Pastor Komaiya Clarifies Controversial Remarks, Stresses Love Over Material Wealth
The Presiding Pastor of Master's Place International Church, Pastor Korede Komaiya, has issued a clarification regarding his recent controversial statements, asserting that love, care, and responsibility are the true forces that attract people to leadership and ministry, rather than material wealth. This clarification comes in response to growing public criticism over his earlier remark that he would "never follow a poor pastor," which sparked debates on social media and beyond.
Video Message Addresses Public Backlash
In a video message titled "This Is the Foundation: To Raise Leaders, Love People," Pastor Komaiya sought to contextualize his previous comments, which were made during a sermon addressing leadership, accountability, and the standards expected of church leaders. The video was released amid divided opinions, with some critics accusing him of promoting materialism, while supporters argued that his words were taken out of context.
Komaiya emphasized that his philosophy of leadership is deeply rooted in love, inclusion, and welfare, particularly for those serving in his ministry. He highlighted long-standing practices within his church where staff members are publicly recognized for their years of service and rewarded with tangible benefits, including properties.
Comprehensive Welfare Packages for Church Staff
The pastor disclosed that all staff members of Master's Place International Church enjoy extensive welfare packages designed to ensure their well-being and sense of belonging. These benefits include:
- Full scholarships for their children's education.
- Complete healthcare coverage for any health crises.
- Free accommodation without any deductions from salaries.
- Regular vehicle replacement every four years.
- Opportunities for international travel as they rise in leadership.
Komaiya explained, "In our ministry, I don't believe in employee and employer; I only want stakeholders in our ministry. The concept of employer–employee does not apply in our own ministry." He added that these measures reflect the ministry's commitment to a people-centered and sacrificial approach to leadership.
Reiterating the Power of Love in Leadership
Further elaborating on his stance, Pastor Komaiya shared examples of the church's generosity, such as paying salaries, a 13th-month salary, and a 50 percent bonus last December. He reiterated, "It is important for you to know that nothing attracts people like loving them," underscoring that his earlier remarks were intended to highlight the importance of providing for those in ministry, not to endorse materialism.
This clarification aims to shift the focus from wealth to the foundational values of love and responsibility in attracting and retaining people in leadership roles within the church.
