Not especially surprising. For many Christians in Africa, they are only first or second generation Christian. The depth of theological training among MANY African ‘Pastors’ is shockingly shallow, so there is a LOT of misrepresentation of Jesus’ truth in Africa. Witness all the ‘prosperity’ preaching in Africa, and all the ‘signs and wonders’ ‘ministries’!
As an old acquaintance once said about Christian faith in Africa, it is ‘a mile wide and an inch deep’. Having tried to assist an African ‘Pastor’ in Calgary, with planting a church in a neighbourhood devoid of churches, I discovered this first hand.
I overlooked a number of ‘red flags’ concerning the Pastor’s training, attitude, and interpersonal skills, thinking that God can use even the proud to spread His message. After two years, where the Pastor blamed the congregation for a lack of growth of the church, I acknowledged that it was all about ‘his show’, not God’s. Now, I am back at a Bible-believing church, Centre Street.
Thank you for sharing. I too see what you describe. In fact, "praising" and "prosperity seeking" has become the norm IMO and suppresses actual teaching of the Bible and the Almighty's requirement for living a righteous life.
During my own Bible study, I came to realize this and that our Lord is more interested in results than praise - however worthy HE is of the latter.
The above said, my advice is keep your hand on the staff. Help guide the flock as best you can, whatever flock you find yourself among.
I always try to remember the message found in 2 Timothy 2:
24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
God bless you.