Faith, Fantasy, and Fraud: “The Pastor Is a Man of God, Not a god of Man.” - Kojo Delong

The conversation on religion and spiritual leadership took centre stage on Culture Daily as Ghanaian actor and preacher Kojo Delong joined the team for a candid and eye-opening discussion on the evolving face of the church.

The conversation, which stemmed from a viral social media debate around alleged church-related trauma, explored the fine line between faith, fantasy and fraud in modern Christianity. Kojo, known for blending humour and truth in his messages, began by reminding listeners that “the pastor is a man of God, not a god of man.”

According to him, the growing wave of church controversies is not new but rather an ongoing reflection of human imperfection within spiritual spaces. “If a doctor messes me up, I go to another hospital. It doesn’t mean all doctors are wrong,” he emphasised.

Kojo expressed concern over what he called “the entertainment of church,” suggesting that many believers now attend services for the wrong reasons. Attraction to personalities, music, or atmosphere rather than for a genuine connection with God. “If you go to church because the pastor is fine or he smells good, you’re already lost,” he stated firmly.

He also addressed the increasing commercialisation of faith, where some ministries allegedly prioritise financial targets over spiritual growth. While acknowledging that “ministry cannot be sustained without money,” he warned that the motive behind it determines whether it is kingdom work or personal enrichment.

“God’s work is business, the CEO is God, the church is the workforce,” he said. “But the moment money becomes the god, the purpose is lost.”

The panel also touched on the recent viral story of Ama Burland, a woman who claimed to have suffered manipulation within her former church after converting from Islam. Kojo argued that spiritual calling does not always follow formal processes, explaining that “God can use anyone, anywhere, without hierarchy.”

In his closing remarks, Kojo cautioned Christians to differentiate between faith, fantasy, and fraud. “Faith is believing even when healing takes time. Fantasy is thinking God is a magician. Fraud is when men exploit both to make money.”