Introduction

Factionalism has become one of the most pressing challenges facing the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Nigeria and Overseas. The divisions, rival leadership structures, doctrinal drift, and political manipulations have weakened the church’s prophetic voice and hindered its global mission. Yet, the call of God upon CAC remains rooted in revival, holiness, and evangelistic zeal as channelled by Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the first General Evangelist.

This piece expands the earlier outline into a comprehensive Renewal Pentecostal reflection, weaving together biblical insights, historical lessons, and practical frameworks for renewal. It seeks to answer the question: What must cease in CAC Nigeria and Overseas, and how can the church reconnect to its apostolic roots in these days?

What Should Cease Happening

Factionalism and rival leadership structures must be brought to an end. Christ prayed that His followers would be one, even as He and the Father are one (John 17:21). When CAC leaders and members divide into factions, they undermine the credibility of the gospel. Rival leadership structures confuse members, weaken evangelistic efforts, and create stumbling blocks for believers. The apostolic church must embrace reconciliation and unity.

Doctrinal drift and dilution of spiritual heritage must also cease. Apostle Babalola’s ministry was marked by uncompromising holiness, fervent prayer, and miraculous revival. Any drift from these foundations dilutes CAC’s identity. The church must resist practices that prioritise convenience over consecration, entertainment over evangelism, and politics over prophetic ministry. Jeremiah 6:16 reminds us to stand in the ways, ask for the old paths, and walk therein, for therein lies rest for our souls. CAC must return to the “old paths” of revival fire and holiness.

Political manipulation of church governance must be rejected. The church is not a secular political party. Leadership struggles driven by ambition, manipulation, and worldly tactics undermine the spiritual authority of the church. Jesus Himself taught that greatness in His kingdom is measured by service, not domination (Matthew 20:25–26). CAC must embrace servant leadership and reject worldly governance.

Neglect of evangelistic mandate must cease. Factional disputes often overshadow mission, yea t the Great Commission remains central (Matthew 28:19). CAC must re-prioritise outreach, discipleship, and revival, ensuring that evangelism is not sidelined by internal disputes.

Ending Factionalism and Returning to Apostolic Roots with Renewal Pentecostal Insights

Factionalism within CAC Nigeria and Overseas is not merely an organisational challenge; it is a spiritual crisis that undermines the unity, vitality, and prophetic witness of the church. The divisions that have emerged over the years—whether through rival leadership structures, doctrinal disputes, or political manipulations—have weakened the church’s ability to fulfil its divine mandate. Renewal Pentecostal insights provide a framework for addressing this crisis, pointing the church back to its apostolic roots as channelled by Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the first General Evangelist.

The Pentecostal tradition emphasises that unity is not optional but essential to the life of the Spirit-filled church. Jesus prayed in John 17:21 that His followers would be one, even as He and the Father are one, so that the world might believe in His mission. Division, therefore, contradicts the very prayer of Christ and diminishes the church’s credibility before the watching world. In the Renewal Pentecostal vision, unity is not uniformity but a Spirit-enabled harmony that allows diverse members to function together as one body. As Paul declared, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Returning to apostolic roots means re-embracing the revival DNA of CAC. Apostle Babalola’s ministry was marked by fervent prayer, uncompromising holiness, and evangelistic zeal. Renewal Pentecostal insights remind us that revival is not a historical memory but a present reality that must be rekindled. The church must re-centre itself on prayer, for prayer was the engine of Babalola’s revival campaigns. It must reinforce holiness, remembering that without holiness no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). It must reclaim evangelistic zeal, prioritising souls over structures, for “he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).

Factionalism thrives when the church loses sight of its mission. Renewal Pentecostal teaching insists that the Great Commission must remain central: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19). When evangelism is neglected, disputes take centre stage. But when the mission is prioritised, unity becomes indispensable, for the church cannot effectively reach the nations while divided.

Ending factionalism requires prophetic teaching that confronts division as sin, historical reconnection that reminds members of their revival heritage, practical reconciliation that creates platforms for dialogue and healing, and global mobilisation that uses CAC Overseas as a bridge for unity and mission. Renewal Pentecostal insights affirm that reconciliation is both spiritual and practical, requiring humility, repentance, and Spirit-led leadership.

Ultimately, returning to apostolic roots is about rediscovering the Spirit’s call to holiness, revival, and mission. It is about ceasing practices that fracture the body and embracing the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). In these days, CAC Nigeria and Overseas must rise as a global prophetic movement, rekindling the fire of Babalola’s revival and embodying the Renewal Pentecostal vision of a Spirit-filled, united, and mission-driven church.

