Greetings from Bucharest, Romania. Today, I want to share some important thoughts that came to me during a conversation I had with a young pastor I’ve known for over 25 years. After touring King Carol I’s palace with my son, I received a call from him, and our discussion left me with much to reflect on. We’ve been friends and colleagues in ministry, and our talk touched on issues that need urgent attention, particularly regarding the direction the Church is heading and what the next generation of pastors must do differently.
The young pastor was excited about the testimonies of God’s work in his life, but I felt a deep responsibility to remind him—and all of us—that God expects a lot from the younger generation in ministry. As someone old enough to be his father, I know that the Church is at a crossroads. Too often, the loudest voices in Christianity are not necessarily the ones reflecting the true spirit of God’s calling. There is a growing pride among some of our leaders that has muddied the waters of the faith. Like elephants passing through a clean stream, these voices have distorted the message, making it difficult for those seeking the truth to drink from it.
Many well-intentioned, humble ministers who have remained faithful to the gospel remain unnoticed, overshadowed by those with large congregations, flashy systems, and strong connections to power. And it’s these louder voices that shape the public perception of Christianity, making it hard for the faithful few to be seen for who they are.
The new generation of Christians is different from the one we grew up with. They are informed, they have access to resources like the internet, Bible apps, and global preachers. They know the Bible just as well as we do, and it’s time for us to stop assuming ignorance in them. So, what do they expect from the Church?
1. A Return to the Basics of Faith
First and foremost, let’s preach Christ—the Christ crucified, the Christ risen, and the power of the Holy Spirit (Paracletos). This generation needs to hear the simple, unfiltered truth about salvation and the essentials of the Christian faith. They are not interested in the false doctrines that have infiltrated our pulpits. They want the basics—the gospel in its purest form.
2. Emphasize Biblical Principles Over Hope Capital
Many churches today focus too much on “prophetic declarations” about financial breakthroughs, claiming this year will be your year of prosperity. While there’s nothing wrong with financial blessings, we must focus more on teaching timeless biblical principles—principles that can be applied to daily life. This generation wants to experience heaven on earth, and that requires practical, down-to-earth teaching that goes beyond the transactional faith of sowing for miracles.
3. Teach Responsibility, Not Just Prosperity
The Bible teaches us to maximize our potential. Jesus is coming for a church without spot, stain, or wrinkle—a church that is responsible, productive, and faithful. We must go back to the fundamental messages we were taught: move not the ancient landmark, back to Bethel, and back to the Bible.
4. Practical Application of Biblical Truths
The Bible is full of wisdom—not just for spiritual living but for practical living as well. Take Isaac, for example. His agricultural efforts were key to his prosperity. His success wasn’t just about grace; it was about the effort he put into planting and harvesting. We must teach this generation how to apply these principles—whether in business, marriage, raising children, or community building.
5. Teach About Giving with a Broader Perspective
While giving is an essential part of the Christian faith, we need to teach it in a more balanced way. It’s not just about tithing money; it’s about giving in various forms—whether it’s time, services, or resources. Giving is a principle that benefits the giver, not just the recipient. But we need to show people that true prosperity is not just about material wealth; it’s about a holistic, balanced life.
Our churches need to return to sanity and modesty. There’s too much worldliness creeping into the Church. I’m not condemning people, but we need to address the lack of decorum in how we dress and conduct ourselves in worship. The emphasis on appearance, style, and fashion has reached an extreme point. We need to remind our young people that the eye eats before the mouth, and we must cultivate an atmosphere of respect and reverence in worship.
We don’t need to turn the Church into a fashion runway or a platform for worldly entertainment. The ministry should reflect God’s holiness and majesty. This is not to say we should stop embracing modern music, but we must recognize when the music crosses the line from worship to entertainment.
Another major issue is the constant focus on money. Churches today seem to be constantly asking for funds, with little explanation of how the money will be used. This is exacerbated by grandiose building projects and extravagant lifestyles that are often funded by the faithful’s contributions. The Apostolic Faith Church, the Anglican Church, and the Catholic Church are examples of institutions that manage their finances without making a spectacle of it. They understand the importance of giving, but they do it quietly and effectively.
We must move away from this unhealthy obsession with money. The excessive focus on fundraising to maintain large infrastructures or to invite international preachers for grand events must be reevaluated. We need to return to simple, effective ministry that emphasizes stewardship, practicality, and service.
we must rethink how we approach ministry. The young generation wants more than flashy programs and loud declarations. They want substance, practicality, and a faith that makes sense in the real world. They want to be taught how to live responsibly, how to succeed in the marketplace, and how to live in anticipation of Christ’s return.
