Earthworms or Parasites? A Call to Unity, Holiness, and Revival in CAC Nigeria and Overseas
By Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Nigeria and Overseas stands upon a remarkable spiritual heritage. The revival associated with Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola was not merely an event in church history but a divine visitation that transformed individuals, families, communities, and nations. The movement was marked by fervent prayer, holiness, sacrifice, obedience, unity, and complete dependence upon the Holy Spirit. The modern Church must therefore continually examine itself in the light of this sacred heritage.
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An important lesson can be drawn from nature. Earthworms enrich their environment. They process decaying matter and contribute to conditions that support growth and fruitfulness. Parasitic worms, however, consume from a host and often weaken it. Spiritually, these two realities provide a powerful metaphor for the Church. Every believer must ask a sincere question: am I enriching the Body of Christ or merely consuming from it?
THE EARTHWORM PRINCIPLE: SERVING WITHOUT APPLAUSE
Earthworms perform vital functions quietly. Their work is often unnoticed, yet the health of the soil benefits greatly from their activity. In a similar manner, many of the greatest works in God’s kingdom happen away from public attention. The prayer warrior who intercedes in secret, the teacher who patiently disciples converts, the elder who counsels members, and the evangelist who labours faithfully are all contributing to the health of the Church.
Jesus taught that true greatness is found in service. The Kingdom of God advances not through self-promotion but through humble obedience. Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola and the pioneers of the revival movement demonstrated this principle vividly. Their concern was not personal glory but divine glory. They sought God rather than applause and revival rather than recognition.
Today, believers face the temptation of seeking visibility rather than spirituality. Yet revival flourishes where humility prevails. Just as earthworms enrich the soil without demanding recognition, Christians are called to enrich the Body of Christ through faithful service.
THE DANGER OF SPIRITUAL PARASITISM
Parasitic worms feed from their hosts while contributing little in return. Spiritually speaking, a similar condition may emerge when church members desire benefits without responsibility. Such an attitude weakens the life of the body.
Some desire blessings without commitment. Others seek positions without sacrifice. Some enjoy fellowship but neglect evangelism, prayer, stewardship, and service. Scripture presents a different picture. The Church is described as a body in which every member contributes to the welfare of the whole.
The apostle Paul teaches that every part of the body is important. No member should regard himself or herself as unnecessary. Neither should anyone consider another member irrelevant. The health of the entire body depends upon mutual contribution.
The revival of 1930 was sustained by believers who were prepared to carry burdens together. Men and women fasted together, prayed together, evangelised together, and suffered together. They understood that revival demands contributors rather than spectators.
UNITY: THE SOIL OF REVIVAL
One of the most striking characteristics of genuine revival is unity. Before Pentecost, believers gathered with one accord. Their unity prepared the atmosphere for divine visitation. Unity remains indispensable for spiritual awakening.
Psalm 133 reveals that God’s blessing rests where brethren dwell together in unity. Unity is therefore not merely an organisational strategy but a spiritual necessity. It creates an atmosphere in which God’s purposes flourish.
The history of CAC demonstrates the power of collective devotion. The pioneers were united around prayer, holiness, evangelism, and dependence upon God. Their shared commitment produced extraordinary spiritual results.
Contemporary believers must resist every force that threatens unity. Pride, jealousy, rivalry, tribalism, regionalism, and personal ambition can damage spiritual progress. A divided church struggles to fulfil its mission. A united church becomes a powerful instrument in God’s hands.
Unity does not require uniformity in every opinion. Rather, it requires a common commitment to Christ, Scripture, holiness, and the advancement of God’s kingdom. Believers who choose forgiveness instead of bitterness and cooperation instead of competition prepare the ground for revival.
HOLINESS: THE FOUNDATION OF REVIVAL
No discussion of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola can be separated from the subject of holiness. The revival movement was rooted in consecration and reverence for God. Holiness was not regarded as optional; it was essential.
Scripture declares that without holiness no one shall see the Lord. Holiness therefore remains central to Christian life and ministry. A church may possess impressive structures, programmes, and technological capacity, but without holiness it cannot sustain genuine revival.
