A Nigerian apostle has shared a compelling testimony about the early days of his ministry, revealing that several people cautioned him against modeling his leadership after Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the founder of Christ Embassy.
The Unsettling Warnings Begin
Apostle Harrison Ayintete explained that the advice started when he was just about 23 years old and had recently begun full-time pastoral work. He recounted a specific encounter with an older businessman in Akure who urgently requested a meeting. The man claimed to have received a spiritual message warning the young apostle not to become like Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, sharing what Ayintete described as "really unnerving things."
At the time, feeling young and impressionable, the apostle was unsure how to process the warning. He chose neither to fully embrace it nor dismiss it, opting instead to continue focusing on his ministerial work. Over the following years, he stated that at least three other men approached him with the identical caution: "Do not be like Pastor Chris."
A Pattern of Bitterness Emerges
As he matured in his calling, Apostle Ayintete began to analyze the common thread among those who delivered the warnings. He observed a consistent pattern: each man had previously left their own churches, harboring significant bitterness and resentment towards established church leadership. They often cited a resistance to pastoral control as their reason for leaving.
In a post on the social media platform X, Ayintete articulated his conclusion. He believed these individuals, recognizing his own strong-willed and decisive nature, foresaw him developing a leadership style similar to Pastor Oyakhilome's renowned audacity and strength. Their warnings, he argued, were not godly counsel but attempts to manipulate him while he was still young and shapeable.
"Godly visions never come from bitter souls," he wrote emphatically, advising his followers to take note of this principle.
Respect and a Clear Distinction
Apostle Ayintete was careful to clarify his stance. He expressed deep respect for Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, stating that the Christ Embassy founder's boldness and leadership strength remain a constant source of inspiration for him. However, he firmly stated that he never saw himself as a replica nor aspired to become him.
He expressed satisfaction that he did not accept the counsel from those he viewed as "offended followers" and "church deserters." He emphasized that, in his view, sound leadership lessons cannot be derived from perspectives rooted in offense and disillusionment.
In his direct message to those who had warned him, assuming they might read his posts, he declared: "I AM NOT PASTOR CHRIS, I CAN NEVER BE PASTOR CHRIS BUT PASTOR CHRIS’ EXAMPLE OF LEADERSHIP STRENGTH REMAINS AN INSPIRATION TO ME ALWAYS!" He reaffirmed his decision to never take leadership advice from individuals who have abandoned their churches in bitterness, regardless of their age.
The apostle's testimony, shared on December 23, 2025, has sparked conversations online about mentorship, discernment in receiving advice, and the characteristics of effective church leadership in Nigeria.
