As conduits of communication, the media have become the primary source of religious ideas in particular. The media have taken over many of the social functions of the institutionalized religion providing both moral and spiritual guidance and sense of community.
In retrospect, the Cherubim & Seraphim church, just like other Christian denominations, had explored the media in communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching of the word of God and other forms of evangelism. Though, at some point, the church grappled with quantum of negative narratives being meted out to it. Narratives being put up by those who barely understand what the C&S church represents; and that which they do just by a mere figment of their imagination. This was also fuelled by those who were not in tune with the reality of the establishment of the church, without exception to some elements who operate under the guise of being members of C&S but exude that which outrightly contradicts her tenets.
Suffice it to say that the narratives started changing over the course of time; a period that passes for an evolution saw Seraphs, with a better understanding of their true identity, took their rightful place in the kingdom business. Also understanding too well that they need not to go all out to start telling naysayers about their identity, they resorted to speaking through their Christ-like virtues.
Meanwhile, one person who feels the responsibility to push the cause to a mark rests on his shoulder is the supreme Head of the church, His Most Eminence Prophet (Dr) Solomon Adegboyega Alao (JPil) otherwise known as Baba Olori. Unarguably, his predecessors, while alive, played pivotal roles to ensuring that the church is well positioned and represented in the comity of Christian denominations. Baba Alao however saw the need, just like any other successor would do, to consolidate on the efforts of his predecessors. As prepared as he indeed appeared to making all the difference, Baba Olori chose the path of prioritizing the image of the church the moment he took the mantle of leadership in 2016. Of course, beyond the pulpit, he saw the media as a tool to advancing the cause of seraphs by setting the record straight as to what the church truly represents.
As one would think it was a one-off decision at the inception of his installation, the supreme head has remained unwavering as he holds the cause dear to his chest. He also professes this at any given time opportunity presents itself for him to make his intention known.
It can be said, without mincing words, that since he assumed the apex position of the church, positive news mention pertaining to the church has taken a new dimension. These are news mentions that feature on national dailies, TV stations, radio and other existing media platforms with wide range of coverage. It is also Baba’s stock in trade to ensure that major programmes of the church enjoy generous media coverage. He does not hide the fact that the significance of media in spreading the gospel of Christ as effected by the church stands incontestable.
Taking the cause further and this time to the seat of power, the clergyman earlier this year paid a historic visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja, where he made submissions bordering on the state of the nation and the expectations of Nigerians from the current administration. Meanwhile, Baba Alao did not hesitate to leave a good and lasting impression about members of the fold behind, as he categorically stated that Seraphs are good ambassadors who are eminently qualified in whatsoever area the president needed their input to help drive the vision of his administration. Apparently, Baba Alao may have thought of no better avenue to speak of seraphs in good light and get it registered in the national psyche.
To further prove that appropriating the narratives is not only through the media but also by a good reputation, Baba Olori, while addressing a press briefing that preceded the 2019 Annual General Conference, disclosed that his visit to the villa was not laced with any monetary benefits as he was there to speak the truth to power.
Much as Baba loves to interact with the media, he explores such opportunity to the fullest as he leaves no stone unturned to correct every negative reports being bandied around the public space about the church. For a people who, overtime, had a fair share of wrong public perception, as occasioned by some bad eggs within them, it should naturally gladden the heart, when tidings come that the image of the church now enjoys public perception; courtesy of a media conscious leader.
Needless to also say that Baba Olori’s penchant for media is paying off. Quite expectedly, it has significantly trickled down to the point where it now turns out contagious, as Seraph youths with prospects in the media terrain easily tap into it. The existing seraph media platforms in the fold are testaments to this.
Meanwhile, the providential design that also brought seraphs of like minds, as it pertains to media, into the same saddle with the supreme head, perhaps, lends credence to what passes for a divine mission attached to his calling to lead the fold at a time like this. Leading the pack is the Chief PRO of the church, Superintendent Apostle Muyiwa Adeyemi (JP) who believes Baba Olori is a God-sent to champion a New Era that will take the church to the higher level, as he diligently key into his vision in properly managing the image of the church.
Elder Adeyemi in an interview with ActsOfSeraphs earlier in the year made an exhaustive submission on the need for the church to tell her own story as nobody was willing to tell it on her behalf. As a renowned and award winning journalist with the Guardian newspapers, he was not unmindful of the fact that good public perception is sine qua non of proper media engagements which in turn oils the wheel of the church’s evangelism goals. Suffice it to also note that the office of the PRO of the church has indeed flourished under his watch.
One major event that has also come to validate the aforesaid points is the Seraph Media Summit which held in July. It is the first of its kind in the history of the C&S church. It however requires no discernment to know how the project saw the light of day. The proposal would have been met with bureaucratic bottlenecks but for the receptiveness and immediate consent of a leader who is not only conscious of the image of the church but also understands the prospect of such historic event. Preparation preceding the summit also saw him monitor the progress consistently to ensure it turns out a success. To him, such project would no doubt enliven the conscious effort of seraph media personnel to align with his vision to projecting the church in good light.
With the dispositions of Baba Olori in exploring the media upon taking up the mantle as the supreme head, it is most expected that the C&S church would begin to see itself on the threshold of transformation. The result, thus far, and the gradual attainment are nevertheless conspicuous for all to see. As Baba Olori trudges on in this regard, one other plus the C&S church was sure had entered into her kitty was a new place of pride amongst other Christian denominations.
One of the core essence of leadership is pace setting. The supreme head has set the pace. He has equally set a standard for the next generation of seraphs build on. He can only crave at a time like this – support of seraphs across board to enhancing this cause while he pilots the affairs of the church.
Seraph Dayo Oyewo. A Journalist/Social Entrepreneur. He loves meeting new people. Favourite Hymn: Ji Okan mi dide layo
