Apostle Joshua Selman Urges Church Leaders to Restore Honour and Unity in the Body of Christ
Renowned preacher and founder of Eternity Network International (ENI), Apostle Joshua Selman, has issued a heartfelt appeal to pastors and ministry leaders, urging them to restore honour, humility, and unity within the body of Christ. His message, delivered during the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), resonated deeply across the Christian community.
A Call for Renewal
The event, held in Lagos, gathered leading voices from various denominations—pastors, bishops, evangelists, and believers united in gratitude for four decades of the PFN’s influence on Nigeria’s spiritual landscape. Taking the podium before a packed audience, Apostle Selman spoke with quiet intensity about what he described as the fading culture of honour among ministers of the gospel.
“There was a time,” he said, “when the Church was a family bound by love and respect. Today, competition and criticism have replaced that bond, and we wonder why the grace that once defined us seems to have withdrawn.”
His words were followed by a moment of silence in the hall—a pause that captured the weight of his concern.
Confronting a Culture of Division
Apostle Selman’s message touched on a reality many believers have quietly observed: the growing rivalry, public conflicts, and lack of cooperation among ministries. He explained that when honour is lost, spiritual power and unity are weakened.
“When honour disappears, grace also withdraws,” he said. “The body of Christ cannot thrive when ministers tear one another down or when pride becomes the platform from which we preach.”
He urged pastors to see one another not as competitors but as partners in advancing God’s kingdom, adding that the strength of the Church depends on its ability to function as one body with many parts.
The PFN’s Milestone Moment
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, founded in 1985, has played a vital role in uniting the nation’s diverse Pentecostal movements. Its 40th anniversary celebration wasn’t just a commemoration of the past—it became a mirror reflecting how far the Church has come and how much more work remains.
Throughout the evening, tributes poured in from across generations, honouring pioneers like Archbishop Margaret Idahosa, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, and others whose ministries shaped the nation’s spiritual identity. In that setting, Apostle Selman’s address served as both a warning and a rallying cry: a call to protect the legacy built by these fathers of faith through humility and brotherly love.
Reactions from Ministers and Believers
Many attendees and online viewers praised the message for its honesty and prophetic tone. Pastor Chuka Nwokolo, who was present at the event, said, “Apostle Selman voiced what many of us have felt but couldn’t say publicly. The Church needs healing, and it starts with honour.”
On social media, the sermon sparked discussions under hashtags like #PFN40 and #UnityInTheBody, with believers sharing reflections on forgiveness, collaboration, and the need for generational mentorship within the Church.
Beyond Denominations: A Shared Responsibility
Apostle Selman’s emphasis on humility and honour echoes a recurring theme in his ministry. Through ENI and the weekly Koinonia meetings in Abuja, he has consistently taught that true revival begins with brokenness and love among believers.
He reminded ministers that the goal of every calling is to glorify Christ, not to build personal empires or social influence. “Titles and platforms mean nothing if love is missing,” he said. “The world will not be drawn to a divided Church.”
His message aligns with global Christian concerns about unity. Across denominations—from Catholic to Pentecostal—leaders have been re-examining how rivalry and public criticism erode the Church’s credibility in an age when unbelievers watch its every move online.
A Timeless Message for a Fractured Generation
Beyond the immediate event, Selman’s appeal carries relevance for believers everywhere. In an era defined by social media debates, celebrity culture, and doctrinal camps, honour often feels like a lost virtue. His reminder that grace follows honour challenges today’s ministers to choose collaboration over competition and character over charisma.
As one attendee summarized, “It wasn’t just a sermon; it was a father’s heart crying for the Church to return to love.”
Looking Forward
The PFN’s anniversary closed with prayers for the next generation of leaders—to walk in humility, integrity, and unity. Apostle Selman’s words added spiritual weight to that prayer, urging ministers to bridge denominational gaps and model the humility that characterized Jesus Himself.
As Nigeria’s Christian landscape continues to expand, the need for cooperation between ministries, churches, and believers has never been greater. Unity, he reminded the congregation, is not a luxury but a commandment.
Conclusion
Apostle Joshua Selman’s call for honour and unity is more than a message for ministers; it’s a mirror for every believer. The Church’s strength lies not in its size or fame, but in its ability to love, forgive, and work together.
As the PFN celebrates four decades of faith, Selman’s voice stands as a timely reminder that the revival Nigeria prays for will begin—not with louder sermons—but with humble hearts.
