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Interview
with Segun Lawal, president of Spirit of David
If
there is someone I would would like to be my next door
neighbour in heaven, its Segun Lawal. I like this guy. I
like the work He does. And I know God likes it too. On the
train between London and Manchester a few days ago I thought
of refreshing our repertoire of articles on our website. I
could easily write another one but then I guess there's
someone out there who will say, Abeg, are you the only one?
Not that that bothers me though. But then I thought of
setting up this interview with Osegs. I sent it off to him
by email. I was not disappointed by his responses. I was
challenged. I reckon you will be too. Enjoy. - Wale Adenuga
Wale: The first thing I want to ask is not who is Segun
Lawal. What I will like to know first and foremost is what
is it that drives you to do the things you do in SOD?
Segun: I ask myself the same question several times.
However, I believe God reveals the need for what I do when I
come in close contact with tired, frustrated and haunted
people – who deeply desire something more from life! I
realize then that I am driven to challenge their stale
beliefs about life by opening a fresh and unique door of
opportunity that only Jesus offers…and dance is such a
captivating and diverse form of communicating that Life.
Wale: SOD has different chapters in various cities in
Nigeria and even of the world. Great! But let’s know what it
was like the beginning. The challenges, the pain. Were there
days you felt like giving up?
Segun: The beginning is often the most ‘deceitful’ time
of a journey, yet it’s the most genuine. I say this because
a lot of people deceive themselves in thinking they are
passionate when they are only euphoric. They start out with
such high notions and goals that ‘reality’, when it bites,
bites hard – and so too the fall.
Over
the years, I’ve learnt to inform intending members of what
it is they are getting into and how important it is to
believe (without seeing). Unfortunately, I have not always
had success in convincing people or branches of this truth
and have therefore experienced many people come and go.
Those who have stayed, I believe do so because of the
‘genuine’ factor. They are confident that He Who began…is
also faithful to complete.
It can
be very painful to work so hard and get the nagging feeling
that you are just wasting your time. Especially when you are
all the things I am. You find yourself questioning (not the
beginning) but why you go on.
Wale: I have called on you several times to speak on
creativity at Effective Worship Seminars. Tell us what place
this takes as you plan and execute your outreach events
Firstly, its always a privilege to receive an invitation
from you to speak on your platform. I admire and respect you
a lot more than I have let on. The times I have talked were
extremely memorable for me because I ended up reminding
myself of what the ministry of Spirit of David is really
about.
Anybody can dance but few people allow the much needed
creativity – that make those dances come alive – to be seen
in their final production. We then slam a Christian label on
what we have done and feel a sense of glory that we did it
‘in the Name of the Lord’
God is
most glorified when He – and He alone – is seen in His
created. I do my best to monitor what is presented so that
that remains true for every ministration.
Wale: A friend of mine said young people are not interested
in what pastors say. They are only moved by what is done. I
don’t know how difficult this would be for you to
articulate. But how has SOD been able to impact young
people?
Segun: If I said ‘car’ to you, it is most likely you
(knowing you), would think of some beautiful piece of
machinery that turns heads. Few would actually spell out the
words c-a-r in their mind. People do not think in words,
they think in images. You can only truly impact a soul if
you give them a strong image of what it is you believe in.
They begin to ‘see’ it, like they haven’t done before and
begin to roll it over in their hearts.
Unfortunately, a lot of ‘men of God’ are rigid in their
communication and therefore seen as boring by a very dynamic
and image-filled generation.
There
is a danger, however in this because nothing should ever
replace the simple power of God’s spoken and written Word.
That’s why our shows or events offer a healthy dose of both.
Wale: A follow up the question above, how do you manage
these young lads, given all their passions – good, bad and
ugly?
Segun: Always stay unpredictable. Never leave large gaps
in between events. Promise discipline and deliver when
needed. Make no friends. Show love, much love, God’s love.
Focus more on their tomorrow than on their yesterdays. Be an
example. You have to be able to show you can do more than
what you ask of them. Always point to Jesus…not a church,
man or institution. Be a serious guy who can have fun, not
vice versa. Pray like crazy!
Wale: What’s your take on this? Is talent enough to head out
there and start something like SOD?
Segun: Talent achieves nothing. Anointing achieves
nothing. Nothing achieves anything…on its own. Besides, I do
not go, where I was not sent!
Wale: Someone said experience is the name men give their
mistakes. In the light of that statement, what things won’t
you ever do again if given the chance in SOD?
Segun: Listen to men
Wale: Osegs, money is a big issue! What’s your attitude to
money and ministry? What place does it take?
Segun: Money is key. I wish I had more of it. But it
never stopped me from obeying. Disobedience costs a lot
more!!
In my
experience I see people swing like a pendulum with this
issue. “Have a lot! Prosper. Do not be a ‘church rat’”…then
there’s the other end of the swing: “Say no o wealth! Drive
a Lada. Live in abject poverty!” I think it’s all very
amusing. Most people have become more confused about the
basic things in life, since they became a Christian then
before.
I’ve
learnt the hard way that the gospel costs money! I pray that
those who have it will share it with those of us who are not
mesmerized by it but know exactly what should be done with
it to change lives forever!
Wale: You're married with two children (right)? What
perspective has been husband and father brought to ministry
Segun: Tons! I have no doubt that marriage and
fatherhood is the ultimate test and check a human being
needs to understand the delicate and often misguided
principle of BALANCE!
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