Why many Christians are failing at work – CAC Agbala Itura

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

The International Headquarters of Christ Apostolic Church Agbala Itura, Olode, Ibadan, has hosted its maiden Professional Sunday, where Christian professionals from different fields charged Christians to uphold faith, integrity and competence in their careers.

The programme held on Sunday, themed “Faith vs Profession,” featured a panel discussion that addressed the realities of practising Christianity in demanding professional environments such as law, banking, education, healthcare, politics, music, accounting and real estate.

Guest speakers also outlined practical action steps for young Christians concerned about compromising their faith.

Speaking from the perspective of law and banking, legal practitioner and banking expert Barrister Samuel Oludare Adewale said professionalism remains non-negotiable for believers seeking relevance.

According to him, Christian faith should not be used as a substitute for competence. He stressed that understanding one’s job, obeying professional ethicsand maintaining upright conduct are key to long-term success, adding that faith in God helps professionals manage pressure and stress.

“The best way to survive in this era is to be thoroughly professional and undivided. Faith is part of it,” he said.

“When you have faith in God, you have less stress. You have laws guiding you; biblical laws and professional laws. Be upright, be sound, know your job and go in line with the rules laid down.”

From the banking sector, financial analyst and former branch manager Elder Adedeji Adewunmi warned young professionals against greed, describing it as a major cause of fraud.

“Don’t love money too much, else you will fall,” he cautioned.

“Most people who commit fraud in banks are Christians. Integrity brings recommendations. Faithfulness pays in the long run.”

International tutor Mr Famuyiwa David Olufemi, popularly known as Tutor Femi, shared his experience of teaching globally without compromising his Christian values.

“Teaching will never affect your Christian faith,” he said.

“Teachers need to upgrade themselves. I work with an online tutorial centre in Scotland right from my house. I don’t use pen and biro again; everything is digital.”

He added that excellence and continuous learning are critical for global relevance.

Accountant and cleric Pastor Maurice Temitayo Ogundele emphasised integrity as the foundation of sustainability in professional life, particularly in accounting.

“Smartness may take you to the top, but integrity will sustain you,” he said.

“A day of dishonesty can rubbish years of integrity. In accounting, any mistake is seen as fraud, so you must be meticulous.”

Real estate professional Elder Idowu Phillip Olakanmi cautioned young people against corrupt wealth acquisition.

“It is good to have money at a young age, but not in a corrupt manner,” he said.

“Believe in God as a professional and let integrity speak for you.”

Healthcare professional and nurse-midwife Mrs Adefioye Oluwakemi Titilayo spoke on managing her faith in God with professionalism and also, ethical dilemmas in healthcare, particularly abortion.

“I see my nursing field as a ministry; to save lives.

Ethically, abortion is wrong, and I don’t do it because it is against my faith,” she stated.

“It is only recommended when the life of the mother is at serious risk.”

In the creative sector, gospel musician and tutor Evangelist Sunday Adeyemo explained how he balances ministry with professional demands.

“I am sensitive to the lyrics I sing,” he said.

“I combine church music and secular engagements, but I make sure my spiritual integrity is not compromised.”

On political participation, politician and businessman Comrade Babatunde Abiola urged Christians to stop avoiding governance.

“Christians have been running away from politics, calling it a dirty game,” he said.

“Politics is not dirty. We made it dirty by leaving it for bad people. If Christians stand right in politics, we can have the change we desire.”

Speaking on the essence of the programme, Pastor Tayo Fabamigbe, Senior Pastor of the CAC Agbala Itura English Assembly, said the initiative was designed to prepare young believers for leadership and relevance in the workplace.

According to him, as the church approaches the year 2026, Christians must be equipped not only spiritually but also strategically.

“It is important that our youths and young professionals are not only equipped with prayers, but also with strategic processes and keys for excellence that will help them make waves in their various fields,” Fabamigbe said.

The programme concluded with a keynote charge calling on believers to view their professions as platforms for ministry.