online from August 11 to 15.
Among those in attendance were the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, Primate of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, former COCIN President, Prof. Pandang Yamsat, and renowned preacher, Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam.
In the communiqué, the leaders firmly rejected the misuse of the pulpit for political or personal gain, insisting that the Church must guard against materialistic teachings and remain faithful to Scripture despite cultural pressures.
The communiqué stated: “We reject the misuse of the pulpit for political ends, personal enrichment, or self-promotion. Such practices distort the Gospel and damage the witness of the Church, especially in nations fragmented. The pulpit must remain a sacred space for proclaiming Christ crucified, risen, and exalted.”
“We condemn all forms of false teaching that mislead God’s people, especially messages that prioritize materialism over godliness. Sound doctrine must prevail over sensationalism, and believers must be equipped to discern truth from deception,” the leaders declared.
“In an era when the Gospel is often diluted to fit cultural preferences, we call on all preachers to remain faithful to the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Faithfulness demands courage, perseverance, and an uncompromising loyalty to Christ, regardless of opposition or popular trends.”
On the integrity of biblical preaching, the leaders stressed the need for pastors, evangelists, and teachers to embrace expository preaching that points believers to Christ. They also urged the Church in Africa to engage societal issues and model Christ in public life.
The communiqué continued: “We call on pastors, teachers, and evangelists to embrace and practice expository preaching that draws meaning from the biblical text and points to Christ. This form of preaching nourishes the Church, equips believers, and resists the drift toward entertainment-driven sermons, which have resulted in ineffective Christian lives.”
“In the face of rising insecurity, economic hardship, and social injustice in Nigeria and across Africa, we call on the Church to actively advocate for peace, justice, and compassion. We must not be silent when lives are destroyed by terrorism, corruption, and oppression. Believers in governance, media, education, and business must boldly represent Christ in the public space,” the communiqué urged.
The leaders also acknowledged the contribution of women to the health and mission of the Church.
“We affirm the biblical place of women in ministry and call for their inclusion in leadership and expository preaching training. Their God-given abilities and perspectives enrich the Church’s witness and strengthen the mission of Christ in all spheres,” the leaders affirmed.
Concluding, the summit emphasized the urgency of mentoring young preachers and strengthening theological institutions across Africa.
“We commit to intentionally raising young preachers and leaders who will carry the torch of biblical preaching into future generations. Seminaries across Africa must mainstream expository preaching in their curricula to prepare ministers who will faithfully preach Christ and shepherd churches grounded in Scripture,” the communiqué resolved.
