From Calling to Purpose: Pastor Olumide Emmanuel’s Journey of Faith

Mary Nnah

Pastor Olumide Emmanuel, Founder of Calvary Bible Church, exudes an aura of conviction and passion. With over 100 books authored and countless lives transformed, his story is one of divine purpose. As a renowned motivational speaker and author, Pastor Emmanuel’s message of hope and empowerment resonates deeply with his audience. His upcoming leadership conference on October 31st and November 1st at the Marriott Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, promises to inspire and empower attendees.

“Life is only forward but understood backwards,” Pastor Emmanuel reflected, looking back on his remarkable journey. His path into ministry began unexpectedly during a mid-week service in school.
“I heard a voice clearly saying, ‘Study more of my word, for you need to teach my people.'”
This encounter sparked an insatiable desire to study the Bible, leading him to become a pastor at 21.

“I didn’t know that it was the call,” Pastor Emmanuel admitted. “I didn’t know that that was an encounter, but I later got to know that it was an encounter I had, and that it was God calling me to be a teacher of His word.” This calling has driven him to dedicate his life to sharing the Gospel and empowering others.

Today, Pastor Emmanuel’s message emphasised economic empowerment, not prosperity. “I teach people how to become value creators, solving problems and meeting needs,” he explained. He distinguishes his approach from materialistic prosperity preaching, emphasising the importance of understanding biblical principles.

“I’m not a prosperity cleric; I’m an economic empowerment agent,” the Pastor asserted, while addressing criticism.
“Everybody’s entitled to their opinion.” His focus remains on guiding people toward their purpose, helping them unlock their potential and live fulfilling lives.

Pastor Emmanuel’s global experiences have shaped his perspective. A 2001 tour in Europe exposed him to the harsh realities of prostitution and contractual agreements. “It was a conflict for me,” he admitted, recalling the experience.
I made an altar call, and the whole choir came out – ministers, church workers. They claimed to be born-again, speaking in tongues, yet they were under contract to continue in prostitution.”
This encounter left an indelible mark on Pastor Emmanuel, leading him to reevaluate his mission strategy.

To those disillusioned with leaders and struggling amidst hardship, Pastor Emmanuel offerred hope. “Hang in there,” he encouragesd. “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” He stresses the importance of genuine Christianity over religious practices, urging people to seek a deeper connection with God.

“Once you see God as your source and you look up to Him and you understand the laws and principles that govern the world and do your part, it’s only a matter of time you will escape the struggles of the world,” Emmanuel assured.

Regarding tithing, Pastor Emmanuel stands firm on biblical teachings. “100% of your income belongs to God, not 10%,” he emphasized. “Don’t wait for pastors to say bring this, bring that. Pastors give general instructions. But we should ask God for specific instructions.” He encouraged individuals to seek guidance from God, rather than relying solely on general guidelines.

As Pastor Emmanuel looks to the future, he remains committed to his purpose. “When you are doing what you are created to do, grace will flow, inspiration will flow,” he said. His upcoming leadership conference on October 31st and November 1st at the Marriott Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, promises to inspire and empower attendees.

“Be a true Christian and be an example of the change that you want to see,” he urged. “If it’s going to happen, it’s up to you, and if you are not part of the solution, you are entirely part of the problem”, he noted.