The Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, has expressed deep disappointment and surprise over a viral video that suggested he brandished a firearm during a church service.
In a formal statement issued recently, Adefarasin denied the allegation entirely, stating that the video was taken out of context and misrepresented what actually occurred.
The controversy began after a video clip circulated widely on social media, showing a portion of a church service during which Adefarasin made reference to the idea of pastors needing to protect themselves. The edited clip, which gained traction on multiple platforms, appeared to show him holding an object interpreted by many viewers as a firearm. This sparked backlash online, with users accusing the pastor of promoting violence or bringing weapons into a religious space.
In response, Adefarasin clarified that no firearm was brought into the sanctuary and that the object seen in the video was not a gun. He stated that his comments were metaphorical, aimed at addressing broader concerns around security in the country. He added that the full context of the sermon had been lost due to the way the video was selectively edited and circulated.
The pastor emphasized that he remains committed to peace and non-violence. He said he was “shocked” by the video’s interpretation and “hurt” by the accusations that followed. According to him, the message he delivered during the service was intended to underscore the importance of safety and vigilance, especially in a climate of rising insecurity in Nigeria.
Adefarasin further explained that his sermon had been focused on self-awareness and the importance of readiness in the face of real-world challenges, but not in a literal or militant sense. He pointed out that religious leaders, like all citizens, have growing concerns about personal safety due to the increasing reports of violence and crime nationwide.
He warned against the dangers of misinformation, noting how easily public perception can be swayed by short, edited clips lacking context. The video in question was reportedly trimmed down to a few seconds from a much longer sermon, significantly altering its intended meaning.
House on the Rock Church also released a statement supporting their senior pastor, echoing his denial of the claims and reaffirming the church’s stance on non-violence and lawful conduct. The statement described the viral footage as misleading and damaging, and appealed to the public to refrain from spreading content that could harm reputations without verification.
The incident has reignited debates on the responsibilities of social media users, particularly in relation to the potential harm of misinformation. Several commentators have urged online audiences to verify content before drawing conclusions or participating in public outrage.
Adefarasin has since called on his followers and members of the public to focus on the core messages of peace, unity, and faith that his church has always stood for. He encouraged individuals to be discerning and not allow manipulated content to erode trust in community leaders.
The controversy comes at a time of heightened sensitivity around church security and the role of religious leaders in addressing safety concerns. Nigeria has seen increasing attacks on worship centers, prompting many congregations to consider additional safety measures.
While the viral video continues to circulate in some online spaces, calls have grown louder for the original, full-length footage to be more widely shared so viewers can judge the content in its entirety. Adefarasin concluded his response by reiterating his commitment to the mission of his church and the values of truth, integrity, and compassion.
No legal action has been announced at this time, and the pastor has indicated his focus remains on restoring clarity and trust among his followers.
