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Rev. Lawrence Kehinde Olaniyi is the Senior Pastor, The Vindicated Christian Ministries (VCM), is an economist and a bank executive, who later embraced full-time ministry. In this interview with EJIKEME OMENAZU, he discusses his journey in minister so far, even as he airs his views on several issues of national importance. Excerpt:

 Could you briefly introduce yourself? 

My name is Reverend Lawrence Kehinde Olaniyi. I am the Senior Pastor of The Vindicated Christian Ministries (VCM) here in Lagos, with our permanent site at Aro Lambo via Oke-Aro, Ogun State. 

How were you were called into ministry? 

My calling into the Ministry was divine. I gave my life to Jesus Christ on November 19, November, 1981, and I have always had a passion for soul-winning. In 1984, I had an encounter about working as a Pastor, but I told God that I wanted to have something doing to earn a living and sustain myself while also being a blessing to other ministers of God. I am a graduate of Economics from the then University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife). I was a member of the Deeper Life Campus Fellowship before I joined CAC Bethel Assembly under the leadership of Professor A.M.A. Imevbore as a chorister in 1983. I became an executive member of the UNIFE Joint Christian Mission as the Publicity Secretary, representing CAC Students Association, while our President then was Brother Tony Akinyemi (now Reverend Tony Akinyemi). By divine arrangement, I found myself serving at the World Soul Winning Evangelistic Ministries (WOSEM) under the directorship of the late Prophet (Dr) T.O. Obadare between 1986 and 1990, where I got married. I later proceeded to study Banking and Finance professionally and became a Treasury Manager in a finance company on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos. God encountered me again, and I resigned from the office. I agreed to do the work of God, but not without engaging in business. My wife and I went into trading, soap making, frozen, pig farming, transport business, and then I began writing books for Evangelism. My first book titled ‘Marriage Diet: Holy Ghost Dimension’, written in 1997 and published in early 1998, gained popularity. My marriage counselling ministry became a blessing to many families. We had started a Couples’ Fellowship in our CAC local church in 1992, a Home Clinic in 1995, and my teachings became the basis for that book. After several invitations to speak at conferences and seminars, I was led by the Spirit of God to have a base where I could teach and train Christian youths and families. During a personal retreat at my father-in-law’s prayer mountain at Oke Ata, Abeokuta, I heard an audible voice saying, “Gather people, teach them my undiluted word and prepare them for my Kingdom.” That was on September 3, 1998. I returned to Lagos and gathered 18 people in my sitting room on September 4, 1998. On November 11 that same year, I received the revelation and name ‘The Vindicated Christian Ministries’. The ministry was officially inaugurated on Saturday, November 11, 1998, to the glory of God, 27 years ago, and was later incorporated. 

How would you describe the vision of your church? 

The vision of the Church is soul-winning, family health and growth, and youth development, teaching people about the right path to the heaven of blessedness with Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 

Do you think the nation will be better off if men of God join politics? 

Men of God joining politics does not guarantee a better country. Divine assignment and politics do not go together. However, Christians generally can join politics, if they have the capacity to influence our nation positively. The issue of conscience and moral standing, however, must not be compromised. 

How would you assess the Renewed Hope programme of the present administration? 

The Renewed Hope programme of the present government of Nigeria is a good mantra in a positive direction. However, I would love to see a government that is prudent with fiscal policy and desists from deficit budgeting so that the nation can execute her fiscal policieswithin her means. 

What do you think is responsible for the lack of unity in the Body of Christ in Nigeria? 

Denominationalism. The issue of different doctrines and practices has so much set us apart that we cannot speak with one voice as Christians. 

What is your view on the recent retirement of the Chief of Defence Staff Service (CDS) and some Service Chiefs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu? 

I knew the President one-on-one when I was in the finance industry in 1992/93, at his mortgage bank at Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Major General Jalo was a Director there, while Elder Adeosun of Christ Apostolic Church was the Managing Director. I was in his office when he announced that Chief Moshood Abiola’s 1993 election had been annulled. From the onset, I knew that a mediocre person cannot work with President Bola Tinubu; he does not condone mediocrity. He loves to work with the best hands. I respect his sense of judgement, and hopefully, this decision will boost the effectiveness of the security architecture in Nigeria, God willing. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently said he would sign the Bill on State Police if it is passed the National Assembly. Do you think that establishing State Police will impact the security architecture of the country? 

My brother, let us leave the issue of setting up State Police in Nigeria in the hands of security experts. They should know what is best for the country. 

How do you see the spate of defections from other political parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC)? Do you think Nigeria is moving towards a one-party state? 

Defection or no defection, I don’t think a leopard can change its colour. But, if we continue praying, one day God will use them to do the right thing. What should concern us is the positive change we all desire for our nation. The Bible says, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” (Proverbs 29:2). I believe our president has good intentions with courage, determination, and capacity. If those gravitating towards him can form a good team with him, it will yield good fruit in the long run. 

How do you see the coalition of parties formed to stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027? 

The job of political analysts is to explain the outcomes of their research because they are in the field. However, one thing I know from the Bible is that whoever is in authority is not there without God’s knowledge. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1). 

What biblical principles do you think can guide our leaders in making decisions that impact the nation? 

The only biblical principle that I know can guide our political leaders is Proverbs 9:10 — “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” 

How can we, as citizens, pray effectively for our nation and its leaders? 

Unity is important. “Can two walk together, except they agree?” (Amos 3:3). If we are united and pray with pure hearts, God will answer. 

The moral values of society are worsening on daily basis, with youths engaging in money rituals and cybercrimes. What role can the church play in changing this narrative? 

The heart of the King is in the hand of God. As the Church plays its role, parents and the government must also stand up to the task. We are not relenting as a church; we organise youth summits regularly, teach them the truth of the gospel, and by God’s grace, we are seeing results. We also engage our youths in serious prayer with the understanding that they do it with pure hearts. If all denominations can engage them from adolescence, it will be better. Let them be disciplined as teenagers, and it will be difficult for anyone to pollute them. The Bible says: “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22). 

How can believers influence policymakers on issues that matter to them? 

One of the secrets people do not know is that God gives the nations of the world into the hands of believers. We are supposed to take charge from the spirit realm. Remember Daniel, Elijah, Elisha, Samuel, and others in the Bible — they all influenced people in authority. In Nigeria, when elections are approaching, many politicians know the road to the church for prayers and counselling, but immediately they pay their dues to their spiritual fathers, they turn their backs. This is because we have lost the strength of Zion to money, greed, and avarice. Until we change from spiritual contractors to genuine believers with integrity, it will be difficult for us to influence political leaders positively in this present dispensation. 

How can the church address pressing national issues like corruption, violence, or social injustice? 

If we keep quiet, corruption, violence, and criminal activities will continue. But, if we can speak the truth, walk in the truth, and stand firm, there will be great impact. Unfortunately, many believers and spiritual leaders have lost the boldness of God’s servants. Many desire fame, popularity, and societal relevance at all costs, thereby trading away their God-given authority. If we return to God in total repentance, we will regain our position. 

Who are your mentors or role models? 

Jesus Christ is my mentor and role model. I am who God has called me to be, and I cannot be another person. I have many spiritual leaders around the world whose lifestyles I admire, but experience has shown me that Jesus alone should be our greatest example. Those who trained me and continue to influence my spiritual growth cannot be overlooked, and I deeply acknowledge their impact. 

What is your guiding principle? 

Thank you very much for this question. My guiding principle is found in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”