As doubts continue to spread rapidly across social media, the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry finds itself at the center of a controversy involving accusations of faking miraculous encounters. Pastor Chidi Louis, the Head of Public Relations and Media for the church, spoke to OLUFEMI ADEDIRAN about the church’s steadfast faith in God’s miraculous power and the reasons some Nigerians remain skeptical about the authenticity of these miracles.
Addressing Accusations of Fabricated Testimonies
In recent months, social media has exploded with claims suggesting that the Lord’s Chosen Ministry has been fabricating testimonies shared by its members. When asked about these accusations, Pastor Chidi Louis responded, “The situation we are witnessing on social media is unfortunate. Videos are being manipulated and circulated with the sole purpose of tarnishing our church’s reputation. While we acknowledge that unabridged versions of these testimonies exist, detractors have chosen to share edited clips that misrepresent the truth.”
He added, “Instead of engaging in arguments or trying to defend ourselves, we prefer to leave judgment to God. Our faith in His divine power is unwavering, and we believe that truth will ultimately prevail.”
Among the testimonies Pastor Louis highlighted was a remarkable story from a woman who dreamt of disarming three armed robbers. Another account involved a man who rode on the back of a lion in a dream, receiving guidance on his life’s path. Such accounts are meant to showcase the miracles that believers experience, and they represent the deep faith that exists within the church community.
The Church’s Identity and Mission
The Lord’s Chosen is a church committed to the principles of holiness and righteousness. Pastor Louis emphasized, “We do not engage in the behaviors that our critics attribute to us. Our message is clear: we preach practical holiness and the righteousness that God demands from us.”
When questioned about the lack of screening for testimonies shared by church members, Pastor Louis stated, “We do not require people to go through a screening process before sharing their experiences. Our teachings focus on the belief that anyone touched by God’s message should be allowed to share their truth without restrictions. We provide a platform for individuals to express their faith freely.”
This openness to testimonies is part of what defines the Lord’s Chosen Ministry. Unlike some churches that may impose strict guidelines on what can be shared, the Lord’s Chosen believes that genuine faith can manifest in many forms, including through personal miracles and life-altering experiences.
The Unconventional Approach to Evangelism
Recently, members of the Lord’s Chosen have been seen using unconventional methods to evangelize on the streets. When asked about this approach, Pastor Louis explained, “Our actions are driven by our vision and mandate to spread the gospel of repentance globally. The church is committed to reaching every corner of the earth, irrespective of social status, location, or gender. This mission is rooted in the teachings of the Holy Bible, specifically Mark 16:15, which calls for believers to go out into the world and preach the gospel.”
The church aims to educate the public on the significance of miracles in their faith. “Miracles are not merely spectacles; they are manifestations of God’s love and power,” he stated. “We share these experiences to emphasize that repentance and faith in Jesus Christ can transform lives.”
Pastor Louis elaborated on the three core visions driving the church’s mission. “Firstly, we aim for grassroots revival globally, spreading the message of repentance and redemption. We believe that the world’s problems stem from sin, which is why we advocate for holiness as the solution. Secondly, we seek to revive apostolic Christian experiences characterized by love, unity, and total dedication to God. Lastly, we are focused on fostering a heaven-consciousness among believers, helping them prepare their souls for eternal life.”
Navigating Social Media Challenges
With the rise of social media, the church has faced its share of trolling and negativity online. Pastor Louis expressed that while the church has a growing presence in nearly 120 nations, they are often targeted by those who misinterpret or misrepresent their beliefs. He noted, “Our pastor has traveled extensively, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of our ministry. We see countless people, including former criminals, finding healing and redemption through Christ.”
When questioned about how these accusations affect the church, Pastor Louis remained unfazed. “Criticism comes with the territory when you are doing God’s work. Our general overseer is not troubled by it. We understand that people may not grasp the depth of our faith or the miracles we witness. Our focus is on the positive changes in people’s lives, like those who have surrendered to Christ, regardless of the negativity surrounding us.”
He added, “The Bible teaches us that while all sins can be forgiven, speaking against the Holy Spirit is an unpardonable offense. Those mocking us should be aware of the gravity of their words. Our mission is not to engage in conflict but to pray for understanding and truth among those who doubt.”
A Call to Action
In light of the controversies, Pastor Louis invited critics to come and witness the church’s activities for themselves. “Our doors are always open. Anyone can visit our services and engage with those who have shared testimonies of miracles. It is easy to post negative comments online, but I encourage skeptics to investigate the truth firsthand.”
He emphasized that miracles are complex and often beyond human comprehension. “The workings of God are mysterious. We invite people to explore our church and see the genuine transformations taking place. While skepticism is common, we remain hopeful that those who doubt will one day come to know the truth.”
The Lord’s Chosen Ministry’s commitment to miracles and the transformative power of faith remains strong. As Pastor Louis concluded, “Our mission is clear, and our vision remains unshaken. We aim to bring 10 billion souls into the kingdom of God, and we will continue to preach the gospel with love, faith, and perseverance.”
Conclusion
The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry continues to stand firm in its beliefs despite the challenges posed by skepticism and online mockery. Through its commitment to spreading the message of miracles and the power of God, the church seeks to unite believers in a shared vision of holiness and righteousness. While the path may be fraught with obstacles, the unwavering faith of its members serves as a testament to the miracles that can transform lives and bring hope to the world.
As the church embraces its calling, it remains focused on its goal of spreading the message of repentance and the miracles of faith, inviting all to witness the divine encounters that define their journey.