Pastor Iren: The Positive sides of social media

There have been numerous controversies concerning the issue of social media as a gospel platform, and this issue is specifically a thing of concern for our Older generations who believe in fellowshipping together in a physical space. For them, being together in a space helps them form a uniting factor as one in Christ. They believe in the potency of joint prayers and thanksgiving in a physical space. However, in recent times some of our Millenial and Gen-Z Pastors have been able to convince our old folks on the usefulness of social media. Examples of these social media platforms are Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and so on. Among these social media Pastors are Pastor Emmanuel, P.Daniel, Pastor Lazarus and the likes. In this article our focus will be on Pastor Emmanuel Iren.

Born on December 18, 1989, Pastor Emmanuel Aniefiok Iren popularly known as Pastor Emmanuel Iren is a songwriter, vocalist, singer and preacher. He is the Founder of Celebration Church International (CCI), which originated from the Triumphal fellowship he started at Covenant University where he studied. He once served as a Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God before establishing his. Pastor Emmanuel, like several of the Millennial and Gen-Z pastors, has utilized social media to uphold the gospel. He emphasized on this during his interview with Pulse.ng, where he explained the importance of taking the gospel from the physical space to the virtual space using the concept “where people are the gospel must be preached”.

He believes that the gospel should be taken to any length and should not be streamlined to a particular model alone.

He utilized social media to preach the gospel and at the same time as a source to provide employment for the people. He explained how it is important for the church to know the people who have the skills and help them out in utilizing it. This is not only available for people in the church but also to the outside community. Through this medium the gospel is not only preached but the lives of people are also changed. 

Celebration Church International (CCI) has a significant online presence with approximately 792k followers on Instagram and about 71.3k on YouTube. Through these media, people from different parts of the world have been impacted by the word of God being disseminated through the Preacher. A lot of impartation, healing and testimonies have been recorded, showing that salvation and miracle is not confined to the physical space alone. CCI has a large congregation of virtual audiences just as it has the physical audience.

Through the use of social media, Pastor Emmanuel Iren has been able to influence and reach a wider audience. He has featured in several online publications and has been recognized as one of the most influential people in the Christian ministry in Nigeria. He does not only impact through teachings but also blesses life through his music. His Music Career blossomed from the time he released the song Kerygma which has blessed a lot of people up till date. His songs are inspiring and they give one confidence and the longing to know God more. He is the shining example and epitome of Grace. Alongside Kerygma he has released songs like Agalliao, agbara olorun and many others.

Pastor Emmanuel Iren, has been recognized as a great man of God, a mentor and spiritual father to most people. He represents a true child of God and someone to be emulated. The slogan or motto of his church benediction “In Christ, for Christ, with joy” resonates not only in his life but also in the lives of his followers both physically and virtually. He has also helped to represent well the importance and positive influencing factor of social media to preach the gospel and not only to while away time.

In conclusion, social media is not only a tool for pleasure but can also be used as a tool to influence life positively. It is important for us to use every possible measure to preach and share the gospel. Like the bible says in Mark 16:15 “ …Go ye into the world and preach the gospel to every creature”.