By Benjamin Babine
Christianity in Nigeria bears a great responsibility to emphasize hard work and enterprise among the saints—because Scripture is loud on this. Among the many reasons for the high rate of unemployment in our country, sadly, one notable contributor is what we now call “Full-Time Ministry” (FTM).
In many Nigerian churches today, the concept of FTM often looks like this: a young, able-bodied man chooses not to work for a living, claiming that God instructed him to go into ministry full time. While there are undoubtedly those who have genuinely received such instruction, we must also acknowledge a troubling trend—many pursue this path after hearing the testimony of a “big man of God” who did the same and became successful.
A simple examination of the early Church exposes the imbalance. When the apostles and leaders of the early Church entered into FTM, they were sustained by a large and growing church—at least 3,000 to 5,000 members. This meant that over 99% of believers were engaged in secular work, supporting the 1% who served in ministry full time.
Their sustenance wasn’t entirely miraculous. Much of it came through the giving of working believers. This mirrors the Old Testament Levite system—where one tribe ministered in the temple and was sustained by the tithes of the other eleven. This ratio made it sustainable.
Unfortunately, the current situation in many Protestant churches in Nigeria is far from sustainable. It has plunged many into hardship and led others to compromise. When a young believer displays passion for God, the immediate counsel should not be, “Take a leap of faith and quit your job.” Even amid their zeal, they need wise counsel—preferably from someone seasoned in ministry.
If we ignore this wisdom, we will continue producing ministers who are materialistic—or worse, false prophets. We must remember: all believers are ministers of reconciliation. But that does not mean everyone should abandon secular work.
A look back at Church history—from the early Church to the Catholic age—reveals that individuals could not casually opt out of work in the name of ministry. There was structure, order, and balance. The majority of believers had jobs, and only a few were sustained by them. This model enabled growth and sustainability. Even today, missionaries are supported by churches with working members.
To be fair, part of the issue stems from how easily anyone can start a church today within Protestant circles. While I believe this has been permitted by God (especially considering the corruption of the Catholic Church during the Dark Ages), the Church in God’s eyes is still one global body. If 99% of believers worked to support ministry 2,000 years ago, we cannot now have 30% or more claiming God told them to quit work. That will collapse the entire structure. How will missionaries be sustained? It’s not all miraculous supply. Oftentimes, that “miraculous supply” is simply God touching the hearts of working believers.
Anything that must grow and be sustainable needs sound structure. Sadly, the current structure of ministry in Nigeria is not. Ministers should be encouraged to keep working. If the Apostle Paul could be a tentmaker and still fulfill his ministry, so can we.
Lastly, if you are very, very, very sure that God told you not to work, that’s fine. But understand this: it doesn’t mean you’ll become wealthy. Many made drastic decisions after hearing the testimonies of rich ministers who left their jobs. Some now live with deep regret. What they didn’t know is that there are others who also obeyed God’s call to forgo work and are not wealthy—and that’s okay.
Why? Because wealth is not the proof of divine instruction, and it is not the reward for obeying that instruction. Rather, that instruction is a cross to bear for Christ’s sake—and those who carry it will receive their eternal reward, whether or not they become rich in this life.
One thing God is committed to, however, is taking care of you. That’s not a promise of wealth. It is a promise of sustenance. So, don’t put pressure on yourself that God hasn’t placed on you. Otherwise, you may be tempted to make merchandise of the ministry. If God has not called you into FTM, don’t go into it.
With love,
Benjamin Babine
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