In the sacred halls of worship, where faith should be a refuge for the weary and a beacon of divine truth, a sinister shadow often lurks—wolves in shepherd’s clothing, masquerading as men and women of God while preying on the vulnerable. The pulpit, meant to be a place of spiritual nourishment, has tragically become a theater of manipulation, where unscrupulous so-called pastors exploit their followers emotionally, financially, and even sexually—all under the guise of divine mandate. A case in hand is the one described in the attached short video clip in which a so-called woman of God resident in the United Kingdom snatched the husband of one of her congregants who came to her for counseling as the couple were having marital issues. She claimed that she was instructed by God to take over the woman’s husband and father of her kids.
Now Let’s Analyse The Many Faces of Pulpit Exploitation and Possible Ways To Avert The Menace.
1. Spiritual Manipulation and False Prophecies
One of the most insidious tools in the arsenal of fraudulent pastors is the claim of divine revelation. With the chilling declaration, “God told me…”, they exert control over their followers, bending them to their will. Whether it’s convincing a distressed woman to leave her husband, coercing congregants into “seed offerings” for miraculous breakthroughs, or declaring that disobedience to the pastor is rebellion against God, these charlatans weaponize faith to serve their selfish ends.
In the case mentioned—where a pastor hijacked a troubled woman’s husband under the pretense of divine instruction—the abuse of spiritual authority is glaring. Such acts not only destroy families but also erode public trust in genuine religious leadership.
2. Financial Exploitation Through Deceptive Giving
The prosperity gospel, though not inherently corrupt, has been twisted into a predatory scheme by some fake pastors. They demand exorbitant “sacrificial seeds,” promising hundredfold returns that never materialize. Testimonies are staged, and psychological pressure is applied—followers are told their financial struggles are due to insufficient faith or inadequate giving.
In Africa and other developing regions, where poverty and desperation run deep, this exploitation is particularly devastating. Widows are coerced into surrendering their meager pensions and sometimes lands and properties, students are pressured to donate school fees, and the sick are manipulated into paying for “healing prayers.” The pastor lives in opulence while the congregation languishes in lack—a direct contradiction of Christ’s teachings on servant leadership.
3. Sexual Exploitation Under the Guise of Anointing
Another grotesque dimension of pastoral fraud is sexual manipulation. Some rogue pastors demand “holy baths,” private “deliverance sessions,” or even claim that sleeping with them will transfer spiritual blessings. Vulnerable women, seeking solace or miracles, are often victims of such abuse, too afraid to speak out due to fear of spiritual repercussions or societal shame.
4. Fake Miracles and Staged Healings
To maintain their grip on followers, most fraudulent pastors stage elaborate miracles—fake healings, manufactured prophecies, and contrived exorcisms. Cameras are strategically angled, actors are planted in crowds, and desperate believers are exploited for spectacle. The Bible warns of “false prophets who perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). Yet, many fall prey, their hopes crushed when the promised miracles evaporate.
The Way Forward – Curbing the Menace of Fake Pastors
1. Government Regulation and Legal Consequences
In many Western nations, such as England (as referenced in the original example), there are laws against fraud, emotional manipulation, and coercion. These must be enforced even within religious circles. Africa and other developing nations need stricter regulations:
• Mandatory registration and financial transparency for religious organizations.
• Criminal prosecution for pastors who engage in fraud, sexual abuse, or psychological manipulation.
• Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the tricks of fraudulent clerics.
2. Church Accountability Structures
Genuine religious bodies must establish internal oversight committees to investigate misconduct. Denominational leadership should disown and expose fake pastors rather than protect them for the sake of unity or reputation.
3. Media and Whistleblower Protection
Investigative journalism has a crucial role in exposing religious scams. Media outlets should fearlessly report exploitative pastors while protecting whistleblowers from retaliation. Social media can also help victims share their stories, reducing the stigma attached to speaking out.
4. Empowering the Congregation with Biblical Literacy
Many fall victim because they lack sound doctrinal knowledge. Teaching believers to “test every spirit” (1 John 4:1) and recognize false teachings can immunize them against manipulation.
Reclaiming the Sanctity of Faith
The pulpit was never meant to be a throne for tyrants or a marketplace for swindlers. True men and women of God serve in humility, not domination; in truth, and not deception. Society must rise—governments, religious bodies, and individuals alike—to dismantle these systems of exploitation. Only then can faith be restored to its rightful place: a sanctuary of hope, not a den of thieves. Enough is enough!
NzeIkayMedia ✍️
Disclaimer:
The designations employed in this publication and the presentation of materials herein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever of the Publisher (Nze Ikay Media) or its employees concerning the legal status of any country, its authority, area or territory or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers. Equally, the sketches, images, pictures and videos are gotten from the public domain.
