From the uncertainty of hospital corridors to the certainty of the altar, Sola Fola-Alade’s journey is one of profound transformation, writes Oluchi Chibuzor
Dr. Sola Fola-Alade, popularly known as DSFA, had everything set for a career in medicine. But midway through medical school, a different calling redirected his path, one that led him from the consulting room to the pulpit. While pursuing medicine at the University of Ibadan, he encountered Christ and gave his life to Him in 1990. The encounter sparked an interest in ministry so strong that he considered abandoning medical studies. But his father urged him to complete the degree.
By 1992, while working as a house officer at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, he co-founded Pri Temple, a fellowship that marked the start of his ministry journey. Although he eventually stepped away from medical practice, Doctor Sola Fola-Alade insists medicine shaped the way he now ministers.
“Medicine taught me discipline and structure, which I now apply in studying and teaching the Bible,” he said. “It also gave me compassion because both medicine and ministry are about helping people.”
Leaving medicine for ministry came with tough financial realities. At first, he turned to business to support himself, especially when serving as a missionary in England.
“Initially, I didn’t want to depend on anyone. I worked part-time while running a business, until ministry became stable,” he explained. Being single at the time made the ransition easier. Today, DSFA leads The Liberty Church, where his message centres on what he calls, “the full gospel the whole counsel of God.”
His emphasis is on the supernatural, the prophetic, and raising leaders who can thrive both in the church and in society.
He also highlights the importance of relationships marriage, partnerships, and divine connections as critical to success in life and ministry.
Before becoming a Christian, Dr. Sola Fola-Alade lived what he described as a reckless life. He was involved in partying, drinking and smoking, even leading a popular social club. His transformation into a preacher shocked many of his peers.
“My life did a complete turnaround,” he said.
Having pastored in the United Kingdom for over three decades, Dr. Sola Fola-Alade now finds his ministry drawing a younger crowd. Nearly 65 percent of his congregation is under 35.
“It’s a privilege to know my message is still relevant to young people,” he said. “I believe raising the next generation of leaders is part of my mandate.”
Through The Liberty Church, he is pursuing a vision to plant 40 churches over the next 10 years. It is an ambitious goal, but for a man who left the certainty of medicine to embrace the uncertainty of ministry, it is simply the next step in a journey of faith.
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