The Nation Newspaper

Tag: church leaders

  • Deeper Life partners CAN, PFN to train church leaders

    The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), is organising a one-day training summit for church ministers.

    The event, tagged Ministers’ Development and Networking Summit, will hold on March 27 at the DCLM headquarters, Gbagada, Lagos with the theme: “Building the builders.”

    The organisers, including DCLM General Superintendent W. F. Kumuyi, the Chairman of CAN in Lagos, Apostle Alexander Balogun and Chairman of PFN in Lagos, Bishop Shola Ore, stated this at a media parley in Gbagada yesterday.

    They expressed hope that the summit, expected to hold quarterly, will afford leading church fathers to pass on their experiences to and prepare the younger generation to lead the church in Nigeria.

    The Summit will feature “seminars, workshops and inspiring messages plus excellent opportunities for ministerial interface and networking.”

    Balogun, who spoke on behalf of the organisers, said: “The summit is a non-denominational forum that provides church ministers a rare opportunity for personal development and ministerial empowerment through expository studies, practical training, information sharing and networking.

    “Expected participants are Pastors and Leaders of Churches and Gospel Ministries.”

    He thanked Kumuyi, the convener of the summit, “whose all-round ministry has, for decades, been a huge blessing to countless number of Christians and Gospel Ministers across church denominations and countries.”

    Balogun added: “The vision for the Ministers’ Development and Networking Summit came from him and I have no doubt that he heard from God, our Father.

    “Indeed, this is not the first attempt he has made in the quest to have Gospel Ministers trained and developed irrespective of their denominational background. But this one is huge and unique in the sense that it is a vision shared by the entire membership of CAN.

    “It is our hope that the deliverables from this platform will play a catalytic role in the revival of the entire body of Christ and lead the Church of Christ in the State to higher heights.”

    According to him, the summit timely and would “foster the much needed love and unity in the body of Christ which in turn will create a more enabling environment for meaningful and effective evangelisation.”

     

     

  • Don’t turn Akwa Ibom to war zone, church leaders warn politicians

    Church leaders in Akwa Ibom State have cautioned against acts capable of truncating the nation’s democracy.

    They took a swipe at forces inciting violence in the state, warning they would have God to contend with in their efforts to plunge the state into needless chaos.

    The leaders spoke last week during an interactive meeting with Christians and some government functionaries at the corporate headquarters of the Akwa Ibom Christian Assembly (ACA) in Uyo.

    The Prelate Emeritus of Methodist Church Nigeria Dr Sunday Mbang canvassed for oneness, peace and security in Akwa Ibom.

    He condemned in strong terms all manner of political crises by those he described as faceless actors.

    Mbang, a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said believers must stand strong against those interested in dragging them into the era of backward and visionless governance.

    He told them to lead by example and avoid bad behaviours that would tarnish the image of the church.

    President of Akwa Ibom Christian Assembly (ACA), Archbishop Cletus Bassey enjoined Christians in the state to be involved in the forthcoming general elections.

    He told them to vote quality leaders that will impact their lives positively.

    He said without quality and god- fearing leaders like Governor Udom Emmanuel, citizens would not enjoy peace and security in the state.

    According to him: “The Fathers of Faith and other men of God in the state have spoken concerning the re-election of our dear Governor, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and we urge every Christian irrespective of the denomination to see the second term of Udom as a people’s project.

    “We want all of you to vote for credible, quality and God fearing leaders in 2019 general elections so that we can have a better society to practice Christianity.

    “Note that if the state is note peaceful, there will be no church.”

    Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Charles Udoh, former military governor and Director-General of the Divine Mandate, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga poured encomiums on the Governor for his outstanding performance despite distractions by those they called enemies of progress.

    They said despite the lean resources, Emmanuel has embraced prudent management to provide infrastructures, industries, modern health care facilities, free and compulsory education, youth empowerment, sports development among others.

    They commended the church leaders for their prayers and warned the state government will no longer tolerate any activity that would bring it to disrepute.

     

  • Church leaders working against Christian candidates – Emmanuel

    Church leaders are the biggest impediments to the emergence of elected Christian office holders, Secretary of Christian Elders Forum Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, has declared.

    She spoke at the 2nd annual National Conference of the Advocates for Right Leadership Association (ARLA) AKA Believers in Politics(BIP) in Sagamu, Ogun State.

