When Prosperity Overshadows Purpose: A Caution to Young Ministers
Jerry Adesewo
I have followed with keen interest the recent uproar surrounding COZA’s Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo’s remarks about the revered Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola of the Christ Apostolic Church. For those who may not know, Apostle Babalola was a man whose ministry was marked by raw faith, deep humility, and undeniable spiritual authority—yet, he owned no private jet, built no personal empire, and measured his success not in material acquisitions but in the number of souls brought to Christ.
READ ALSO:The Points Pastor Fatoyinbo Missed on Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola
Pastor Fatoyinbo’s statement, made in what appeared to be a moment of misplaced bravado, leaned on the ownership of a private jet as a subtle yardstick for “ministerial progress.” In my view, this was not just a personal faux pas—it revealed a deeper, dangerous trend in today’s church: the elevation of material symbols above spiritual substance. Even though he has since apologised and offered clarifications, the damage points to a pressing need for sober reflection, especially among the younger generation of ministers.
I have no quarrel with prosperity. The God who owns the cattle upon a thousand hills is not opposed to blessing His servants. But when the pulpit becomes a showroom for earthly possessions, when young ministers begin to measure anointing by bank balances, and when our spiritual heroes are judged by what they did not own, we are in trouble. The danger is not just that people may stumble—it is that an entire generation may lose sight of the simplicity and purity of the gospel.
In my quiet moments, I think about the Apostle Babalolas and Moses Orimolades of our time—men and women who may never fly private, yet who carry the raw presence of God in their lives. I think about Paul, who, despite his apostolic authority, could say, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound.” I think about Jesus Himself, who had nowhere to lay His head, yet whose ministry remains unmatched in history.
The prosperity gospel, if unbalanced, breeds entitlement, pride, and competition. Young ministers will begin to chase status symbols rather than God’s heart. Sermons become sales pitches. Prayer meetings turn into networking events. And the cross is slowly moved to the background while self is enthroned.
The truth is, Apostle Babalola’s “lack” was never a weakness. It was a testimony to his focus. He was consumed with God’s interest, not his personal comfort. He travelled on foot, rode bicycles, and sometimes trekked for miles to preach the gospel, often fasting for days. The power of God moved mightily through him. Can we say the same today, even with all our technology, platforms, and luxuries?
Pastor Fatoyinbo’s private jet illustration was perhaps meant to inspire—but it ended up exposing a mindset that measures ministry by possessions. This is where I plead with my fellow ministers, especially the young and ambitious: never mistake the tools for the mission. A jet, a cathedral, or a fleet of cars may aid the work, but they are not the work. And God forbid that they should ever define the work.
The late Apostle Babalola’s life should challenge us to re-evaluate what we celebrate. We must ask ourselves hard questions: Are we building God’s kingdom, or our brand? Are we leading people to the cross, or to envy our lifestyle? Are we content with pleasing God, or are we obsessed with impressing men?
For the young minister reading this—remember: you are not called to outshine another pastor’s possessions; you are called to outlive their impact. The real measure of ministry is faithfulness, not flamboyance. Power with God is far more precious than presence on Instagram.
May we never forget that the gospel thrives on sacrifice, not showmanship. And may we honour those who walked this path before us, not by outspending them, but by out-praying, out-serving, and out-loving them.
Let us return to the place where the altar is more important than the aircraft, and where the Spirit of God—not the spirit of the age—defines our success.
When Prosperity Overshadows Purpose: A Caution to Young Ministers