Hello, I’m Dr. Charles Apoki, coming to you from a majestic church in Germany. As I sit here, surrounded by stunning stained-glass windows and a grand pipe organ, I’m struck by the sheer beauty of this place. But as beautiful as this cathedral is, it’s also largely empty. Attendance has dwindled, and the reason behind this shift is something we need to reflect on deeply, especially back home in Nigeria.
Here in Münster, a predominantly Catholic city, I’ve observed that these beautiful buildings tell a story beyond aesthetics. The Catholic Church, and even evangelical communities here, have invested heavily in structures, health services, and art. However, these churches face challenges that go beyond physical appearance. The decrease in attendance is partially due to scandals, including incidents of child abuse. These issues have shaken the faith of many. We must remember: the gospel and scandal simply cannot coexist. Where scandal damages, spirituality and service uplift.
Reflecting on this, I believe we should be mindful of our priorities when building the church in Nigeria. It’s not just about constructing magnificent buildings or raising funds. A thriving church doesn’t come from structures alone; it comes from fostering true spirituality and genuine service to humanity. If we neglect the spiritual growth of our members, if we let material achievements overshadow our purpose, then we risk creating hollow institutions.
In Nigeria, we’re witnessing a powerful revival, and with social media, our influence is growing daily. But social media is a double-edged sword; it can amplify our message, or if mishandled, it can also expose our failures. As church leaders, we must lead by example, holding ourselves to a standard of integrity that builds lasting trust. The gospel is about transformation, not appearances, and our actions must reflect the teachings of Christ in a way that lasts across generations.
Christianity must commit to sustainable development—meaning that our achievements today should serve as a foundation for the next generation’s spiritual journey, not a stumbling block. I encourage us all to examine our motives and our methods as we build. Are we focused on the faith, or are we distracted by the structures we’ve built? Let us prioritize raising spiritually sound members, people of integrity and character, as diligently as we work to raise funds and erect buildings.
Think on these things. I’m Dr. Charles Apoki, sharing these reflections with you from Münster, Germany. May God bless you as you build for His kingdom
