By Oladipo Oluwatosin
A Special Feature Story for Ministers of the Gospel in the Digital Age
Introduction
There is a new wave blowing across the digital world; a wind of accountability. The Nigerian Cybercrime Act and its recent enforcement measures have placed a spotlight on what many pastors, evangelists, and prophets say and do online. The pulpit has moved from the altar to the algorithm, and the voice that once echoed in the church hall now resounds on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube. But as the proverb says, “The tongue has no bone, yet it breaks bones.”
Before any man or woman of God presses “post” or “go live,” it is time to pause, ponder, and pray. The same law that shields your freedom to preach also guards the dignity of others. And in this new cyber dispensation, ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
When the Pulpit Meets the Platform
In the days of old, prophets delivered messages face-to-face; Nathan confronted David in private (2 Samuel 12:1–7), and Paul corrected Peter openly but respectfully (Galatians 2:11–14). Today, however, correction has become content, and rebuke has turned into reels.
Pastors are now influencers, not by divine call but by digital design. Some have traded their cross for clicks, their mission for monetization. In a bid to trend, they libel others, ridicule fellow ministers, and sow seeds of division. But the Scripture warns:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…” — Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
The new cybercrime laws are not against preaching Christ. They are against slander, libel, bullying, and misinformation; even when wrapped in “spiritual” language.
The Snare of the Screen
As the Yoruba adage says, “Bi ẹnu bá ti sọ̀rọ̀, a kò lè tún un mu padà” - once words are spoken, they cannot be swallowed back. In the digital age, once a post is made, it can spread like wildfire, far beyond control.
The same platform that amplifies your message can also expose your mistakes. Pastors must therefore discern between ministry and mischief, between prophecy and privacy. Not every revelation is for publication. Joseph’s dream almost cost him his life because he spoke too soon (Genesis 37:5–11).
Social media is a tool, not a throne. When pastors use it without discipline, it becomes a snare rather than a stage for salvation.
Who Will Be Most Affected?
The law targets anyone who:
- Defames or insults others online, even under religious guise.
- Spreads false information about individuals or organizations.
- Uses digital platforms for blackmail, intimidation, or deceit.
Those who bully fellow ministers, ridicule other denominations, or label people “fake” or “witches” without evidence may soon find themselves facing legal consequences.
Remember: “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
The scripture also warns: “By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). The digital age simply records and replays those words faster.
The Law and the Lord: Walking in Balance
Christ taught His disciples to “render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). This means pastors must operate under both divine and civil law. The Bible and the Constitution are not enemies; both uphold justice and order.
Preaching the gospel online must therefore be done with ethical consciousness. Let every minister:
- Verify before posting.
- Speak truth in love.
- Avoid defamatory content.
- Respect privacy and dignity.
- Use platforms as pulpits of peace, not war.
Biblical Lessons for the Digital Prophet
David’s relationship with Saul is a timeless lesson in restraint. Though Saul sought his life, David refused to speak or act against the Lord’s anointed (1 Samuel 24:6). If David had a social media account today, he would never have gone online to “expose” Saul.
Likewise, when Jesus was accused falsely, He “answered not a word” (Matthew 27:14). Silence can sometimes be a greater sermon than speech.
As the proverb says, “The tree that bears fruit attracts stones.” But a wise man knows which stones to ignore.
The True Digital Commission
The digital space is a new mission field, but not a playground for ego. It is a vineyard where souls are scrolling and searching for light. To win them, ministers must preach Christ — not conspiracy. The message must be seasoned with grace, not garnished with gossip.
Paul declared:
“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord” — 2 Corinthians 4:5.
If your message leads to strife instead of salvation, you have lost the mission.
Final Admonition: Ethics Before Echo
Before you post, ask three questions:
- Is it true?
- Is it kind?
- Is it necessary?
The new cybercrime law is not to silence the church but to sanitize the cyberspace. Every pastor must therefore blend pastoral ethics, biblical principles, and national law to maintain credibility in ministry.
As the wise say, “The one who guards his mouth preserves his life” (Proverbs 13:3). Let every pastor guard not just the pulpit but also the profile.
Conclusion
This is not a call to fear but to wisdom. The Holy Spirit is the greatest moderator of every message. Let every minister weigh words before they go online. Remember, a single post can either open heaven or open court proceedings.
In this new era, may our clicks lead to Christ, and our content lead to conversion.
“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt…” — Colossians 4:6.
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