How pride, power, and titles are silencing humility in today’s Church
The recent clash between Minister Nyesom Wike and a military officer did not just expose a crisis of power in government; it mirrored a deeper disease within the Church. Behind many pulpits today stand men and women who have forgotten that authority without humility is rebellion against God. Like Wike shouting at a soldier beyond his command, some pastors now thunder against young ministers and fellow servants of God with the same arrogance, forgetting that the One who called them is still the ultimate Commander-in-Chief.
Statements such as, “Where were you when I was ordained?” or “If I curse you, no prophet can reverse it,” now echo across denominations — turning what should be a family of faith into a battlefield of pride. The gospel of servanthood has been replaced with the doctrine of seniority. Yet Jesus, the greatest of all, stooped to wash His disciples’ feet. The Church must pause and remember: the higher you rise in grace, the lower you must bend in humility. For as Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”.
The Spirit of Seniority: A Hidden Idolatry
In today’s Church, titles have become thrones. “General Overseer,” “Archbishop,” “Senior Prophet,” and “Papa” are often treated as spiritual crowns rather than functional callings. Yet Jesus said in Matthew 23:11–12,
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased.”
When a leader uses seniority to silence or belittle others, he replaces the Holy Spirit with ego. He ceases to lead by example and begins to lord over others like a political emperor.
The Church becomes a place where protocol is replaced by pride, and the anointing becomes an instrument of oppression. It’s the same pattern we see in the secular world — where power is abused because humility has left the room.
Where Were You When I Was Ordained?
This popular line; “Where were you when I was ordained?” reveals a dangerous mindset: that age in ministry equals superiority in the Spirit. But in God’s kingdom, calling is not measured by calendar, but by character.
Elijah came before Elisha, but he didn’t use his seniority to suppress him; instead, he mentored him to carry a double portion. Paul was older in ministry than Timothy, but rather than curse him, he charged him:
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
True elders raise sons, not suppress them. True prophets impart grace, not fear. When leaders boast, “If I curse you, no one can remove it,” they have crossed from divine authority into occult arrogance.
The Wike Analogy in the Church
Just as Wike attempted to command a soldier outside his jurisdiction, some pastors today try to command God’s servants outside their spiritual boundary. They forget that the Church belongs to Christ, not them.
Every man of God operates under spiritual law and divine order. You cannot curse a servant who belongs to another master; and we all belong to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Romans 14:4 asks a timeless question:
“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? To his own master he standeth or falleth.”
When a spiritual leader uses intimidation or threats to enforce obedience, he acts like Wike; shouting at soldiers who are not under his command. He may have position, but he lacks protocol and humility.
The Disease of Bullying in Ministry
This arrogance manifests in several ways:
Pastoral Intimidation: “I am your spiritual father; you must never question me.”
Prophetic Manipulation: “If you leave my ministry, your life will be cursed.”
Denominational Pride: “Our church is superior; others are lukewarm or fake.”
Credential Worship: “Where were you when I finished seminary?”
All these reveal the disease of insecurity covered in the robe of authority.
But God has never built His kingdom on fear.
2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us:
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
The mark of true leadership is not how many bow before you, but how many rise because of you.
Power Without Protocol Is Dangerous
Every leader must understand that authority is not ownership. Even Jesus, who had all power, still followed divine protocol.
“I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.” (John 8:28)
If the Son of God submitted to the Father’s order, who are we to boast in titles and threaten others?
Like Wike’s incident, many leaders today forget the limits of their authority. Spiritual power must flow through heaven’s chain of command, not personal ego.
Lessons for Today’s Ministers
1. Humility is the true crown of leadership. – James 4:6
2. Titles don’t define calling; service does.
3. Never confuse authority with ownership. The sheep belong to Christ, not the shepherd.
4. Mentorship, not manipulation, is the way of Christ.
5. Correction must be rooted in love, not control.
6. The Holy Spirit, not hierarchy, defines spiritual rank.
When God Steps In
God has a way of humbling those who misuse His platform. Nebuchadnezzar was brought low until he recognized that “the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men.” (Daniel 4:17)
Likewise, ministers who turn the pulpit into a throne will eventually meet their moment of divine rebuke.
God does not share His glory, not even with His servants.
Conclusion: The Return to Servanthood
The incident between Wike and the soldier is not just a lesson in governance; it’s a parable for the pulpit. The soldier’s calmness represents the Spirit-led minister, firm yet humble. The minister’s anger represents flesh-led authority, loud but unstable.
The future of the Church in Nigeria and the world will depend on leaders who know that power must be governed by protocol, and anointing must be anchored by humility.
As Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, He set the standard for leadership:
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
Let this truth echo in every pulpit and parish:
“A proud prophet loses heaven’s signal, but a humble servant never runs out of oil.”
Posts
