It was a time of New Beginnings in 2003 and Behold His Holiness this year as Jesus House Chicago, (JHC) a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), prepares to host the second annual Preparing A People conference at 4332 North Kedzie, Chicago between November 7-21.
In an interview with The Chicago Inquirer staff writer, Tyler Ayodeji, Pastor Bayo Adewole shares the vision behind the annual conference and why the community needs it.
Excerpts:
Inquirer: What is PAP and why is it needed at this point in time?
Pastor Adewole: PAP is a wake-up call to the church. God is calling on the church to awake from their slumber and be a shining light to the community. He is calling on all those playing church all this year to return to him for good.
Inquirer: What is playing church?
Pastor Adewole: Many people including believers are good at quoting scriptures and telling people what they are doing wrong but they themselves are far from worshipping God and seeing what is wrong with their lifestyles. God is calling us back to the basics-dedication, truth, righteousness and integrity.
That is why we have n array of speakers for this year’s conference. Dr. Okey Onuzor is synonymous with righteousness. Pastor Robb Thompson symbolizes excellence. Our God is the God of excellence and perfection. Holiness is about God’s excellence. Holiness and obedience is equal to integrity.
Inquirer: Besides JHC, there are other Redeemed branches in Naperville, LaGrange, Calumet City, Urbana, Champaign and one in far away Mesa, Arizona headed by former choir master, Ibukun Olotu. Why the proliferation?
Pastor Adewole: Statistics and Bible scholars have concluded that planting of churches to where people live is the fastest way to getting people converted and attend church. When we started Jesus House Chicago, people traveled all over the states and suburbs to attend services. We are now bringing the church closer to them to make it closer to them and reach those still hesitating because of the distance.
As you can see it has nothing to do with proliferation. We thank God that those attending our church are excelling in their professions and vocations in line with the promises of God in their lives. If you are willing and obedient, you will reap the fruit of the land.
Inquirer: There are insinuations that drug dealers and those involved in narcotics are attending services at JHC?
Pastor Adewole: The church is a general hospital where everybody goes to for the transformation of their lives. The testimonies we get here about people who were once blind or engaged in fornication but are now seeing and have their lives transformed are numerous. All kinds of people go to church.
That is the more reason a murderer like Apostle Paul in the Bible became the writer of most of the books in the New Testament. However, there are no known drug pushers in Jesus House Chicago. The devil cannot be happy with what is going on in the house of God. We are not deterred with what the people say but when they come close to the church they will appreciate what God is doing in the lives of the people.
Inquirer: The maiden edition talks about the time of new beginnings. What are you attempting to achieve this year?
Pastor Adewole: PAP is about status change. Be it on immigration, job or anything that would move you to the next level. It is a time of transformation and movement to the next level.
That is why we encourage members to invite their friends and other people to the dinner night scheduled for Westin hotel O’Hare.
There will be gospel music by Kenoly Brothers, Gbenga Owoeye-Wise, Agboola Shadare and the tribe of Levi.
