Babatunji Wusu –
The reason for inviting controversial street-hop artist Portable and Fuji singer Alabi Pasuma to the church’s praise night event has been revealed by Aderemi Dabiri, the founder of a chapter of the Celestial Church of Christ in Lagos State.
For inviting Portable and Pasuma to the church function, the White Garment Church has recently faced harsh criticism.
Speaking to a group of church task force members who had come to his parish for a meeting, Dabiri disclosed that the two singers’ selection was made with the intention of winning over new believers.
It was not the first time, he said, emphasizing that the evangelistic pattern had been effective for him over the years and had also increased the number of people in his church.
Dabiri went on to denounce the disrespect shown by some gospel preachers, pointing out that Pasuma seemed to be respectful and in agreement with his position.
“This is not the first time we have invited guest artists,” he stated. I can provide you with some examples of how we have been doing it without any issues. We are unable to approach anyone selling alcoholic beverages or palm wine and ask them to accept Jesus Christ. They are going to bash me with a bottle if I don’t use wisdom. I thus came up with a plan to welcome them into the church.
“I also observed that there are a few well-known adolescents who agitate the local government, start cults, and generally cause trouble in the society. I pondered how we could get their attention in hopes that they would reconsider. They have defeated us when we have gone to locations where they are. I was able to convert the majority of the new members of my church by that approach.
“Some gospel preachers are impolite. Some of them react badly if you speak with them, but Pasuma was kind and supportive of my position when I phoned him that day.
In response to the task force team’s worries on the intense uproar sparked by the development, Dabiri stated he had no intention of withdrawing the invitation.
He clarified, nevertheless, that he would curtail the excesses of the performing artists, particularly Portable.
“We’ll tell Portable to sing gospel music instead of vulgar songs and not to dye his hair,” he declared. We will also warn him not to climb the speakers or wear unsuitable clothing.
We’ll also let him know not to let his boys smoke in this area. Nearly thirty military people have been asked to staff the event.
