The greatest enemy of truth may not be a frontal attack in the form of a deliberate lie, but the presentation of a partial truth with a few curveballs thrown in. What are some of these false doctrines which confront my African brothers, and how do they handle them? I asked them these very questions. Their answers may surprise you. 

NIGERIA – Conference President Imoh E. Akpan works diligently to guard the church from false doctrines. Some in his flock have misunderstood the person of Mary and held the belief that she was not actually Jesus’ mother. Others have identified Satan, not God, as the author of fire that consumed Elijah’s sacrifice in the Old Testament.

TANZANIA – There was an instance where three men in a worship service requested to speak to the assembly and Pastor Odoyo acted wisely to protect his people. Suspecting they had ties to the occult, Pastor Odoyo said, “While we are glad that you are here, you must understand that we do not know you. When we get to know you and trust in the message you bring, we will be happy to have you share with us.” It was a wise step to take, for during a worship song of adoration the visitors fell to the floor and began writhing like snakes. Horrible spirits were exorcised, and each surrendered his life to Jesus Christ.   

MALAWI / MOZAMBIQUE – At an interdenominational marriage conference for pastors and wives, it was discovered that a couple was present representing the Baha’i faith. The leaders of this conference deliberated and decided unanimously to ask that couple to leave. Perhaps it was not the same strategy some of us may have taken, but the first inclination of the shepherds was to protect the flock. 

THE CONGO (DRC) – Conference President Bertin Mwanya has addressed the prosperity gospel in his area. He writes, “I have heard many tell their churches that a true Christian enjoys material blessings such as money, cars, costly houses, etc. They further emphasize that if a Christian is not rich, he or she is not even born again. These false teachers are on the radio, television and social media. Their advertising is on buses and in the marketplaces. The action we take is to regard this doctrine as heresy and to ban its teaching from our churches.”   

MY OWN CONCERNS – On my trips, I have realized that most Africans view fathers as a harsh and demanding parent. This image naturally affects their view of God. On each trip, I spend some time teaching on a right view of God the father. In addition, there is a lack of good biblical study material and trustworthy formal education. This lack leads to much misunderstanding and false doctrine. This is why we, as Advent Christians, keep striving forward with biblical teaching.