The Church Needs a Reform—More So, the Clergy Needs a Greater Reform
Caption: Only the Power of the Holy Spirit Will Make the Difference
By Ven. David Nwanekpe
As we celebrate Pentecost—the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church—we are reminded of an eternal truth: transformation does not come from systems or structures alone, but by the renewing power of the Holy Spirit.
Today, more than ever, the Church must cry out for that same Spirit to reform, restore, and revive the Body of Christ—beginning with its shepherds.
A Disturbing Confirmation of Decline
Recently, I watched a viral video of a Nigerian pastor pulling a gun on a content creator. I was heartbroken—but not shocked.
In truth, it confirmed what many of us have sensed for too long: the Nigerian clergy—across denominations (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Pentecostal)—is in desperate need of reform.
The incident was not just disturbing. It was disgraceful. And it must be condemned—without sentiment, without excuse.
Pentecost Was Never for Show
We cannot talk about Pentecost without talking about holiness.
The same fire that descended on the apostles in Acts 2 was not for showmanship. It was not for brand building or ego inflation.
It was fire that:
- Burned away fear
- Melted pride
- Destroyed hypocrisy
- Empowered bold truth
- Fueled authentic witness
Today, however, many of our clergy are running on personality instead of power, and leaning on position instead of purpose.
When the Sacred Is Abused
The moral decline is hard to ignore.
Too many clergymen disregard even basic civic responsibility:
- Driving without renewed vehicle papers
- Carrying no valid licenses
- Showing no regard for traffic laws
- Demanding privilege instead of modeling humility
They use their cassocks as a badge of entitlement, cutting queues, expecting preferential treatment, and excusing misconduct behind sacred garments.
“If the salt loses its savor, how shall it be seasoned?”
This behavior is wrong. It is unchristlike. And it must be condemned—not by critics outside the Church, but by those of us within it.
Let the Reform Begin With Us
If we must talk about reform in the Church—especially in the Anglican Communion—it must begin with the clergy.
We cannot demand repentance from the pews while compromise reigns in the pulpit.
We must not merely preach the gospel—we must embody it.
Discipline.
Humility.
Obedience to God and civic order.
These are not optional for ministers of the gospel. They are essential.
I Speak as One Among You
I do not speak from a throne of superiority, but from a place of shared responsibility.
I, too, wear the collar. I know the pressure, the weight, the expectation—and the loneliness that ministry can bring.
But none of these excuse us. None of these permit abuse of the sacred office.
“Judgment must begin in the house of God.”
And reform must begin with its leaders.
A Call for Holy Fire, Not Hollow Fame
Let this Pentecost be a turning point.
Let the fire that fell in Acts 2 fall again—not to excite us, but to purify us.
Let it burn off:
- Arrogance
- Entitlement
- The false images of ministry we’ve built
Before another ordination, another synod, another crusade—let each of us ask:
- Am I truly living what I preach?
- Am I a priest that heaven can trust?
- Am I a pastor God can endorse?
What the Church Really Needs
The world is not in need of louder preachers.
It is in need of holier pastors.
The Church is not short of vestments.
It is short of virtue.
We don’t need more cassocks.
We need more character.
We don’t need more appointments.
We need more anointing.
Only the Spirit Can Make the Difference
No bishop, no council, no committee can reform the Church unless the clergy themselves are reformed by the Holy Spirit.
And so on this Pentecost Sunday, I urge every minister, every priest, every servant of God:
Fall on your knees—
Not to receive more power to preach louder,
But to receive more grace to live better.
🔥 Let the Reform Begin
Let the reform begin.
Let it begin with us.
Come, Holy Spirit, purify Your Church again.
Amen.
