For many years, The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, often referred to as Lord’s Chosen, has gained attention due to its enthusiastic followers who wear bright safety vests that boldly state, “THE ENEMIES SUBMITTED.”
The church’s viral stories—including miraculous escapes from danger, incredible survival tales, and even claims of resurrection—have sparked curiosity among the public, as members share their experiences by proclaiming, “I am a chosen. Who are you?”
Faithful believers perceive these accounts as proof of divine intervention, while skeptics view them as manifestations of the absurdity prevalent in contemporary Nigerian Pentecostalism.
Recently, the church’s phrases and testimonials have become popular themes across social media, influencing a variety of content on platforms like makeup and cooking videos, along with other humorous skits. One TikTok creator humorously remarked, “You fit be chosen make your babe still choose me.”
A 2015 Pew Research Centre report indicated that around 50% of Nigerians identify as Muslims, with 48.1% identifying as Christians, leaving roughly 2% of the population as non-religious or affiliated with other religions. This raises the question of how such a devout society has transitioned to finding humor on platforms like TikTok within a mere decade.
“Viral marketing plays a huge role. If you incorporate ‘I am a Chosen’ in your post and use the original audio, it’s likely to trend,” explained Prince Abubakar, a digital marketing professional. “Once you tap into a current trend, your content’s reach can significantly increase, often by 50%. People are always looking to capitalize on what works.”
As mentioned by Solape Adegbie, a social media strategist, the surge in trend popularity is linked to the church’s sustained presence and activism in everyday life. When these videos emerged online, they resonated with a familiar narrative.
“The ‘Chosen’ messages have gained notoriety due to their energetic delivery, especially when they shout, ‘I am a chosen’,” she added. “Their members often share testimonials in public spaces, and the stories are remarkably captivating.”
Adegbie noted that the spontaneous production style of these videos contributes significantly to their appeal. “They are often short, candid, and feel genuine, as if the individuals are recording their experiences on the sly,” she shared.
The era when Nigerians were drawn to televised miracles performed by charismatic televangelists has faded—many young people today are unaware of that past. This generation now finds some of those miraculous claims amusing rather than believable.
In addition, revelations about corruption within religious leadership have bred skepticism, making it hard for miraculous testimonials to gain traction amid growing distrust in the clergy. Social media discussions about defending faith further complicate the reactions, with many Christians refraining from addressing the satirical portrayal of the church. “There’s a stance in the community that suggests not needing to defend God, yet the portrayals can be questionable,” Adegbie noted.
Adegbie also highlighted a shift in focus among contemporary clergymen, who often prioritize personal growth and prosperity in their messaging, resembling motivational speakers more than miracle workers.
Brands typically steer clear of religious themes to avoid controversy; however, Abubakar suggests that the current dialogue around the ‘chosen’ trend skirts around deeper religious issues, instead tapping into personal faith and belief in miracles. “The backlash mainly stems from people laughing off serious spiritual matters rather than denouncing the religion altogether. Collaborating with influencers capitalizing on this trend can be an effective strategy,” he stated.
While many influencers intend to present humorous interpretations, church followers perceive the videos differently, seeing them as a reflection of divine promise. Lazarus Muoka, the church’s leader, expressed gratitude for the attention these trends have garnered.
“Everywhere is chosen, chosen, chosen. I am thankful for what God has blessed us with,” he shared during a sermon. “God is orchestrating this spread, and we must honor Him for it. This will highlight that we serve a living God.”
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