Pastor Paul Adefarasin is the visionary behind the biggest gospel concert in Nigeria and the founder and senior pastor of House on the Rock Church. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, he discusses various issues and his vision for creating global opportunities for gospel musicians in Nigeria.
NIGERIA is going through a lot. What is your take on the country’s current challenges?
I urge Nigerians not to quit! Don’t quit! If they knock you down, get up again and keep moving.
But first of all, dream. God makes dreams come to pass. These are my three messages for Nigerians. So, you ask me, what is a dream? A dream is not what you get when you are sleeping. It is what keeps you awake at night from sleeping. Then when you find a dream, develop yourself. This is because desire is a dream. But desire will not get you to the actualisation of your dream.
Personal development is essential. Channel your desire to refine your talents into skills, your courage into boldness, and your strengths into excellence. This pursuit of excellence and personal growth will help you achieve your dreams.
Aside from your calling, what drives your passion for the progress of the gospel music ministry?
I believe that technology is currently generating more foreign exchange for Nigeria than crude oil. I am convinced that music as a whole, particularly gospel music, has the potential to do the same. It’s essential to distinguish between ministry and industry; the focus should be on ministry first. If you excel in that area—not as a primary motive but as a natural outcome—you can generate substantial income and foreign currency from the industrial sector.
That is why we are opening up our gospel music to global markets. I do have a commercial side to my thinking, but it’s not for my benefit; it’s for the men and women who dedicate themselves to singing and leading worship at church, playing instruments, and sacrificing three to four days of their week to be in church. While we cannot afford to pay them, we can create opportunities for them to reach markets that will truly appreciate their talents.
Consider this reality: artistes like Davido and Burna Boy emerged from the church. Many talented individuals began their journeys in church. I want to stop losing God’s people to the secular world, where they often sing songs that are not aligned with their values. Instead, we want to welcome them back. That’s why I invited American Christian rapper Lecrae and Nigerian gospel rapper Limoblaze to this year’s ‘Experience’ event.
This is because they are performing very well economically. They began this effort in church, and they continue to do so, remaining theologically and biblically sound. I find it inspiring. I want to give the enemy a black eye and ensure that he does not take any more of God’s children to use them for his agenda, driven by the love of money. God’s children must start fulfilling His purpose.
Despite the government’s claimed efforts to ease the economic situation, the economy is becoming increasingly challenging, why is this?
I believe the depreciation of the naira has caused a significant economic downturn, which is also affecting the church. I pray that God will deliver our nation. For instance, the economic circumstances have caused us to spend eight times more to organize Experience 19 than last year.
Honestly, the Nigerian economy is getting tougher. It takes someone with a strong conviction in God to organize such an event. What we spent last year has now increased to eight times that amount this year, largely due to the depreciation of the naira.
You recently held the 19th edition of the popular gospel concert, ‘The Experience,’ and you don’t seem tired despite the economic challenges. What’s your secret?
I can never be tired. It has been getting better and better since we started 19 years ago, and somehow we found the courage to do it annually. Initially, it was small, but each year we feel a sense of permission from Him to continue. It is challenging, but we’ve learned to trust God. I expect every gospel minister to perform well, especially the newcomers. We are intentional about passing the baton, and this is not something that happens in a moment.
It often takes years or even decades for people to understand our pace, approach, and the differences between our generation and theirs. We are experiencing a generational transition within the entire church, as well as among individual leaders over time. Given our limited resources, we work hard to ensure that tools are available to enhance what we’ve built and to maintain strong momentum.
We do not want to slow down and leave them to start from scratch. They can stand on our shoulders to see further and go further. We are instilling a team spirit, and I want to see that spirit alive and thriving. Additionally, I hope to see new businesses emerge from various individuals who share our vision. Some may develop media companies, while others might establish sound companies, security firms, or transportation services.
The experience of organizing perhaps not only the biggest gospel music event in the world but also the best, shows that your business has the potential to excel. If we could achieve this, then you can too.
How have you been able to sustain this program for 19 years without any major issues?
I think about David, a boy tending to his father’s sheep. He was often seen as a reject, and I can relate to that feeling of rejection. During a challenging four-year period, I found myself feeling marginalized as the youngest in my family. Being pushed aside and wanting to avoid a bad reputation was a significant struggle because I felt like an outcast.
However, God seeks out the outcast and chooses to join Himself with those rejected by others. He becomes our source of confidence. I hear His voice not in my physical ear but in my heart; it’s that inner voice that guides me. I can do anything He asks of me. Paul, my namesake from Tarsus, echoed this sentiment when he said, “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” Similarly, David, the young boy, declared, “The Lord is my strength and my salvation.”
Would you say that the hunger in the land inspired you to organize a give-back initiative recently?
The give-back initiative, called “Project Spread,” is not a one-time event; it is one of the ways the church reaches out to the community. This program is dedicated to transforming lives and bringing festive cheer to underserved neighborhoods across Lagos.
Last week, hundreds of families received essential food items and household supplies at this year’s edition, held at the Rock Cathedral warehouse in Lekki, ensuring their needs are met during the Christmas season.
For more than 30 years, the church has demonstrated its commitment to serving humanity through faith-driven actions. Project Spread embodies the church’s mission to address both spiritual and physical needs, capturing the true essence of Christmas.
Since its inception, this initiative has impacted communities in Mushin, Elegushi, Isale Eko, Ajegunle, and beyond, providing relief and spreading joy. Every year, the church organises resources, volunteers, and support to ensure the family is overlooked, promoting hope and unity throughout Lagos.
True faith calls us to action. Through Project Spread, we aren’t just giving gifts—we are extending love, care, and hope. This is a powerful reminder that, by working together, we can create a world where no one is left behind.
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