Male ministers wearing earrings won’t mount my pulpit, says Pastor Adefarasin

By Damilola Akinwale –

The Senior Pastor of House on the Rock, Paul Adefarasin, has stirred conversations across the Christian community after declaring a ban on male ministers and gospel artistes wearing earrings on his church’s pulpit or at The Experience concert.

The cleric made the declaration during a teaching session, according to Church Gist, a popular Christian Facebook platform. He questioned the practice, asking, “Why will a man be wearing earrings?” He further declared that any pastor who wears earrings would not be allowed on his pulpit, while male ministers who wear them would not be permitted to minister at The Experience.

Explaining his position, Adefarasin said that in ancient times, ear piercing among men symbolised a blood covenant and marked someone as a slave to a master.

He added that earrings were traditionally meant for women and argued that a man wearing them was attempting to look like a woman.

While acknowledging that people were free to dress as they pleased elsewhere, he maintained that his church’s pulpit had strict standards. “Do it in America when you go back or at your church,” he said.

As the convener of The Experience, an annual Christian music concert in Lagos that attracts top Nigerian and international gospel artistes, some of whom wear earrings as part of their fashion statements, Adefarasin’s remarks have sparked fresh debate online about contemporary Christian appearance and standards of conduct for ministers.

His comments have also renewed discussions about biblical teachings on appearance and the standards expected of ministers who wish to perform at his church and the annual gospel music gathering.

Adefarasin is a prominent Nigerian clergyman, televangelist and founder of House on the Rock, a Christian ministry headquartered in Lagos. He serves as its Metropolitan Senior Pastor and is known for his teachings, leadership and Christian outreach. He is married to Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin, who also serves in the ministry.