From Charles Awuzie
A former Pentecostal preacher has shared a detailed account of his decision to step away from the pulpit after years of global ministry.
Known for his missionary work in countries like the Philippines, Pakistan, South Africa, and Ghana, Awuzie has now opened up about his growing discomfort with what he calls the “commercialisation of the gospel.”
According to his statement, the decision to leave the ministry was not made lightly. “I travelled from nation to nation preaching what I believed was the gospel.
Before Facebook became popular, I was already using the internet to build ministries,” he recounted, emphasising his early adoption of technology in spreading his faith. However, over time, his disillusionment grew, largely due to the increasing emphasis on money within Pentecostal circles.
Awuzie highlighted his concerns with the prosperity gospel, particularly how wealth became a marker of spiritual authority.
“Preachers who had money were seen as more anointed than missionaries in the field,” he said, lamenting that even young pastors with questionable backgrounds could “pay and get validation from top preachers, even if they are criminals on the pulpit.”
He also revealed the widespread awareness of these issues among church leaders, stating, “Everyone of us knew the truth, but none of us had the boldness to speak the truth and free the people from the bondage of Pentecostal lies.”
In his statement, he listed some of the most troubling doctrines that led to his departure:
1. The belief that those who don’t pay tithes will suffer loss, poverty, and sickness, and ultimately face hellfire.
2. The idea that individuals without a “prophetic covering” are more vulnerable to misfortune.
3. The emphasis on sowing seeds (monetary offerings) to prosper, with the implication that those who don’t give financially won’t succeed.
4. The exclusionary teaching that even acts of kindness or humanitarianism are irrelevant if one does not subscribe to specific religious doctrines, which could result in punishment in hellfire.
5. The notion that questioning doctrinal teachings is tantamount to fighting the body of Christ.
“These lies troubled my conscience,” he explained. “I decided to step back and live a non-religious life but continue my service to humanity outside the pulpit.”
Awuzie’s reflections come in the wake of Pastor Adeboye’s recent public apology, a development he describes as “welcome” but not entirely sufficient.
While he commends the apology, he believes there is much more to be addressed within Pentecostalism. “For true reformation to happen, we must freely question everything and anything without fear or threats,” he asserted.
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