The story of Moses is not just a historical account of Israel’s deliverance—it is a divine case study for leadership. Moses was undeniably anointed and chosen by God. He was raised in Pharaoh’s palace, schooled in wisdom, leadership, and strategy. Yet, when he discovered his calling, he rushed ahead without first seeking God’s strategy.
Instead of waiting on divine instruction, Moses killed an Egyptian in his human zeal (Exodus 2:11–12). The result was devastating: the people he sought to deliver suffered harsher treatment, and Moses himself fled for his life, spending forty years in the wilderness. His premature action delayed Israel’s deliverance and prolonged their anguish.
This lesson bears striking resemblance to the state of the Nigerian church and its leadership. Today’s Pentecostal leaders—General Overseers, Bishops, Apostles, and Pastors—must carefully study Moses’ failure if they are to avoid repeating history.
The Rise of the Nigerian Pentecostal Movement
In the 1960s, the Pentecostal revival swept across Nigeria. By the 1970s and 1980s, it penetrated higher institutions, igniting a fire that raised a new breed of Christian leaders. Many of today’s church leaders were forged in that season. The vision was clear: to disciple a nation, transform society, and establish righteousness in Nigeria.
Prophetic voices like the late Pa S. G. Elton affirmed this mandate. He foresaw a generation of Nigerian Christians who would carry the gospel beyond Nigeria into the world.
The 1980s also witnessed fervent intercession for Nigeria. The Nigerian Christian Corpers’ Fellowship (NCCF) became a powerhouse, using the NYSC scheme as a vehicle for nationwide evangelism. Through them, the gospel reached the remotest villages and cities, with young graduates living sacrificially for Christ.
The stage was set for transformation. But like Moses, Nigerian Christian leaders failed to fully seek and sustain God’s strategy.
Where We Failed
1. Lack of Unity
Just as Moses acted alone instead of consulting God, the church in Nigeria fragmented in doctrine and purpose. Denominations became more competitive than collaborative. Instead of presenting a united front against corruption, injustice, and moral decay, leaders splintered into camps, each building their empires.
Jesus prayed, “That they may be one…” (John 17:21), yet the Nigerian church often models division more than unity.
2. The Infiltration of the Prosperity Gospel
In the 1990s, the prosperity gospel crept in, slowly shifting the focus from Christ-centered discipleship to material gain. While God delights in blessing His people, the overemphasis on wealth destabilized the true gospel.
Instead of raising Daniels and Josephs who could occupy strategic places in governance and society, the church produced a generation obsessed with personal breakthroughs, miracles, and financial prosperity. Many believers became consumers of blessings rather than carriers of the cross.
3. The Love of Money
As churches grew, so did their financial capacity. Honorariums, offerings, gifts, and donations ballooned. Leaders who once lived simply became entangled in wealth, and the vision shifted from nurturing spiritual growth to building financial empires.
This mirrored Moses’ premature execution—leaders substituted divine strategy with human ambition. Suddenly, cathedrals, private jets, and personal kingdoms became markers of “success” while the nation decayed spiritually and morally.
4. The “Snake Family” vs. “Chicken Family” Approach
In nature, snakes disperse after birth, while chickens stay together under one covering. The Nigerian church adopted the “snake family” model—scattered, individualized, and competitive—rather than a “chicken family” of unity, accountability, and shared vision.
This disunity weakened the church’s collective impact, leaving society vulnerable to ungodliness.
The Effect on the Nigerian Church
1. Spiritual Immaturity
Instead of raising spiritually mature believers filled with the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, the church perpetually kept members as spiritual babies—dependent on “Papa” or “Mama” for every revelation, every direction, and every prayer.
The average churchgoer became more excited about “prophetic declarations” than the discipline of Bible study, fasting, holiness, and service.
2. A Powerless Church
The early church in Acts was marked by power, unity, and impact. Today, the Nigerian church is one of the largest in number globally but lacking in transformative power. Despite all-night vigils, conferences, and crusades, corruption, insecurity, and moral decadence thrive.
Like Samson, the church does not realize that its strength has been compromised.
3. Loss of Prophetic Voice
Where the church should stand as a moral compass, it has lost credibility. Leaders who should speak truth to power often align with political elites for survival or gain. During the last presidential election, the flood of contradictory “prophecies” exposed the depth of compromise, leaving the church ridiculed.
Lessons from Moses’ Redemption
Thankfully, Moses’ story did not end in failure. After 40 years of brokenness and wilderness training, he encountered God afresh at the burning bush. This time, he went forth not in his own strength but in the power of divine strategy.
The Nigerian church can also recover. But it will take:
1. Repentance – A return to holiness, truth, and humility.
2. Unity – Denominations laying aside rivalry to pursue the kingdom mandate.
3. Discipleship – Raising strong believers grounded in God’s Word, not just seekers of miracles.
4. Social Engagement – Producing Daniels and Esthers who bring godliness into governance, education, economy, and culture.
5. Courage – Restoring the church’s prophetic voice, even when unpopular.
Conclusion
Moses failed initially because he acted without God’s timing and strategy. Nigerian Christian leaders are at risk of repeating the same mistake. Yet, the God who restored Moses can restore the Nigerian church if leaders return to their first love, prioritize discipleship, and reclaim the nation through unity and truth.
The choice before us is clear: continue as perpetual spiritual infants, or rise as an end-time army that will disciple the nations as prophesied.
The future of Nigeria’s destiny is tied to how the church responds today.
– Engr Babatunde Oloko is the CEO of Livingstone Consultants Limited and former Director of Works and Physical Planning, University of Lagos.
