Pastors extending their influence beyond the pulpit

Young pastors extending their influence beyond the pulpit are leaving their marks in big ways in their respective communities through their writing and philanthropy.

Through their books addressing issues of the day such as mental illness, social justice, and personal development, these pastors provide thought-provoking observations that resonate with a wide cross-section of the population, challenging readers to examine their own life and faith.

Besides, their philanthropy tends to focus on addressing urgent social problems such as poverty, education, and healthcare. Through initiatives like scholarships, community service, and donations to marginalized groups, young clergy are not only constructing spiritual development but also implementing real change.

This multi-faceted approach not only contributes to their leadership integrity but also encourages their churches to be actively engaged in service and advocacy, eventually making society a better and more compassionate place.

1. Rev. Niyi Adebayo

Rev. Niyi Adebayo was born in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, in 1972. He hailed from Pontela Akinola Village, Ogbomoso, and was a son of Mrs. Adetoro Adebayo and Mr. Jacob Adebayo. He started his primary education at All Saints Primary School, Temidire-Dagbaja, Osun State, Nigeria, and St. Stephen’s Anglican Primary School, Ogbomoso.

He studied secondary education at Ogbomoso Grammar School and thereafter pursued his studies at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Lagos, Olabisi Onabanjo University through CTS, Ibadan. He furthered his studies at the Christian Theological Seminary in Ibadan, bringing together his passions in management, accounting, and theology.

Rev. Adebayo commenced his call to ministry in March 1992 and began philanthropic work in 1995. He serves as the senior pastor at True Worshippers Revival Global Ministry Incorporated, Ogbomoso, and the Executive Director of De Zoe GMP Schools, Abaa, Ltd. His ministry has functioned and gained recognition within all of Nigeria’s 31 states, Ghana, South Africa, Dubai, and Germany.

He has won diverse awards, including an Award of Excellence in Communion Service bestowed by Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, an Award of Outstanding Leadership conferred on him by the Christian Association of Nigeria, and an award from the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Gospel Musician Association of Nigeria, and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools.

He is a successful author with various bestselling books about issues of Christian life, warfare, and leadership in the church. Some of his most-read books are “Leading and Bleeding,” “Winning Spiritual Battles,” and “Demonology and Deliverance in the 21st Century Church.” He is well referred to in Christian circles and has books that guide believers on their desire to improve spiritually.

Rev. Adebayo is also known to hold high regard for youth empowerment. He has mentored thousands of youths through programs such as “Next Leaders” and “Youth for Impact,” focusing on leadership development, self-improvement, and civic responsibility.

He has integrated technology into ministry through programs such as “Digital Discipleship,” utilizing social media, podcasting, and live-streaming networks to extend his reach globally and place spiritual resources within the reach of far-flung communities.

Apart from his ministry, he is a business and private school consultant and a frequent guest on entrepreneurial and leadership talk shows. He has also served as a family chaplain to the late Adebayo Alao-Akala and does agribusiness and missionary work, both in Nigeria’s rural communities and internationally. His international activities include performances and speaking engagements in Ghana, South Africa, Dubai, Germany, and India.

Rev. Adebayo has a media presence with regular appearances on radio and television programs such as F’ADURA YIN MI on Parrot FM, BCOS Ajilete, Brave FM, and Honours Radio in Ibadan. His media activities have helped to spread his reach beyond Nigeria, although he is best known within the Nigerian Christian community for his leadership work and contributions. His diverse activities and international engagement are a testament to his wide ministry, leadership, and development approach.

2. Pastor Samuel Adebayo

Pastor Samuel Adebayo, aged 33, has emerged as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s religious landscape. Lagos-based, he ministers at the Redeemed Restoration Church, where he has established a massive fan base for his riveting sermons that attract young people. Adebayo is also a best-selling author, having published two books that address matters of faith, self-improvement, and public service. His books aim to inspire young Nigerians to pursue their dreams in life without losing their moral fences.

Apart from his ministerial duties, Adebayo is also engaged heavily in charity. He founded the Hope Initiative, a non-profit organization that is committed to providing education and vocational training to disadvantaged youths. The initiative has been able to touch the lives of hundreds of students through scholarships and mentorship. Adebayo is persuaded by the power of education to transform lives and often drives this home during his sermons.

Being from a sociological background, he combines intellectual knowledge with knowledge given by God, thereby making his teaching engaging and practical. Adebayo periodically conducts workshops and seminars dealing with social issues and invites the church to get involved in working to build their communities. His work is not limited to church only because he often collaborates with other non-profit organizations in combating issues like unemployment and poverty.

Through his work, Pastor Samuel Adebayo inspires a new generation of leaders in Nigeria, as he weaves together faith and actionable change.

3. Benjamin Justice Soghie

Benjamin Justice Soghie is a spiritual leader whose multifaceted contributions continue to transform communities in Nigeria. Through his mass-scale community development programs, he has made real transformations in the lives of the downtrodden, showcasing his earnest commitment to social justice, education, and healthcare.

His signature projects, Operation Feed the Poor and Operation Educate the Less Privileged, have provided food and education to thousands—over 10,000 poor households and 2,000 orphaned and disadvantaged children—addressing immediate needs while establishing long-term sustainability. They are the ultimate definition of sustainable community development, combining immediate relief with capacity development.

In 2023, Soghie launched the 36 Days of Impact campaign as part of his 36th birthday. The national campaign aims at empowering youth through skills acquisition, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, inspiring hundreds of young Nigerians to become self-sufficient and socially responsible. The fact that the campaign gained extensive media coverage is a testament to its impact and success.

As a successful businessman, he founded E.I.A Concept Limited and Apex Up Limited, companies dedicated to education, healthcare, and tech innovation. His companies have generated hundreds of jobs and facilitated the rise of small-scale businesses around the nation. His path-breaking Digital Learning Hubs initiative has contributed to more than 50 free e-learning and vocational training facilities and has greatly bridged the digital divide, especially rural, and provided a new generation of Nigerian youth with affordable quality education.

Soghie’s leadership is not only in the field of community service; he actively advocates for social justice, equality, and peace-building, mediating conflicts and standing up against injustice, earning respect from different communities. His nomination to the NBT Live Magazine 40 Under 40 in 2020 highlights his power and dedication to the development of society.

Furthermore, his Fellowships with the Chartered Institute of Administration and the Chartered Management Institute are a testimony to his professional acumen and commitment to the best practices of management and leadership. His holistic approach—entailing entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and advocacy—is an indication of his continued influence on good change in Nigeria and beyond.

4. Pastor Grace Okafor

Pastor Grace Okafor, aged 31, is a renowned pastor and author in Abuja known for her dynamic preaching and social justice. As the initiator of the Faith and Action Ministry, Okafor has created a community that focuses on empowerment, particularly for women and children. Her sermons are mostly about hope and resilience, basing them on her own experiences to connect with her congregation.

Okafor is also a bestselling author, and her latest book was about how spirituality and social responsibility intersect. She encourages individuals to become agents in their world and to advocate for good. Her passion for books extends into youth literacy projects, which she enthusiastically supports through her ministry.

In addition to her writing and ministry, Okafor is a dedicated philanthropist. She has established the EmpowerHer Foundation, which aims to empower women in business and provide assistance to those who have been victims of domestic abuse. The foundation conducts workshops, counseling sessions, and financial assistance to help women regain their independence.

With a degree in theology and a background in social work, Okafor’s approach is all-encompassing in nature, addressing both spiritual and material needs. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and community events, advocating for the rights of women and their empowerment. Pastor Grace Okafor’s impact does not stop within her church but extends to broader society as she seeks to encourage and empower through faith and practice.