Sheep Defies Shepherd: Is the World Fighting Men of the Cloth?

Is Africa up against the man of the cloth? This is a question that arose from a WhatsApp group discussion after a message suggesting so was forwarded into the group.

Preachers, Pastors, Priests, Bishops, Televangelists, Prophets, and all other titles accorded to those that preach, have in recent times faced tough times that most would choose to refer to as temptations or spiritual warfare.

There are rogue lawyers, Journalists, Doctors, Nurses, Teachers but that does not take away that there are those that are legit and dedicated to make a positive difference in their various fields. Just like in any other Profession, there too, are rogue Preachers and False Prophets that should not be used to bring down legit Preachers and Prophets.

Professional Preachers are required to attend Theological classes and that make theirs a career just like any other. There are, however, Preachers and prophets that grow due to Passion and this is also witnessed in other fields where Professionals learn on the job, and this should not be a basis to disregard them.

The job of a pastor or a prophet is as demanding and difficult like any other and can be emotionally draining and hence ought to be respected. Preachers and prophets are expected to create hope in the minds of the hopeless and bring life into human beings who are alive and not living. Great wealth and finances are not all it takes for a being to enjoy a fulfilled life and that is where the Preachers come in.

Being a rich Preacher or Prophet need not be offensive to the masses unless the latter is misappropriating funds which could be easily solved by the committee.

The Kenyan Constitution in Article 32 categorically states that every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion. Preachers and Prophets have on numerous occasions been on the receiving end where they have been accused of brainwashing and taking advantage of their members to syphon their wealth. This is a tricky accusation unless one is able to prove their theory which has resulted to lack of prosecution of the rogue Preachers and False Prophets.

There is the breed of rogue preachers and false Prophets who engage in fraud and investigative coverage has at times brought such cases to the limelight and legitimate Preachers and Prophets ought to know, this battle is not personal! Rogue Professionals in other fields are fought, Prophets and Preachers should not be an exception, to clean the society the rot must be identified and done away with. Allow the society to call out the rotten characters to avoid killing the little faith left.