It’s time to reassess our methods, our messages, and our priorities. We cannot continue down the path of grandiosity and superficiality. It’s time for a Church that reflects the true essence of Christ—humble, loving, responsible, and transformative
It’s time for a shift in our approach, not just in the way we minister but in the way we sustain our ministries and impact the world around us.
We must stop overburdening our congregants with endless tithes and offerings. While giving is essential, it should not be the only financial lifeline of the church. Look at successful organizations and see how they expand beyond religious offerings. The Anglican Church, for example, has invested in various ventures like oil and gas, farming, and educational facilities. The Catholic Church in Ona has one of the richest dioceses globally, not just because of donations but through strategic investments.
Consider the Marist Brothers in Uturu. They run a hatchery, a poultry farm, tractor repairs, a hospital, and a school. This isn’t just charity; it’s a sustainable model that generates income for their ministry while providing essential services to the community. The Catholic Church in Germany operates many of its hospitals, generating significant revenue through health insurance schemes. We need to start thinking beyond just the offering basket and create businesses and services that not only support our mission but serve humanity.
Social media has become a powerful tool for spreading the gospel and generating income. Look at the success of channels like Arise TV and TVC News. Their massive social media presence brings in dollars and attracts millions of viewers. Pastors too can leverage their platforms to spread the message and generate revenue through foreign exchange. By focusing on projects that genuinely serve humanity, you’ll see that people will donate willingly.
I have personally experienced this with a fundraising effort for a pastor in need. His denomination couldn’t raise the money for his medical bills in ten years, but within three months, I was able to raise over 14 million Naira simply because people believed in the cause. When your intentions are right and your integrity is unquestionable, people will support you.
The truth is that there is a lot of money in the hands of people, but they will not give it to you unless they see that you are trustworthy. If your message is clear, your purpose genuine, and your heart right, you will be surprised at the support that will come your way.
I have been blessed with a significant income, but I also work extremely hard for it. I don’t rely on others to meet my needs; I work, sell, and invest. I keep my finances separate and protect my personal wealth because I’ve learned to be disciplined. Pastors need to understand that wealth is not about flashy displays but about strategic investments, wise decisions, and hard work.
Our wives don’t need to sit on the altar with us. I have seen how my wife helped in building our ministry. She took charge of our finances, paid school fees, built houses, and managed several aspects of our life and work. While I was preaching in different parts of the country, she was making sure our household was stable. We need to recognize the role of our wives and give them the space to contribute meaningfully to the ministry, rather than putting unnecessary pressure on them to maintain a visible role at the altar.
As you grow in ministry, it’s crucial to separate the church from your personal brand. I ran a church for many years, but I didn’t do well because I was too impatient with people and often saw the church as a reflection of myself. This led to unnecessary tension. I had to learn to let go and hand over the church to another denomination, Church of God Mission, while I humbly served as an usher.
The church should not be your personal business or property. It is a separate entity, a charity that should focus on spreading the message of Christ. As your ministry expands, try to build a legacy, not just a personal empire.
The future of ministry is online. Consider a model like Bishop AB’s Church Without Borders—an online church that reaches millions without geographical limits. By embracing technology and social media, you can grow your ministry exponentially. I have experienced the power of online conferences firsthand. For example, our recent online conference reached participants from 23 countries—something that would have cost a fortune to do physically.
We need to recognize that the global church is not bound by space and time. Start thinking about the church without borders and how to use technology to reach people across the world.
The church is growing at an alarming rate. We are opening branches everywhere, from the U.S. to Ukraine, but this rapid expansion comes with its own challenges. We are constantly asking for money, competing with each other, and spreading ourselves too thin. The growth is exciting, but we need to ensure that it is sustainable and not just a race to establish physical locations.
Finally, I ask for your prayers. Many are waiting for me to fail or make a mistake, but by God’s grace, I will continue to stand strong. I am not perfect, and I face challenges like anyone else, but your prayers and support mean the world to me.
I want to leave you with this: The grace of God is sufficient. If I, Dr. Charles Apoki, can achieve what I’ve achieved, then there is hope for you too. If you apply wisdom, work hard, and maintain your integrity, there is no limit to what God can do through you.
Thank you for your support, and may God continue to bless you as you lead His people.
Dr. Charles Apoki
