Prophetic Ministry Under Siege: Bishop Anthony Decries Rise of Charlatans Amid 20-Year Milestone
Source: This report is based on an original interview published by Independent Nigeria.
Nigerian Cleric Sounds Alarm on Spiritual Marketplace
In a candid reflection marking his ministry’s 20th anniversary, Bishop (Dr.) Tony Anthony has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating state of prophetic ministry in Nigeria, pointing to an influx of what he describes as “charlatans” who are “messing up” the sacred office.
The General Overseer of Radiant Army Deliverance Ministry International made these observations during an extensive interview about his two decades of ministry in Ogba, Lagos, revealing both the triumphs and challenges of maintaining integrity in Nigeria’s competitive spiritual landscape.
From Catholic Seminary to Pentecostal Pulpit
Bishop Anthony’s journey to ministry leadership was anything but conventional. Born into a Catholic family, he was just four months away from priestly ordination when his father’s death prompted a dramatic spiritual shift.
“My father told me not to let what killed him kill me,” Anthony recalled, referencing a family pattern where no one had lived past 40 until he broke that cycle, now reaching 50 in 2025. This confrontation with mortality and family spiritual strongholds led him away from the Catholic priesthood—which would have ended his family line—and into Pentecostal ministry.
The Cost of Authentic Prophetic Ministry
What distinguishes genuine prophetic ministry from its counterfeit counterparts? According to Bishop Anthony, the difference lies in the source of the gift and the character of the vessel.
“I draw my gift from God’s righteousness, not just because it’s a spiritual gift,” he explained. “If I accidentally fall into sin, it grieves me. I have to quickly return to God to repent and be reconciled before the gift flows freely again.”
This stands in contrast to what he observes in the broader ministry landscape: “There are preachers living unrighteous lives who still prophesy. The Bible says the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.”
Miracles and Modern Skepticism
The bishop shared remarkable accounts of divine intervention that have characterized his ministry, including nine people raised from the dead. However, he revealed that increasing skepticism on social media has forced a change in strategy.
“We’ve stopped publicizing these wonderful miracles,” Anthony confessed. “When you show certain things, some people will come after you, claiming it’s fake.”
One particularly memorable incident involved praying for a Muslim woman who had been confirmed dead for eight hours. “As I prayed for the deceased woman, she sneezed and came back to life,” he recounted. “The Imams knelt before me, and I prayed for them.”
The Business of Ministry and Personal Sacrifice
Anthony’s approach to ministry finances has evolved significantly over two decades. Initially, he refused to collect tithes or offerings—a practice that drew criticism from fellow ministers.
“For the first two years, I didn’t take offerings or tithes because I wasn’t trained that way,” he said. This changed after formal theological education in Malaysia and at Word of Faith Bible Institute.
The personal cost has been substantial. Anthony described periods where ministry demands meant spending entire Sundays at church from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., leaving little time for his family. The church has since implemented appointment systems to create better balance.
The Temptation to Quit
Despite the ministry’s growth, Bishop Anthony admitted to frequent thoughts of quitting, particularly during seasons of scarce resources and leadership challenges.
“Many times, and even up until now,” he acknowledged. “Ministry is not easy, especially when you don’t have many kingdom partners. When resources are scarce, the anointing can turn into annoyance.”
A particularly painful moment came when “15 pastors I raised ganged up and left the church. I was the one paying their rents and giving them regular allowances. I traveled and came back to an empty place.”
Navigating the American Religious Market
While now an American citizen, Anthony has found the U.S. religious landscape markedly different from Nigeria. His American branch operates primarily through digital means, with most congregants connecting online.
“Most people in America don’t see me physically; they join our meetings online or through social media,” he noted, adding that “most of them are Africans.”
A Warning and a Way Forward
As Bishop Anthony looks toward the next five years, his message to both ministers and congregants emphasizes discernment in an era of spiritual commercialization.
His critique of “charlatans” in prophetic ministry serves as both a warning and a call to higher accountability. In a religious economy where miraculous claims often translate to financial gain, Anthony’s insistence on righteousness as the foundation for genuine gifting presents a counter-narrative.
“Every man of God who is empty knows he’s empty,” he concluded. “When it’s God, you don’t have to struggle.”
Source: This analysis is based on an original interview published by Independent Nigeria.