    Delivering the keynote address with the theme Government upon His shoulder, Emmanuel said genuine Christians are not in the political arena because church leaders are working against their emergence.

    He explained politics would remain dirty until good Christians get in to redeem the situation.

    According to him: “Believers have been saddled with the responsibility of political and spiritual dominance of their sphere of influence.

    “But achieving this may prove difficult because of the self-centeredness of most church leaders who rather than work together will present individual agendas.”

    Christians, he stated, need political leaders who can rally them to common fronts in the onerous task of rescuing the national from political and economic woes.

    This, he said, will not happen unfortunately until Christian leaders come together and speak with one voice on the political evolution of the nation.

    He tasked them to work toward preparing Christian candidates for the 2019 general elections.

    Emmanuel argued Christians, by teaching and training, are highly positioned to lead the nation out of the woods, warning of the dire consequences of leaving politics for unbelievers.

    Convener of the conference, Evangelist Kolade Segun-Okeowo, said it was high time Christians were involved in the nation’s political space.

    The Ogun House of Representatives hopeful warned the nation would continue to have rulers instead of leaders should Christians remain averse to political engagements.

    Segun- Okeowo advised Christians to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) vote massively for believers with genuine credentials.

    Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ogun State chapter, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya, urged Christians to take their civic responsibility seriously as 2019 approaches.

  • Unite against killings, PLIN tells church leaders

    An interdenominational ministerial group, Pastors Leaders Interceding Network (PLIN), has tasked church leaders in the country to speak with one voice against the killings of Christians.

    According to PLIN, the killings will halt if church leaders can jointly speak to the authorities instead of using their personal platforms.

    PLIN, in a statement last week by its convener, Apostle Dele Johnson, admitted the leaders have been speaking, but urged them to come together to issue ultimatum to the federal government to address the growing insecurity concerns.

    It said the government will take church leaders seriously when they speak with force as one.

    The group said: “The church must no longer maintain this deafening silence. We are the voice of the poor masses .We are the hope of the inconsequential critical mass.

    “We recognise efforts of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to condemn the waste of human lives by herdsmen and the clear knee jerk, largely insincere and very poor handling of this ugly trend by the government.

    “We believe more needs to be done. All hands must be on deck to end this carnage.”

    PLIN recalled how the controversies trailing the merger of Christian Religious Studies (CRS) ended immediately church leaders spoke strongly to the authorities last year.

    It said the same result will be replicated if church leaders address the federal government as one.

    “PLIN is hereby calling for a joint press briefing of our church fathers to address this carnage.

    “This must be done urgently to stem this reckless blot letting by the herdsmen/Boko Haram,” the group stressed.

    It went on: “If the church refuses to talk now then we can be assured that the aggression against the church because of the failure of the government shall escalate.

    “We must get this herdsmen proscribed as a terrorist group because they have killed more innocent and defenceless people compared to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) that has no records of any killing, which the government was quick to list as a terrorist group.”

     

  • Bishop to church leaders: don’t take over God’s work

    The Bishop of Diocese of Ekiti West Church of Nigeria, Anglican

    Communion, the Right Reverend Rufus Adepoju, has warned Christians leaders not to take over God’s work in their churches.

    Adepoju gave the warning in his sermon at the induction service for new Vicar/Archdeacon for Erijiyan Archdeaconry, the Venerable Michael Olatunji Oguntuase, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Erijiyan-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area.

    According to a statement by the Diocesan Communicator, Prince Sola Adetule, the bishop enjoined the congregation to cooperate with the new Archdeacon and other priests working under him rather than criticising them.

    The highpoint of the ceremony was the handing over of the bishop’s seat in the church to the Archdeacon.

    He was also conducted round the church’s property and assets.

    The bishop warned that criticism against the Archdeacon cannot lead to his removal unjustly saying “with the oath of office he (Oguntuase) had just taken, he should be left to the judgment of God for appropriate actions.

    Cooperation with the church leaders, the bishop noted, would bring growth and development to all the churches in the archdeaconry.

    Adepoju stated on assumption of office as the Bishop of Ekiti

    West Diocese, he has been able to ensure that vicars and archdeacons as well as other workers of Diocese are paid well like their counterparts in other dioceses.

