Church Is A Business - Olalekan Olaleke

News making rounds on social media about a pastor arrested in Bayelsa for allegedly hiring cultists to kill a rival pastor over church membership has sparked intense reactions online. While many expressed shock and sadness, one comment went as far as condemning Christianity entirely, saying “Now everybody can now see that church na business center.”

This sweeping conclusion is deeply flawed. Criminal acts by individuals, regardless of their titles, should be addressed as personal crimes—not used to indict an entire faith followed by millions of sincere believers. Yes, such allegations are disturbing and must be thoroughly investigated, but reducing the church to a “business center” ignores the genuine spiritual, social, and humanitarian roles many churches play. Accountability is necessary, but blanket condemnation only fuels misinformation and prejudice.