Reports have emerged indicating that several church leaders in Kenya have suspended members of their congregations. The disciplinary actions follow the attendance of these congregants at the recently concluded Rhema Fest event held at Uhuru Park in Nairobi.
Media personality and preacher Dr Ofweneke addressed the situation publicly after receiving multiple reports and direct messages regarding the suspensions. He described the actions taken by the church leadership as an overreaction.
“Are we serious that there are actually some pastors and church leaders who have suspended their part of their congregation for attending Rhema Fest?” Ofweneke asked.
The Question of Unity
Dr Ofweneke highlighted what he described as a persistent division within the Christian community. In his remarks, he contrasted this internal division with the cohesion observed in other religious groups.
He noted that Islamic communities often demonstrate greater solidarity when addressing shared matters. He urged Christian leaders to focus on the overarching unity of the church rather than denominational boundaries.
“There’s a reason why the children of Ishmael at times will beat us when it comes to matters unity. Muslims can enter any mosque any time anywhere. But we Christians when you see someone has moved from one church to another, it becomes an issue, really?”
He emphasised that Christian doctrine teaches love and unity across the entire spiritual body. He criticized leaders who isolate their members over event attendance.
“It is not the leg of Christ. It’s not the chest of Christ. It is not the kidney of Christ. It’s the body of Christ.”
Evolving Expectations of Congregations
Addressing local clergy directly, Dr Ofweneke stated that church leaders must devote more time to prayer and scriptural study to meet the needs of modern worshippers. He noted that contemporary congregations require substantive spiritual teaching rather than financial promises.
According to Dr Ofweneke, messages focusing primarily on financial multiplication no longer resonate with an increasingly educated generation. He cited typical prosperity promises, such as turning one dollar into one thousand dollars or miraculous account deposits, as examples of unhelpful preaching.
“If you don’t spend enough time with God and in prayer and in the word of God, you will not get enough revelation for this generation.”
Foreign Speakers and Local Leadership
The Rhema Fest event featured international ministers alongside local clergy. Speakers at the event included international figures such as Apostle Joshua Selman and Pastor Joshua Oropo, as well as local leaders Pastor T, Pastor George Masharia, and Lady Bishop Kathy Kiuna.
Dr Ofweneke responded to criticisms regarding the prominent role of foreign preachers at the festival. He argued that visiting ministers draw large crowds because some local pastors lack spiritual depth and focus excessively on financial topics.
“Some of you are jealous because the likes of Oropo and Selman were more received than you are received in your own land. Because you carry no depth. That’s why you keep on preaching about money 24/7.”
He concluded by calling on Kenyan pastors to return to foundational spiritual ministry rather than complaining about the popularity of international evangelists.
