13/01/2026
Special Address of the Initiator/President, Pulpit Sanctity Initiative - Evangelist Adeola Adeoye during the Pulpit Summit and Awards 2026 (The 7th Edition) Held at Progressive International Church (C&S), Headquarters, Ikotun, Lagos State, Today being the 3rd of January, 2026.
Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Clergy, Honoured Awardees, Fellow Advocates for Pulpit Sanctity, I am deeply honoured to stand before you today as we gather for the seventh edition of the Annual Pulpit Summit and Awards. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to promote the sanctity of the pulpit. As the Initiator and President of the Pulpit Sanctity Initiative (PSI), I welcome you all to this gathering.
Exactly one year ago, we gathered at Abesan Estate - CSMC Surulere District Valley of Blessings Branch to discuss the issue of Pulpit Monetization as it affects and threatens the integrity of the pulpit and distracts the core mission of the gospel. Today, we are gathered here to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the sacred trust of the pulpit and recognize the outstanding contributions of some respected individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to pulpit sanctity in Christendom.
Over the past seven years, the initiative - PSI has remained steadfast in its mission to promote the sanctity of the pulpit, through our annual summits, awards, advocacy efforts, and our school of pulpit studies. We have sought to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining the integrity and dignity of the pulpit. We have also worked tirelessly to equip clergy and church leaders with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to uphold the sacred trust of the pulpit.
As we've gathered today, we do so against the backdrop of a world that is increasingly complex and challenging. We are living in a time when the pulpit is facing numerous threats, from the erosion of moral values to the proliferation of false teachings. In the face of these challenges, it is more imperative than ever that we remain committed to upholding the sanctity of the pulpit.
My elders and colleagues in the ministry, today our topic for discussion is - "The Impact of Preachers' Involvement in Political Issues and Social Media Trends on the Effectiveness of the Pulpit During Delivery to the Congregation". It is timely and needs urgent attention for discussion.
It saddens my heart to see ministers of God inviting politicians, celebrities, philanthropists who are not clergy to the pulpit during anniversaries to preach to the congregation while the ordained and called ministers take their seats as they are preached to, just to gain public attention and elephant donations to their bank accounts.
I hope you all will agree with me that no matter how good and fluent one can argue a case and win, if such a person is not a called-to-bar lawyer, he can't sit to defend a case in the court of law. No matter how vast someone can be, even if such a person is a graduate of a medical school, if such is not licensed, he's not allowed to practice. If yes, I want you all to agree with me at this summit that no matter how vast a politician, celebrity, or philanthropist can be in the interpretation of scriptures, if he's not a clergy, an ordained minister, there's nowhere for such a person on the pulpit. Being a graduate or scholar of theology is not even a qualifier.
Fellow ministers, the pulpit is a professional tool of a preacher; preaching is a profession, and preachers should see it as such and not hand over their pulpit to mediocrities.
It becomes so worrisome when we now see those who are believed to be professionals when it comes to preaching bringing political issues and social media trending issues to the pulpit as sermon topics to their congregations. They no longer preach to their congregations but seize the opportunity of the pulpit to predict who the next president of the nation should be and what will happen if America comes to Nigeria. They now discuss the mineral resources of the country on the pulpit; some have gone as far as using the pulpit to exchange words and insults with their fellow ministers, settling scores and all other unethical behavior while perishing souls are waiting to be fed with salvation, which is affecting the integrity of the pulpit and Christianity.
All these have to stop as they raise concerns about the credibility of the gospel. As we gather today, we will explore the implications of preachers' involvement in political issues and social media trends while on the pulpit and discuss ways forward to promote a more authentic and integrity-driven approach to ministry.
To our awardees, I offer my warmest congratulations. Your dedication to the cause of pulpit sanctity is a testament to your commitment to the values of integrity, excellence, and service. We recognize your outstanding contributions and honour your steadfastness in upholding the sacred trust of the pulpit.
To our guests, I express my deepest gratitude for your presence. Your participation in this summit is a demonstration of your support for our mission, and we are honoured to have you join us. I would extend my special welcome to our guest resource person - His Grace Dr. Titus Adekunle Adeyemo JP, whose insightful contributions will undoubtedly enrich our discussions today.
We are also honoured to have with us our Honourable Guest of this Occasion - His Eminence Reuben O. Basorun JP, Chairman of this Occasion - Apostle General Samson O. Ajibade JP, Chairperson of this occasion - Rev'd Apostolic Mother Pro Grace O. Odunuga. These people are of high calibre and have tight schedules in their respective fields, yet they took time to honour our invitation to be here today. We say a big thank you; we do not take your presence for granted.
I want to appreciate the leadership of Progressive International Church (C&S) for granting us their premises for this occasion. Thank you.
I would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our Board of Trustees, who have been instrumental in shaping the vision and mission of PSI. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to my wife, Mrs. Tella Funmilola Adeoye, for her unwavering support, encouragement, and endurance throughout this journey.
I am super grateful to those whose influence I have been able to use to bring my fathers and mothers in faith to this event annually, my biological parent - His Grace Eld Dr. S.A.O Adeoye JP and Suptd Apostolic Mother Pro M.D Adeoye, thank you for giving me your wings to fly.
As we move forward in this summit, we will be convocation the second set of graduates from our school - PSI SCHOOL OF PULPIT STUDIES, who have undergone rigorous training within the classrooms and on the field. This milestone marks a significant expansion of our efforts to promote pulpit sanctity, and we are excited to see the impact that our graduates will have on the world.
I would like to take this opportunity to announce that the 2026 Admissions into PSI School of Pulpit Studies are now open. We invite all aspiring clergy and church leaders to apply and join our community of scholars and practitioners committed to upholding the sanctity of the pulpit. Our school offers rigorous training and equipping for those called to the ministry, and we are excited to see the next generation of leaders emerge from our programs.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported our initiative, especially those who donated to sponsor this edition of Pulpit Summit and Awards - His Grace E.D Bamishaiye, Snr. Suptd Apostle Dr. Olatunbosun Dawodu, Captain Mother General Prophetess Funmilayo Litan and Her Church - Holy Ghost Temple of God Ayobo, His Grace, Baba Aladura Adewale Henry Odunayo JP, Captain Mother Pro. I.O Fashola JP, Elder Zaccheaus Akinwande of Christ Church Epe, and others who are too numerous to mention. Thanks for your partnership; we are honoured to have you as part of our community, and we look forward to your continued support.
Before I close this address, Dear Attendees, the Lord has ministered to me to put a piece of book together, which will be a very good manual for all Pulpit Users as a guide and also a manual for all Preachers and a handbook for all your church workers. This piece, titled "The Pulpit and Its Management", is fully written by your own son, myself - Evangelist Adeola Adeoye. I am done with the writings, publication is the next challenge, This project is close to my heart, and I believe it will be a valuable resource for our community. I am humbly appealing to you for support towards the actualisation of this book. Your contribution, whether financial or through spreading the word, will go a long way in making this project a reality. Together, we can make a difference and equip our clergy with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their calling. I crave your support at this summit to make the birth of this book a success as I look forward to inviting you all soon again for the official launching of this book.
In closing, let me leave you with my annual anthem - C&S Hymn, Wa ma sise. Thank you all, till we meet again this time next year, 2027, if Jesus Tarries. Till then, I wish you a prosperous ministry for the year 2026.
Thanks for your attention,
Evangelist Dr. Adeola Adeoye (The Pulpit Advocate)
Initiator/President, Pulpit Sanctity Initiative (PSI)
08121354504
