With over 21.5k viewers on Instagram, who follow him to hear his messages on cultural transformation, Apostle Emmanuel Iren leads one of the fastest growing churches with branches in Nigeria, UK and North America.

The Lead Pastor and Founder of Celebration Church International, he has trained over 50 pastors who implement his strategies of cultural transformation through Christian doctrine.
 Born in Lagos, 6th in a family of seven children, the indigene of Akwa Ibom State holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Building Technology from Covenant University, Ota, a Masters in Business Administration, MBA, from the University of Lagos, and an honorary Doctorate in Transformational Leadership from Myles Leadership University, Cotonou, Benin Republic.
An adept teacher of the gospel, he has authored and published several books including Saving Grace and Leading Seeks You.
The husband of Laju Iren, and father of four, on this Easter morn, speaks on the significance of Easter, the power of Christ’s resurrection and its impact in today’s church.

It’s Easter Sunday today, what is the significance of this celebration?

Just imagine you were watching the news and it was reported that a man who had been dead for three days rose, to never die again. It’s one of two things: either it didn’t happen or, it’s the most revolutionary event ever, not just religiously but scientifically and whatsoever he has to say about eternal life can be trusted.
Now, when we look at the evidence that backs the resurrection account, (E.g. the brutality of Roman crucifixion, the conversion of the disciples after deserting Him, the empty tomb, the conversion of Paul), there is enough evidence to believe that Jesus died and rose and never died again, even if you were not there. This gives Jesus religious authority that no other prophet or religious figure has.

In recent times, the celebration has become so watered down that it’s beginning to look like a regular holiday; why is this so?

Someone said “standards obey the law of gravity.” Whatever idea that is not handed over from one generation to the other will fall, especially in a generation that loves to trivialize everything and make it about entertainment. This is why you can replace the real idea behind Easter with bunnies and eggs. This is why, every chance we get, we must remind our generation of what Easter is really about.

In reference to the resurrection power, we often talk about ‘power as of old’; can the church ever experience those Apostolic moves again?

We have the tendency as humans to only celebrate what is past. There are many heroes celebrated today that were not celebrated in their time. Jesus also made mention of this when the Pharisees were visiting the tombs of the old prophets. He called them hypocrites, because if they were alive in their day, they would have killed them just like their forefathers did. In a world as busy as ours, you can be so preoccupied with many people who work false miracles, which has created such a skepticism, that even when we see a genuine one, we doubt it.
On the other hand, there are people who have flowed in a dimension of power in the past that challenges us.
But, since Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, if we do what they did, we will see what they saw just like Elijah who prayed and got results.

The quest for power to do kingdom work has exposed many false prophets and teachers everywhere; how can the undiscerning be able to sieve wheat from chaff?

The answer is simple; the church must return to the days when the word of God is priority. Beyond a nice time in church as well as programs and events which are good by the way, we must give premium to the teaching and studying of God’s word. A church poor in the word will be very low on discernment.
A false prophet is not so difficult to spot. There are two things that give a false Prophet away— He clearly goes against what is written in the word of God and the aim of all that he does, is to glorify himself in the presence of the people.
When you see these two, you know clearly that this is not of God.

In one day, a couple died in the bible for lying against the Holy Ghost; why is such power missing in today’s church?

I think it is important to establish that what happened to Ananais and Sapphira isn’t a standard for all scenarios. Stephen was stoned and prayed that the Lord forgives his executors. This was the same for all Apostles who were martyred.
Our ultimate example remains Jesus on the cross who said “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” If we end up killing all who sin, who will we preach to? Where will we have the likes of Saul who at one time, persecuted the church, but eventually, became a preacher?
That being said, there are a few stories today in that regard. Some don’t share those stories because the death of people isn’t something to be proud of. Hence, how will you be different from someone who practises witchcraft?
Some of these stories are the excesses of the men of God. Just because power flowed through someone is not indicative of divine approval. For example, God told Moses to speak to the rock but he struck it instead. Elisha called bears to attack young kids. Though he was a man of God, Elisha was in the wrong.

