ECWA: Pulling the Strings for the Benefits of Bingham University   

ECWA: Pulling the Strings for the Benefits of Bingham University   

By: Balami Lazarus   

In my last piece some few weeks ago, I started pointing out some odds I observed or should I say turning money meant for spiritual things into worldly pursuit. That has to do with ECWA and her university. I did promise that I will be back to reveal the conditions placed on her churches in her bid to generate funds for Bingham University programmes and other activities thereof, which to many members speaking in silence was against their wishes.

That the majority of her church members are not happy with this unspiritual mandatory arrangement placed on them is the reason that informed my investigation into the politics of faith and fate of the membership by church leadership in ECWA.  

Sadly ECWA has made it her tradition to forcefully demand from all her churches in Nigeria over the years to raise a certain amount of money for this institution of learning. It is evidently clear that churches under ECWA are the live- wire/ Automated Teller Machine (ATM) used to provide large funds to run Bingham University.   

I will therefore, pitched my tent on the conditions as the strings used to raise money to sustain, maintain and fund Bingham University where the children of the lowly members do not have the opportunity to study there owing to the high cost of fee despite being part of the contributors to making it happen.

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While churches are for the furtherance of the gospel of Christ, I do not see such taxes being placed on its churches to push for the growth of the gospel and its Bible schools.  I do remember when I was a young boy. In my church, as a body of Christ, the church was known for charity in our community from the free will donations within and without not being forced to do so unlike ECWA.   

Are you aware that targets were given to these churches and must be met or else they must make it up from their offerings or tithes and if unable to do that the pastor in- charge will not be paid his monthly salary? That also will not stop the 25% weekly deduction taken from all her churches.

A member of ECWA once asked, “Why Bingham University’? According to him, “This mandatory collection should be for Jos Ecwa Theological Seminary (JETS) where young men are trained in Christian theology to become pastors, evangelists and teachers of the gospel of Christ. But surprisingly ECWA has never ever under any condition as far as I know solicit, appeal, request, ask/ and or demand for monetary assistance from her churches on behalf of JETS.”   

Well, it is now clearer that religious bodies/ organizations are forcing it on their members to raise money in order to finance their secular projects, programmes or activities most times. Perhaps the church is becoming worldly while the world is seeking to find the right way. This reminds me of a novel I once read by one Mr. Jonathan Black titled “The World Reapers.” I am still on it.   

*Balami, a Publisher/ Columnist,    08036779290.

ECWA: Pulling the Strings for the Benefits of Bingham University