Aderemi Dabiri, the head pastor of a local branch of the Celestial Church of Christ in Lagos State, has addressed the controversy surrounding his decision to invite Fuji music star Alabi Pasuma and popular street-hop artist Portable to the church’s upcoming Praise Night event.
In a video where he was seen speaking to a task force delegation from the church that had come to his parish to meet with him, Dabiri explained that his primary motivation for inviting the secular musicians was to attract individuals who do not typically attend church events.
He believes that their presence could potentially draw in new members and expose them to the message of the church.
“We have been inviting guest artists for years without any problems. We can’t just go to places where people are selling alcohol and expect them to accept Jesus Christ,” he said, defending the unconventional choice.
“If I don’t use wisdom, they might even hit me over the head.”
The pastor further defended his decision by highlighting the respect he received from Pasuma when he initially contacted him.
“Some of the gospel singers themselves are rude and disrespectful,” Dabiri said. “But when I called Pasuma, he spoke with respect and agreed with my approach.”
However, the church’s decision has not been met without criticism. Many members within the Celestial Church of Christ community have expressed disapproval, arguing that the lifestyles and music of the invited artists contradict the church’s values.