Returning to Apostolic Roots (Babalola’s Channel)

To reconnect to its apostolic roots, CAC must re-centre on prayer and revival. Apostle Babalola’s ministry was birthed in prayer, and his revival campaigns shook Nigeria because they were saturated with intercession. The church must re-anchor itself in prayer as the engine of revival, remembering Paul’s admonition to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Holiness and integrity must be reinforced. Holiness was the hallmark of Babalola’s ministry, and Renewal Pentecostalism insists that revival without holiness is counterfeit. CAC must restore holiness as its identity, remembering that without holiness no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Integrity in leadership, purity in worship, and consecration in lifestyle must be non-negotiable.

Evangelistic zeal must be reclaimed. Babalola’s ministry was evangelistic at its core, and Renewal Pentecostalism emphasises mission as the heartbeat of the Spirit. CAC must prioritise souls over structures, remembering that “he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).

Unity must be rebuilt through shared heritage. CAC’s shared heritage in Babalola’s revival is a unifying force. Renewal Pentecostal insight teaches that unity is not uniformity but shared identity in Christ. CAC must rebuild unity by affirming its common apostolic roots, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).

Framework for Advocacy

Prophetic teaching must remind members that division contradicts Christ’s prayer for unity. Renewal Pentecostal preaching must emphasise reconciliation, revival, and holiness.

Historical reconnection is essential. CAC must reconnect to its revival origins by teaching the history of Babalola’s ministry, reminding members of their spiritual DNA.

Practical reconciliation must be pursued. Dialogue platforms must be established for factions to reconcile under a shared apostolic heritage. Renewal Pentecostalism insists that reconciliation is both spiritual and practical.

Global mobilisation must be embraced. CAC Overseas must serve as a bridge for unity and revival across nations. Renewal Pentecostal insight sees diaspora churches as strategic centres for global mission.

Scriptural Anchors for Renewal

Unity is affirmed in Psalm 133:1: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” This verse is not merely poetic; it is prophetic. It declares that unity among God’s people is both good in essence and pleasant in experience. In the context of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, unity is more than organisational harmony—it is a spiritual fragrance that attracts the presence of God. The psalm continues by likening unity to the precious ointment upon the head of Aaron, flowing down to his beard and garments, symbolising priestly consecration and divine blessing. Where unity dwells, God commands His blessing, even life forevermore. Renewal Pentecostal insight teaches that unity is the atmosphere in which revival flourishes. Without unity, revival fire is quenched; with unity, revival spreads like holy wildfire. Thus, CAC must see unity not as a negotiable preference but as a divine mandate, essential for the church’s witness and survival in these days.

Revival is prayed for in Psalm 85:6: “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” This prayer captures the heart-cry of every generation that longs for God’s visitation. Revival is not a human invention but a divine intervention. It is God breathing life into His people again, restoring joy, holiness, and mission. The psalmist recognises that revival leads to rejoicing in God, not in human achievements or denominational victories. Renewal Pentecostalism insists that revival is both personal and corporate. It begins with individual repentance and consecration, then spreads to communities, nations, and generations. For CAC Nigeria and Overseas, revival must be sought with urgency, for without revival the church risks becoming a monument rather than a movement. The prayer of Psalm 85:6 must become the daily cry of leaders and members alike: “Lord, revive us again, that we may rejoice in You, and that Your glory may be revealed in our midst.”

Holiness is commanded in Leviticus 20:7: “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.” This command is not optional; it is the very condition of a covenant relationship with God. Holiness is the separation from sin and consecration unto God. It is both positional, through Christ’s righteousness, and practical, through daily obedience. Renewal Pentecostal insight emphasises that holiness is the hallmark of authentic revival. Without holiness, power becomes dangerous; with holiness, power becomes redemptive. Apostle Babalola’s ministry was marked by uncompromising holiness, and CAC must reclaim this heritage. Holiness is not legalism but liberty—the liberty to live free from sin and fully devoted to God. In a world of moral compromise, CAC must shine as a holy people, sanctified by the Word and Spirit. The command of Leviticus 20:7 reminds us that holiness is not a human achievement but a divine requirement, for God Himself is holy.

Mission is empowered in Acts 1:8: “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.” This verse is the Pentecostal charter for global evangelism. The promise of power is not for personal prestige but for missional witness. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to testify of Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. Renewal Pentecostal insight insists that mission is inseparable from Spirit baptism. The evidence of Spirit-filled life is not only tongues but also witness. For CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Acts 1:8 is a reminder that the church’s purpose is not inward factionalism but outward mission. The Spirit empowers CAC to be a global prophetic movement, bearing witness to Christ across nations. Mission is not optional; it is the very reason for Pentecostal power. Without mission, power stagnates; with mission, power multiplies.

