'Stop idolising pastors, anointing oil, and altars' — Pastor Otabil warns Christians

Pastor Mensa Otabil, General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), has warned Christians against the growing trend of idolising pastors, anointing oils, and altars, practices he described as "false doctrine."

During his speech at the consecration of the ICGC Exalted Temple in Abura, Cape Coast, Pastor Otabil emphasised that the one true God of all creation is universal and cannot be confined to any specific church, human figure, or idol. He condemned the idea of treating pastors as “church gods,” stressing that such practices distort the true Christian faith.

He explained the biblical meaning of the “God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” clarifying that these titles referred to the one true God who made a covenant with the patriarchs based on faith and obedience, not to human leaders who seek personal fame.

Pastor Otabil also addressed the disturbing trend where some junior pastors are giving senior pastors spiritual authority and grace that should belong only to God. This practice, he said, has led to the worship of human leaders rather than worshiping God alone, a deviation from authentic Christian belief and practice.

He called on Christians to engage in self-reflection and realign themselves with biblical faith to avoid the pitfalls of doctrinal errors and spiritual excesses. Pastor Otabil specifically questioned the recent practice of treating altars as if they possessed inherent divine power, warning against the misrepresentation of altars, which should be seen as symbolic places to seek God rather than sources of power in themselves.

Additionally, he challenged the modern trend of pouring anointing oil directly onto people’s heads, questioning the biblical foundation for this shift from the traditional practice of anointing with a finger. He suggested that this newer practice may lack scriptural support and could be a misuse of the anointing oil.

Pastor Otabil urged Christians to keep Christ at the center of their faith, reject seeking spiritual power through intermediaries or money, and cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the true source of power, grace, and salvation. This is central to ICGC's vision of spiritual renewal across generations.

Pastor Jepson Ahene, the Resident Pastor of the Exalted Temple, reflected on over 25 years of God's faithfulness in the church's journey, quoting Psalm 127:1 to emphasise that the Lord is the true builder of the church. He described the temple as a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for transformation, encouraging the congregation to rededicate their hearts to Christ’s mission.

The vision for the Exalted Temple was conceived in 1998 by Pastor Kingsley Akwasi Prempeh, a former pastor, with initial services held in homes from 1999. The church acquired land and began construction of a 1,300-capacity auditorium with a basement in 2003, completing the basement in 2006, and moving in as construction continued. Additional facilities have been added over the years to support the growing ministry, which now includes 450 adults, 115 youth, and 150 children.