The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) founder Prophet TB Joshua’s death has triggered tears and tributes.
He was one of the most controversial and “enigmatic’’ Nigerian pastors of our time, especially with his preaching style and records of miracle performances.
The demise of the Prophet has left a new and challenging chapter in his church. Joshua’s ministry was anchored on miracles, deliverance, selling of anointing oil, among others.
He died on Saturday after speaking in a meeting on his television channel, Emmanuel TV. His death was announced on his official Facebook page, which said his last words were “Watch and pray.”
His ministry transcended the boundary of Nigeria. People far and near thronged the Synagogue despite several criticisms from hostile Christian clerics and the rest.
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Many African presidents, senior government officials, international football players, musicians and other high-profile guests have worshipped in his church have found solace in Synagogue.
The reason people came was that they believed they would get miracles and deliverance once they got to Joshua’s church. Indeed, many have testified to getting blessed and healed through Joshua’s ministry.
His Emmanuel TV is also anchored on broadcasting Joshua’s healing prowess, casting out demons, with strange ailments reportedly vanishing away. With the upsurge of miracles and many more on daily basis, the Synagogue raked in cool dollars, as Joshau’s fame soared abroad.
In 2011, Forbes said he was the third-wealthiest pastor in Nigeria, with a net worth of $10 million to $15 million.
What happened now that the prophet is gone? Does the Synagogue have a well built structural plan or succession plan? Who takes over since he has gone? Can that person fill the vacuum he left behind by dishing out arrays of miracles and deliverance to usher in the dollars? Will the scramble for properties by family member affect the ministry?
Is the ministry truly anchored in Jesus for another Joshua to emerge when a Moses has gone? Providing answers to these questions will determine if the ministry of Joshua will die out or outlive the founder. Almost 100 percent of worshippers at Synagogue are miracle seekers, but if the miracles dry out, the people are likely to seek alternatives. What if the dollars dry out, the fabric of the church will capitulate. The presidents, governors, tourists and expatriates and others will certainly withhold their dollars if they do not get value for their money.
In the next few months, the success or demise of Joshua’s church will certainly be unveiled.
