Is The Rev. Pastor Shy Of Preaching A Crude Gospel Of Christ?

I see myself as an open minded person. I am always opened to new ideas. I can tell everyone that I have followed my curiosity to read various scriptures in the Koran. And I think that I should encourage every Christian to read the Koran.

Like many in our generation who have been listening to the Revered man of God notable messages, I have also been listening to his messages for many years now.

Although, the Catholic church offers very rich sermons and teachings for its faithfuls, available on various media , I have, like many , enjoyed listening to the pastor's messages on his advertised program on radio and TV .

At one point, it was almost like an addiction to me.I wouldn't miss it after the midday news on the FM station.

You see, the pastor's message has a certain appeal. It is elevating. It tries to restore hope to almost everyone who is frustrated with the way we have done things and have been doing things in this part of the world. It is one of the best motivational messages one can find.

But that is what it is. A MOTIVATIONAL MESSAGE. What the Pastor's message misses is the theme of Christ and what Christ represents.

I had come to this revelation on the Pastor's messages after I listened to his message on 'Jesus Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem'; popularly known as 'Palm Sunday'.

As a Catholic, the celebration of The Passion of Christ' which normally begins on a ' Palm Sunday' event, is the heart of our belief in the savior Jesus Christ.

I was taught at catechism that the Catholic celebration that starts on Palm Sunday, to Holy Thursday, to Good Friday , and climaxing on Easter Sunday marks the very foundation of the Catholic faith and I guess all Christians. My Catholic teachings tell me that without these events happening as told , there wouldn't be any meaning to our faith as Christians.

And so for me to hear my favorite teacher on God's word preaching a message on Christ entry into Jerusalem like a lecture on leadership and leadership corporate goals, I was scandalized. I was so horrified. I wanted to seek an immediate confession to absolve myself from carnal content that defiles everything I am.

After this trauma, I began to reflect on everything I have heard him preach on. It suddenly occurred to me that the Pastor is shy preaching 'The Christ Crude Message'. He cannot see himself reading ' John 3: 16 to his audience. He cannot tell them that ' For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, so whoever believe in him, would not perish'. The pastor thinks retelling this message to his audience would make them feel bored in the church.

The Pastor doesn't want to sound like Rev . Obinim or Rev. Kumchacha. He does not want to be heard sharing the same message with them. He carves his own message around the Christ message.

I must say I have no malicious intention against him. He is a phenomenon that our generation and the next to come must study. But somehow I think there is something not right about his message. That is if he seeks to preach the Christ message.

I hope I am wrong. I will surely yield myself to a confession and seek absolution if this write- up in the end turns to be blasphemous. God help me.

PAUL ZOWONU
TUTOR- ACCRA