Jesus was concerned about the hungry, the naked and the homeless; why is today’s church so far from pursuing these cardinal goals?

Matters of generosity are very dicey, because there is a difference between biblical generosity and corporate social responsibility. A lot of people think churches are not generous because they don’t put out videos every week and take conspicuous videos of them feeding people. If the church does this, we might please people, but we will displease God. The bible is clear concerning giving, that, what your right hand does, your left hand mustn’t be aware.
At the end of the day, God is the ultimate judge, and the church members who are partnering with the church are the ones with the right to demand for better contribution towards charity from their churches.
People also have this sense of entitlement where they constantly tell others how to manage their money. This is wrong; you don’t have all the details and it is rude.

Covid-19 exposed the church to the social media space and many have refused to go back to the traditional ways. Would you advise pastors to innovate or continue with the traditional method?

What is traditional today was once new. There was a time in history, where the printed bibles we have today were a new invention; but today, it is what you will call “traditional.” The story of humanity is that technology will always change, same for the way we do things.
As Christians, our mandate is to the whole world and the fastest way to reach every nation is via the internet. Again, our message has a timeframe in which it must be preached. There is an urgency to it. That means we must be interested in not just reaching people, but as quickly as possible.
However, I must emphasise that the church must never do away with the traditional methods. A physical gathering will always be super essential. One-on-one evangelism will always be essential. What technology gives us is an advantage, an extra ammunition to our arsenal. As a church, we must take advantage of every means available to us to reach our world for Jesus.

You are a player(preacher) in the social media space; how can the church influence and take dominion over that online community?

By creating. We must go past complaining about the type of content available for us to consume. Rather, we must be proactive in creating the type of content we want to consume. Then, we must support and sponsor those who create the type of content we want to see.

How is your ministry influencing using music and movies?
We are working on major things. You will hear about them soon.
The Internet tribe comes very hard on pastors when they err; how do you advise pastors to conduct themselves in order to avoid scandals?
This cast my mind back to David’s Psalm after his scandal with Bathsheba, where Dvaid said “against you oh God have I sinned.” A lot of times, when you are in the limelight, you are preoccupied with keeping a good name when what should matter, primarily, is your walk with God.
At the end of the day, if people vilify a man of God, it is not as bad as what God thinks. That should be our focus and priority. If everyone is clapping for you, but God is not happy with you, that is a bigger scandal.
That being said, Paul says a Bishop must have a good reputation amongst the heathen. If we set out to please the Lord, we are more likely to be of the conduct and decorum required.
Who are your icons in ministry?
Due to what God will have me do in the body of Christ, I am disposed to appreciating the sacrifices of all who have gone before. However, worthy of special mention will be my first Pastor, Bishop David Oyedepo and also Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

How has your life in ministry been?
It’s been fulfilling seeing God do all that he said he will do. It’s been 11 years of ministry, 28 branches, 3 continents and most importantly, seeing life changed and transformed has been a pleasure and a privilege.

When you are not preaching what else do you like to do?

There are lots of things I do. I love family, I love spending quality time with my wife and kids. I’m a recording artiste and in fact, I’m currently working on an album that will be out very soon. It’s also movie season for me right now, so there’s a lot going on there as well. I also love to read; I spend a lot on books. Lastly, I love to keep in touch with loved ones.
If you were not a pastor, what career path would you have followed?
Anything that will put me in a position to impact life. My motivation is more than just money. NGO, Movies, Music.

Your favourite travel destination?

My best so far has been Maldives. It’s just too far and I don’t like to travel so far.

Busy men they say, don’t have time for TV but when you watch TV, what programmes do you watch?

I actually don’t watch TV. But when I want to watch a movie, I enjoy the action comedy genre.
What football club do you support?

I used to be a big Barcelona fan. I’m not so much of a football fan these days ever since Messi left.
You dress well, did you get that from your father?
Actually, Yes.
It’s Easter, what would you do for Christ sake?
Share the gospel, show love to people, help someone if you can.