If My Face Is Not Enough, Don’t Come!” — Pastor Dolapo Lawal Explains Why He Rarely Invites Guest Ministers

“If My Face Is Not Enough, Don’t Come!” — Pastor Dolapo Lawal Explains Why He Rarely Invites Guest Ministers

Pastor Dolapo Lawal has explained why his ministry rarely invites guest ministers, insisting that church gatherings should focus on the Word of God rather than the popularity of guest speakers or the desire to attract large crowds.

Speaking about his ministry’s approach to church programmes, Lawal said he does not believe in inviting guest ministers merely to increase attendance, stressing that people should attend services out of a genuine desire to hear the Word of God.

“We don’t invite guests to this church. Do you know why? If you can’t come for the Word, stay at home,” he said.

The pastor disclosed that his ministry had invited only three people in its eight years of existence, describing the decision to invite Pastor Nats for a camp meeting as an unusual move.

“This is the first time Pastor Nats that we are inviting for a camp meeting. It’s because he’s a prophet. I’m not inviting him because I’m looking for a crowd,” he explained.

His remarks suggest that the invitation was based on the spiritual value he believes Pastor Nats would bring to the gathering rather than an expectation of increased attendance.

Lawal also addressed the practice of featuring popular gospel singers and music ministers on promotional materials to attract people to church programmes.

He maintained that his ministry does not rely on the names or images of gospel artistes to promote its events, insisting that the message should be sufficient to draw those genuinely interested in worship and spiritual growth.

“There is no ZOE flyer you will see where I will pack singers. Because if my face is not enough, don’t come,” he said.

The comments have highlighted Lawal’s stated preference for prioritising the message of the gospel over the popularity of personalities featured at church events.

While many Christian ministries invite renowned preachers, gospel musicians and other prominent religious figures to their programmes, the pastor’s position reflects his belief that the Word of God should remain the primary reason people attend church gatherings.

His remarks have also sparked a wider conversation about the role of publicity and celebrity ministers in church programmes, particularly whether popular personalities are necessary to attract congregations or whether the message itself should be the main attraction.