What Rev Bolaji Idowu Taught the Church by Supporting Hilda Baci

There’s a short, quiet moment that says a lot: Rev Bolaji Idowu went to pray with Hilda Baci before her Jollof rice record attempt, held her hands, gave her a fatherly hug and a tap on the back and she cried. That simple act sparked a powerful truth, churches that celebrate and protect their own build stronger communities.

Let’s break down why that matters and how pastors, worshippers, and church leaders can put it into practice today.

A Simple Scene, A Big Lesson

When a pastor openly supports a spiritual daughter, it’s more than a photo op. It’s reassurance, permission, and protection wrapped in one. For Hilda Baci the moment was emotional; for the church, it’s an example: celebrate your people. Don’t let gossip or jealousy silence genuine encouragement.

What a Healthy Church Looks Like

Here are the traits every pastor should aim for:

• Not sin-obsessed but grace-grounded: Focus on growth, not just rules, correct when necessary, but create space for restoration.

• A family that celebrates its own: No envy, no backbiting, publicly honor effort and achievement.

• Thinking above your postcode: Raise a congregation with big dreams and better reasoning than local stereotypes.

• Loyalty to the shepherd: Teach respect and honor for spiritual leaders while holding them accountable with humility.

• Zero tolerance for gossip: Gossip destroys faster than any outside critic, kill it with truth and love.

• A safe haven for the wounded: People must feel safe to come in hurting and leave hopeful.

• Sinner friendly, not sin friendly: Welcome everyone, but don’t normalize harmful behavior.

• A practical family support system: Teach members to care for each other beyond Sunday praise: finances, counseling, mentorship.

Why Some Pastors Stay Silent

Many pastors avoid public displays of support because they fear accusation or misreading. That’s understandable, but silence can be costlier. Open, pastoral encouragement normalizes healthy mentor-mentee relationships and shields young people from gossip.

Practical Steps for Pastors and Leaders

Want a church that acts like a family? Start here:

1. Model public encouragement: Celebrate wins from the pulpit, graduations, creative achievements, acts of service.

2. Teach boundaries: Explain what public pastoral affection looks like and why it’s appropriate.

3. Create mentorship programs: Pair mature members with younger people for accountability and support.

4. Run anti-gossip campaigns: Teach why gossip is toxic and give practical ways to stop it.

5. Offer accessible counseling: Become the safe first stop for wounded people.

6. Celebrate diversity in ministry: Lift up artists, cooks, entrepreneurs, everybody who serves the mission.

Hugs and tears are human language. For Hilda Baci, the hug before a high-pressure public attempt said “I believe in you.” In many churches, public belief is scarce. When leaders show they believe, people perform better, heal faster, and stick around longer. If it were your pastor celebrating someone you don’t like, maybe you’d be suspicious. That’s normal. But ask: is the pastor acting in love, humility, and accountability? If yes, give grace. If no, address it respectfully. Healthy communities practice both grace and truth.

What do you think? Has a pastor ever encouraged you in public? Drop your story in the comments and let’s learn from one another.