Most Christians in Nigeria, unarguably for the first time would have the gates of their churches shut as directed by the government which is part of measures to curtail the spread of Coronavirus.
In compliance with the directive, churches have made concluding arrangements on how only 50 members can worship together in a service. Many have asked that members stay at home and log online or tune to the church’s television stations to watch the broadcast of the General Overseers or Presiding Priests.
Pastor Tony Rapu, Presiding Pastor of Freedom House expressions including This Present House, The Potter’s House of Lagos and other expressions reminded members that church is not just the building that the biblical meaning of church is ecclesia which means ‘called out people.’
“This Sunday, I will be conducting an online service that will be aired on all our social media platforms across all House of Freedom Expressions. Please do stay connected for more information regarding our streaming times. We are committed to your spiritual and physical health, your safety and wellbeing,” Rapu stated in a mail sent to members.
Meanwhile The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) issued new guidelines for Sunday worship in Lagos and Ogun, urging all ministers to comply with the directives from the government.
RCCG, in a memo dated March 18, 2020 and signed by the Assistant General Over-seer on Administration and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola, said churches with adequate facilities can run more than one service limited to only 50 worshippers.
In a memo titled, ‘Slight alteration in the mode of service for parishes in Lagos and Ogun states’, Pastor Odesola said the arrangement would be in for the next two weeks but assured members of continuous prayer from the General Overseer of the church, Pastor E.A. Adeboye.
“We encourage you all not to panic in the face of the ongoing crisis because God promises us victory over every battle at the start of this year,” he said.
Similarly, the Assistant General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry (MFM), issued a statement to the effect that the General Overseer of the church, Dr. D. K. Olukoya, had also announced a halt in church gathering.
Pastor Gbesan’s memo sent to church leaders stating, “Please, he instructed that all gatherings in the church be halted/stopped now till further notice… meaning, no more rehearsals, programmes, church services (Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday services) till further notice.”
