Gary S. Maxey Network unveiled in Lagos, calls for revival and righteousness in Nigerian church leadership
The Gary S. Maxey Network was officially inaugurated in Lagos with an urgent call for renewed Christian commitment to biblical truth, holiness, integrity, sound doctrine, and accountable leadership across Nigeria, Africa, and the global Church.
Speaking at the unveiling, Director Pastor Sola Bamidele — a WATS alumnus — emphasized that the initiative was born out of deep concern for the contemporary spiritual climate of the Church, established not for personal prominence but as a solemn responsibility to preserve and advance Nigeria's evangelical heritage. Tracing the nation's revival history to pioneers such as Joseph Ayo Babalola and Josiah Akindayomi, he warned that “the promise of revival carries responsibility… it must be fought for, or it will be extinguished.”
Addressing the audience, Prof. Gary Maxey, Convener of the Network, reflected on Nigeria's vast natural resources and its even greater human and spiritual potential, cautioning against complacency, empty prophetic declarations, and a drift toward material prosperity at the expense of biblical truth. “We have abandoned the New Testament call to deep surrender to Christ, freedom from the bondage of sin, and purity of heart,” he told the gathering.
WATS Provost Pastor Olufemi Emmanuel, PhD, reinforced the seminary's own mission, outlining a ten-year goal of hosting 4,000 resident students from Nigeria and across Africa, and stressing that evangelism without structured discipleship leaves converts vulnerable. “We must insist on a church led by men and women who are properly trained, biblically equipped, spiritually formed, and committed to Christ-like holiness,” he said.
Together, the speakers set a unified charge: the future of Christianity in Nigeria and Africa must be grounded not in fame or numbers, but in sound doctrine, spiritual depth, personal holiness, and transformative service.