The early revivalists emphasised repentance, obedience, righteousness, and spiritual discipline. Their preaching confronted sin while pointing people towards Christ. As individuals experienced transformation, communities also experienced change.
The modern world presents new challenges. Materialism, moral compromise, digital distractions, and cultural pressures constantly compete for believers’ attention. Yet God’s standard has not changed. Christians remain called to be a holy people.
Holiness begins in the heart. It flows from a transformed relationship with God. Prayer, Scripture meditation, repentance, worship, and obedience remain essential elements in cultivating holy character.
Prayer without holiness produces religious activity. Power without holiness can become dangerous. Revival without holiness becomes unsustainable. True revival always leads people closer to God and further from sin.
THEOLOGY OF THE BODY OF CHRIST
The metaphor of earthworms and parasites finds powerful expression in the biblical doctrine of the Body of Christ. The Church belongs to Christ. Every believer has been called into fellowship and service.
Theologically, spiritual gifts are not given for personal promotion but for edification. Every gift, office, ministry, and calling exists to strengthen the Church. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, elders, and workers all contribute to the maturity of God’s people.
When believers operate according to divine purpose, the Church grows in strength and effectiveness. When selfish interests dominate, spiritual vitality declines. The lesson is clear: God blesses contribution and condemns selfishness.
REVIVAL AS TRANSFORMATION
Earthworms do not merely coexist with their environment; they improve it. Likewise, revival is transformative. Revival changes individuals, families, churches, and societies.
Throughout biblical history, God repeatedly transformed difficult situations through spiritual awakening. The nation of Israel experienced restoration after repentance. Communities changed when God’s people returned to Him. Revival consistently produced moral renewal, spiritual passion, and social impact.
Second Chronicles 7:14 provides a divine pattern. Humility, prayer, seeking God, and repentance lead to healing and restoration. Revival begins in the hearts of God’s people.
The modern Church must understand that revival is more than emotional excitement. Genuine revival transforms character, priorities, relationships, and witness. It produces lasting fruit.
RECOVERING THE SPIRIT OF BABALOLA
The challenge before CAC Nigeria and Overseas is not merely preserving history but preserving spiritual essence. The Church must recover the prayer burden, holiness, sacrifice, evangelistic zeal, and dependence upon God which characterised the revival generation.
Corporate prayer must be strengthened. Personal devotion must be renewed. Evangelism must be prioritised. Young believers must be intentionally discipled. Families must become centres of prayer and biblical instruction.
Furthermore, generations within the Church must work together. The wisdom of elders and the energy of youth are complementary rather than contradictory. Revival becomes stronger when generations cooperate in advancing God’s purpose.
A PROPHETIC CHALLENGE TO CAC NIGERIA AND OVERSEAS
This is a time for sincere reflection. Every member should ask: am I enriching the Body of Christ or draining its strength? Am I promoting unity or division? Am I pursuing holiness or compromise? Am I serving sacrificially or simply consuming spiritual resources?
The future of revival depends upon how these questions are answered. The need of this hour is consecration rather than criticism, reconciliation rather than rivalry, humility rather than self-promotion, and commitment rather than complacency.
God continues to seek men and women through whom He can reveal His glory. He continues to call His people to prayer, holiness, unity, and service. He continues to honour those who humble themselves before Him.
CONCLUSION
The contrast between earthworms and parasites provides a vivid lesson for the Church. One enriches its environment while the other weakens its host. The call of God to CAC Nigeria and Overseas is unmistakable. We are called to enrich the Body of Christ through prayer, holiness, unity, evangelism, sacrifice, and faithful service.
The legacy of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola challenges every generation to pursue spiritual authenticity. Revival is not sustained by human ingenuity but by divine presence. The Church must therefore return continually to the foundations of prayer, holiness, and unity.
May God raise within CAC Nigeria and Overseas a generation that values holiness above popularity, unity above factionalism, service above self-interest, and revival above routine religion. May the fire that burned during the great revival of the past burn afresh in our day. May every believer become a spiritual contributor who enriches the Church and advances the Kingdom of God to the glory of Jesus Christ. Amen.
General Evangelist, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Nigeria and Overseas, Founding Leader, Digital Gethsemane Global Network