Camp Manager of Babalola Memorial International Miracle Camp, Ikeji-Arakeji, Pastor S.A. Adesoji
The Camp Manager of Babalola Memorial International Miracle Camp, Ikeji-Arakeji, Pastor S.A. Adesoji, has called on pastors and church leaders to uphold holiness, integrity, and faithfulness in their spiritual calling, warning against actions that could defile the priesthood and weaken their covenant with God.
He made this appeal while delivering the morning devotion at the Honorary Pastoral Ordination Training Programme of the Christ Apostolic Church, held in Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State.
Delivering a message titled “Do Not Defile the Priesthood and Its Covenant,” Pastor Adesoji emphasized that spiritual leadership is a sacred responsibility that must not be treated casually or used for personal gain.
Drawing lessons from the Scriptures, particularly the Book of Nehemiah 13:23–25 and the First Book of Samuel 2:27–36, Pastor S.A. Adesoji, who serves as the Registrar of the Christ Apostolic Church Pastoral Ordination Training Programme Committee, highlighted the importance of obedience and consecration among ministers.
He noted that Nehemiah demonstrated unwavering commitment to restoring God’s people to righteousness, stressing that ministers today must likewise remain faithful to God’s standards rather than pursuing personal interests.
Pastor Adesoji identified three categories of ministers within the church: those who seek honor because of their position, those motivated by material benefits, and those genuinely called to serve God. He encouraged ministers to reflect on their motives and align themselves with God’s purpose.
“Ministry is not about personal satisfaction or influence,” he said. “It is about obedience to God and living a life that reflects holiness and integrity.”
According to him, God expects ministers to live lives marked by brokenness, compassion, love, self-denial, and fruitfulness. He stressed that holiness remains central to effective leadership, adding that a minister’s private life is as important as their public ministry.
He also emphasized compassion for lost souls and total devotion to God, urging church leaders to prioritize spiritual growth and service over personal ambition.
Pastor Adesoji explained that pastoral garments carry spiritual significance. The black cassock, he said, represents the burden and responsibility of ministry, while the clerical collar symbolizes the holiness required to carry out God’s work faithfully.
The minister warned that several factors could defile spiritual leaders and render their ministry ineffective. These include compromise with worldly values, pride, immorality, unforgiveness, disobedience to God’s Word, and self-glorification.
He cautioned that pride often develops gradually and can lead ministers to rely on themselves rather than God, while compromise and disobedience weaken spiritual authority.
Pastor Adesoji urged ministers to continually examine themselves, remain committed to holiness, and rely on God’s grace. He encouraged them to align their lives with biblical principles and seek to honor God in all aspects of their ministry.
“The priesthood is a sacred covenant,” he said. “Every servant of God must protect it through faithful obedience, humility, and a life dedicated to God’s purpose."
The message serves as a reminder to church leaders of their responsibility to uphold spiritual standards and remain faithful to their divine calling.