Vineyard Christian Ministries Incorporated recently clocked 37 years. Founded in 1988, the church has grown from its humble beginning to having branches in different states in Nigeria and other African countries. To mark the 37th anniversary at its international headquarters on Osolo Way, Ajao Estate, Lagos, the church drew up a five-day activities with theme: “From Glory to Glory,” which culminated with a thanksgiving service to God for His faithfulness. In this interview with selected journalists, the founder and presiding Bishop, Archbishop John Osa-Oni, who was the former Vice President, South West Zone of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN)spoke on the anniversary, internal crisis in the church that almost claimed his life, his plan for successor, fathers of faith, among others. CHRIS IREKAMBA was there.
Thirty-seven years in God’s vineyard, how has it been with you?
THE church clocked 37 on April 3, 2025. We almost shut down in 2003, when we were 15 years because of the internal and external conspiracy against the church. That same crisis almost ceased my life and the ministry, but I thank God for His grace that saved us. In those days, I had money and fleet of cars, but when God opened my eyes we started developing the church to what it is today. Some big men of God moved with my subordinates to the extent that our congregation dropped from 3, 000 members to less than 120 people. Amid of that problem, President Bola Tinubu, who was the then governor of Lagos State gave me the C of O of land on which we built the church. It is for this reason that I can never stop thanking Tinubu. It is only a wicked man that forgets the good he received from others; for me, I can never forget what President Tinubu has done for me. Men are the covering of whatever you become in life; they are also the greatest assets or liability in life. However, this depends on how men have showed up in one’s life. For us it has been a fantastic period because during the crisis some men, including Pastors Wale Adefarasin and Paul Adefarasin stood behind me, while many of the people I had laboured for never bothered.
Had Archbishop Benson Idahosa being alive in 2003, I would not have gone through what I went through then because he would have stood for me, come rain, come sunshine. As a matter of fact, Pastor Paul Adefarasin paid the salary of my missionary staff for six months, spending about N500, 000 then. And any time I needed money I would run to Pastor Wale Adefarasin and he never hesitated to support and the God of miracle that I serve never hesitated to show up before the time I promised to payback. I do not joke with these two men. Some of my members —both young and old— also stood by me. Some of them went to the extent of selling their shares and brought the money for the building of the church. Unfortunately, majority of them have left the country, while a few are in different ministries abroad. But I thank God that He brought them to fulfill a purpose in my life and in Vineyard Christian Ministries.
We got a loan up to the tune of $75 million through a friend in the United States of America that became a challenge for us, but God is helping us to pay the loan and it will end soon. I was like a mad man when that internal crisis started; as a matter of fact, my blood pressure rose. I was almost gone, but who would one tell except God. Most times, we talk too much, but God wants us to worship him. These days, I do more of praising God, dancing, and worshipping God. Worship touches God’s heart, while praises move Him to act. I love to dance, worship and praise God. I am grateful to God for giving me sound health and peace of mind.
What is your relationship with those that created the crisis in your church; have you forgiven them?
It is sad that majority of them are no more. I do not know what happened? God fought for me to confirm his word, “touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm.” Even the big man who instigated the crisis, he and his family are not in good health. With God, I do not need any medication.
However, in my hometown, Usen, Edo State, we embark on free medical outreach. In this year’s medical outreach held from April 9 to 11, we carried out free surgery for people and we do not make noise about it. We also organise free medical outreach in this premises and we engage doctors and nurses on full time from Monday to Sunday; we pay them.
By January 1, 2026, I will be 54 years in the ministry, 70 years old and 40 years in marriage; tell me, is God not awesome? Some people thought it would be all over for me in 2003, but it rather became my steppingstone to a higher life.
At 37, how many branches have you?
We are close to 30, but we shut down some.
As you would be clocking 70 years next year; have you any succession plan?
I would have retired before 2023, but the young men I was trusting to hand over the mantle of leadership to left the church during the crisis. Since then, I have been trusting God for the past 22 years for another person. If I have somebody I am sure of, I will quit. I started preaching on February 13, 1972, meaning I have done 53 years, and I believe I have performed well. Leadership must go to someone with an apostolic drive, like what Pastor E.A. Adeboye is doing in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
You can see the branches of RCCG everywhere. I want someone who will turn the church around and not someone who will kill the vision.
What is your relationship with PFN?
I don’t want to talk about PFN. I am a word of faith charismatic believer.
Are you satisfied with the state of the churches in Nigerian, despite the divisions?
But it is not new. Even in Paul’s time, some said I am for Apollos, while some said I am for Paul. Despite the divisions, what matters most is the preaching of Christ.
What is your take on some young ministers talking down on fathers of faith and showing outward disregard to them?
Who are the fathers of faith? What made them fathers of faith? The fact that I am the Archbishop of Vineyard does not make me a father of other ministries. How can you refer someone who has not impacted your life in any way as a father? You don’t call someone “father” unless he has impacted your life. Many who call themselves fathers did not labour over anyone; they just want the title to show-off. The only man I can call father is Archbishop Benson Idahosa. Whenever you are in any crisis, he would be with you to make sure that your head is out of water. Where are the fathers? Who are the fathers? Though Archbishop Idahosa is late, there is no one like him. Archbishop Idahosa would not pitch his Church of God Mission in a city where he had sons. That is a man who has a large heart for the kingdom. His character and integrity are unparalleled. If I want to get land for my church, another church will knowingly come with more money and buy over the same property. Where are we going and is that Christ life?
Is it proper for music ministers in the church to be paid?
If that is their profession, they should be supported. I pay our instrumentalists over half a million monthly. Music ministers are part of the body too. They are important. The problem is that over the years, the church has neglected this set of people, which is the reason some of them have begun to demand for payment.
What is your message to Nigerians?
We need to be patient. We need to be consistent and keep trusting God for mercy. To make Nigeria great is a responsibility for all. It begins with you and me. I believe President Bola Tinubu will do well and I am praying as the Bible commands us to do for those in authority.
