The Rev Iliesa Koroi, secretary of the Evangelism Department of the Methodist Church in Fiji, has expressed concerns about the performance of some pastors. He noted that many ministers are failing to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
Koroi remarked, “I am not embarrassed to say that the ministers are not doing their job.” He reflected on the work of the first missionaries, who, despite a significant cultural backdrop of cannibalism and conflict, successfully reached the local population. He pointed out that with over 100 ministers currently serving, social issues continue to rise, indicating a failure to deliver the correct message or fulfill their duties adequately.
Koroi emphasized the need for the church to take a stronger stance against the use of yaqona and cigarettes. He encouraged ministers to focus on improving their spiritual health and the church community’s structure, remembering a time when hymns echoed throughout neighborhoods.
He highlighted the importance of the church’s role in transforming lives, sharing testimonies of individuals who have overcome adversity through the power of a proper gospel message. “We have people who were on the verge of committing suicide, who abandoned drug dealing, and alcoholics; that’s the breakthrough we hope to see more often,” he stated.
Koroi criticized the church for concentrating too much on messages about reaching heaven while neglecting to address social problems.