Together, these scriptures form a fourfold anchor for CAC renewal. Unity creates the atmosphere, revival brings the visitation, holiness secures the consecration, and mission fulfils the commission. Renewal Pentecostal insights remind us that these anchors are not isolated but interconnected. Unity without holiness is shallow; revival without mission is incomplete; holiness without unity is sterile; mission without revival is powerless. CAC Nigeria and Overseas must embrace all four anchors if it is to stop what should cease happening and reconnect to its apostolic roots.

Renewal Pentecostal Insights

Revival fire must be rekindled. Renewal Pentecostalism teaches that revival is not a historical event but a present reality. CAC must rekindle revival fire through prayer, fasting, and evangelism.

The Spirit must be recognised as the unifier. The Holy Spirit is the antidote to factionalism. Renewal Pentecostal insight emphasises that Spirit-filled believers transcend divisions, for by one Spirit we are all baptised into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Apostolic authority must be restored. Renewal Pentecostalism insists that apostolic authority is spiritual, not political. CAC must restore apostolic authority rooted in holiness, prayer, and mission.

Global vision must be embraced. Renewal Pentecostal insight sees the church as a global movement. CAC must embrace its global mission, connecting Nigeria and Overseas in revival unity.

The Call Today

Stopping factionalism is not merely organisational—it is spiritual warfare against disunity. Division within the body of Christ is not neutral; it is a strategy of the enemy to weaken the church’s witness and silence its prophetic voice. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Factionalism is therefore not just about human disagreements; it is a manifestation of spiritual wickedness seeking to fracture the unity of the Spirit.

CAC Nigeria and Overseas must cease practices that fracture the body. Rival leadership structures, doctrinal disputes, and political manipulations are not simply administrative errors—they are breaches in the spiritual wall of unity. Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem to restore the city’s strength; likewise, CAC must rebuild the walls of unity to restore its prophetic strength. The church must recognise that every act of reconciliation, every prayer for unity, and every effort to heal division is an act of spiritual warfare against the forces of disunity.

Instead, CAC must channel the revival spirit of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola. His ministry was marked by fervent prayer, uncompromising holiness, and evangelistic zeal. He did not build factions; he built faith. He did not pursue political power; he pursued spiritual power. Renewal Pentecostal insight teaches that revival is the antidote to division. When the Spirit is poured out, believers are united in mission, empowered in witness, and sanctified in holiness. The revival spirit of Babalola must be rekindled in these days, not as nostalgia but as a living fire that burns away division and ignites unity.

In these days, the church is called to be a global prophetic movement, not a divided institution. Acts 1:8 declares that the Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses “unto the uttermost part of the earth.” CAC Nigeria and Overseas must embrace this global mandate. Division shrinks vision; unity expands mission. A divided church cannot be a prophetic movement, but a united church can speak with authority to nations, governments, and generations. The prophetic call of CAC is to rise above factionalism and embody the unity, holiness, and mission of the Spirit.

Unity is not optional; it is essential. Revival is not history; it is destiny. Holiness is not negotiable; it is commanded. Mission is not secondary; it is central. Stopping factionalism is therefore a spiritual act of obedience, a prophetic act of warfare, and a Pentecostal act of renewal. CAC Nigeria and Overseas must hear the Spirit’s call: cease division, embrace revival, and rise as a global prophetic movement in these days.

Practical Steps for Renewal

A national reconciliation summit should be convened to bring leaders from all factions together under apostolic heritage. Revival prayer campaigns must be mobilised nationwide, rekindling revival fire. Holiness teaching series should reinforce holiness as CAC’s identity through teaching and discipleship. Evangelistic mobilisation must be launched across Nigeria and Overseas, prioritising souls. Diaspora unity projects should be developed, using CAC Overseas as a model of unity and revival for the global mission.

Prophetic Declaration

We declare an end to factionalism in CAC Nigeria and Overseas. We declare a return to apostolic roots channelled by Apostle Babalola. We declare revival fire rekindled in this generation. We declare holiness restored as CAC’s identity. We declare unity, mission, and global mobilisation in Jesus’ name.

Conclusion

CAC Nigeria and Overseas stand at a crossroads. To stop what should cease happening, the church must end factionalism, doctrinal drift, political manipulation, and neglect of mission. To reconnect to its roots, CAC must embrace prayer, holiness, evangelism, and unity as channelled by Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.

Renewal Pentecostal insights remind us that revival is not history but destiny. The Spirit is calling CAC to rise as a global prophetic movement, united in Christ, empowered by the Holy Ghost, and committed to mission.

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.” — Isaiah 60:1