Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo, has issued a powerful and sobering challenge to religious leaders across Nigeria, particularly wealthy pastors, urging them to embrace a kingdom‑minded approach to ministry and to prioritise heavenly values over personal luxury and earthly gain. Speaking during his visit to the newly dedicated Dreamland complex at Master’s City, Warri, Delta State, on Friday, July 31, 2026, the renowned cleric insisted that most pastors of this generation are not focused on eternal things and have lost sight of the sacrificial leadership that should define genuine Christian ministry. His remarks, delivered under the theme “Timely Technology for Timeless Truth,” have sparked widespread discussion within the Christian community, with many interpreting his words as a direct rebuke to a culture of materialism and self‑aggrandisement that has crept into the body of Christ.
Ashimolowo, who ministered at the event, did not hold back in his assessment of the current state of church leadership. He declared that kingdom‑mindedness is increasingly rare among church founders and that many leaders have allowed personal ambition and the pursuit of wealth to overshadow their divine calling. “Kingdom‑mindedness is not common in this generation, especially among founders,” he stated firmly. He challenged the prevailing mindset that places personal comfort above the advancement of God’s work, noting that true leadership requires sacrifice, transparency, and a willingness to invest in ministry rather than in self‑indulgence. “If you cannot invest in your own ministry, how do you expect your members to invest? People are watching your priorities and your commitment,” he said, emphasising that the example set by leaders has a direct impact on the behaviour and generosity of their congregations.
The veteran pastor used the occasion to commend the sacrificial leadership of Pastor Korede Komaiya, the visionary behind the Dreamland project, whom he held up as a model of kingdom‑first leadership. He described Komaiya as a leader who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to God’s work, prioritising the building of a monumental kingdom asset over the acquisition of personal luxuries. “What we see here today is the result of Pastor Komaiya’s kingdom‑mindedness, heart and unwavering commitment to God’s work,” Ashimolowo declared. He contrasted Komaiya’s approach with that of many other leaders who, he said, would have chosen to build mansions for themselves rather than invest in such a large‑scale development. “One thing I can tell you about this big work is that many people would not build something this massive when they could build mansions for themselves. Yet, he still lives more or less in a rented place and modestly because his heart is kingdom‑first,” he said, drawing a clear line between worldly ambition and eternal investment.
The Dreamland complex, located at Master’s City, KM 3 Refinery Road, Warri, is a state‑of‑the‑art facility featuring two four‑storey wings equipped with elevators, a central heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and a main auditorium built to international standards. Ashimolowo expressed his admiration for the project, recalling his emotional reaction when he first saw images of the completed facility. “I had never been here before, but when they sent me pictures after the finishing touches were completed, I was overwhelmed. I found myself speaking in tongues because I did not know what else to do,” he said, describing the experience as deeply moving. His words underscored the importance of building for eternity and investing in projects that will outlive individual leaders and continue to serve the kingdom for generations.
Ashimolowo’s message extended beyond the walls of the church, as he called on political, business, and religious leaders to embrace sacrificial leadership in all spheres of life. He argued that genuine leadership requires prioritising service and long‑term impact over personal comfort and immediate gratification. “This time requires leaders who are spiritually deep, mentally sharp, emotionally stable, and financially wise,” he said, outlining the qualities needed to navigate the contemporary challenges facing society. He stressed that leaders must set the example for those they lead, demonstrating through their actions that they are committed to a higher purpose than self‑enrichment.
The senior pastor’s remarks come at a time when the Nigerian church is grappling with questions of integrity, accountability, and the proper use of resources. In recent years, several high‑profile pastors have faced public scrutiny over their lavish lifestyles, raising concerns about the disconnect between the prosperity gospel and the reality of poverty and suffering in the country. Ashimolowo’s call for kingdom‑mindedness and sacrificial leadership appears to be a timely intervention, reminding church leaders that their ultimate accountability is to God, not to public opinion or material success.
His emphasis on investing in ministry rather than in personal luxury resonates with the biblical principle of laying up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy. By holding up Pastor Komaiya as an example, Ashimolowo is challenging other leaders to examine their own priorities and to ask themselves whether their investments are building the kingdom or merely building their own empires. The message is clear: kingdom‑mindedness is not just a theological concept; it is a practical, everyday choice that is reflected in how leaders spend their money, their time, and their energy.
The reaction to Ashimolowo’s message has been mixed, with some praising his courage in speaking truth to power and others questioning whether his words apply to all pastors or only to a select few. However, his reputation as a respected voice in the Christian community lends weight to his words, and many believers are likely to take his challenge seriously. The visit to the Dreamland complex also served as an opportunity to celebrate a project that stands as a testament to what can be achieved when leaders prioritise the kingdom over personal comfort.
As the Nigerian church continues to navigate the complexities of modern ministry, Ashimolowo’s call for a return to sacrificial leadership and kingdom‑mindedness is a timely reminder that the ultimate measure of success is not found in earthly riches or human applause, but in faithful stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to His servants. His challenge to wealthy pastors to examine their hearts and their priorities is one that resonates far beyond the walls of the Dreamland complex, echoing a call to the entire body of Christ to refocus on what truly matters.
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