    He advised the vicars and archdeacons to carry out their spiritual work conscientiously and cooperate with their congregations.

    The induction service was witnessed by the wife of the bishop, Mrs. Christiana Tolulope Adepoju; former Deputy Vice Chancellor Ekiti State University, Prof. Yinka Ogunlade, all Archdeacons, Vicars and other church officials.

  • WCCA felicitates with juveniles, church leaders

    The World Christian Council Association also known as chamber of all churches has felicitated with the children’s ministry Cherubim and Seraphim Church Ayo Ni O Surulere, Lagos for the successful celebration of the juvenile harvest recently.

    Its President, Primate Ayoola Omonigbehin, said the occasion was truly special and validates the commitment of the church to future investment.

    Omonigbehin, in a statement, hailed the General leader and District chairman, Special Apostle Sunday Korode, for believing in the ministry of children.

    He also thanked Shepherd of the children’s ministry, Special Apostle Tunde Senbanjo, for practical demonstration of love to the juveniles.

    He assured that their love for the ministry will be rightly rewarded in the years to come.

     

  • Alpha trains church leaders, others

    A three-day intensive training for church leaders and others involved in gospel global evangelisation holds from October 6-8.

    Alpha Nigeria, organisers of the conference, said the training is packaged to expose participants to the foundation of the Christian faith.

    National Coordinator of the evangelism and discipleship ministry, Andrew Olatunji, in a statement explained day one of the conference takes place at 9, Anifowose Street, Victoria Island from 10am-12noon.

    The conference moves to Dike hall, Air Force Officers Mess 1, KofoAbayomi Street Victoria Island from 10am-4:30pm daily.

    There will also be launch of the NEW Alpha film series and showcasing of other exciting resources at the conference.

  • Speak truth to power, cleric tells church leaders

    The Senior Pastor, Christ Elect Ministry International, Apostle Clement Ogoro, has challenged church leaders to continue to speak truth to powers-that-be in the nation.

    This, he said, will enable them fulfill their prophetic mandate and push the nation closer to the path of greatness and advancement.

    Ogoro spoke at the 30th convention of the church recently.

    The programme tagged Joy unspeakable attracted thousands from across the nation.

    He said that many church leaders are afraid of preaching the truth of God‘s word, leaving their members confused and ill-equipped for Christian living.

    He lamented there are no prophets again in the nation who are bold to spill the beans and confront the powers-that-be.

    According to Ogoro: “God is in dire need of men of God who will raise up the banner of righteousness and lead the nation out of the woods at this point in time.

    “We need men like Daniel, Jeremiah and Ezekiel whose interest is that God will be done”.

    He cited the prophets in the scriptures led by God who spoke His mind without fears.

    Those prophets, according to him, were faithful to deliver God’s words and instructions to the nation even in the face of death and torture.

    Presiding Bishop of The Spirit of His word Church, Bishop Isaac Nmergini, who commended the effort of the senior pastor of the church, urged church leaders to remain faithful to the call of God upon their lives.

    This, he said, becomes necessary because God rewards faithfulness and consistency.

    He said everything God does have a process.

    “God took the children of Israel to the wilderness so he can take Egypt out of them and position them to fulfill destiny.

    “Church leaders should depend on God, wear patience like a cloth, endure and know that God who has called them into ministry is able to prosper them,” he began.

    He continued: “Remove your focus on people and keep their eyes gaze on God and believe that God who has called you into ministry will never abandon you.”

    He also advised Nigerian Christians to learn to trust in God for their desired breakthrough when the country is facing economy recession.

    “As Christians, our economy is not tight to the economy of the nation but tight up in heaven.

    “There is an unknown bank account and resources for God’s people in heaven. Let look up to God and pray for this country,” Nmergini said.

  • ‘Church leaders causing problems for God’

    ‘Church leaders causing problems for God’

    The first thing you notice about the senior pastor of The Redemption Glory Assembly (TREGA) Lagos, Pastor Emmanuel Abiodun, is this curious reclusion. He keeps to himself in a way that tells one there is something about him to be unearthed.

    This reclusion is an art he has mastered over the years, perhaps to save him the wrath of those affected by his radical views. But once one succeeds in drawing him out of his shell, Abiodun opens up in a friendly, amazing manner.

    It’s been ten, long years since TREGA came into being. But there has been no attempt to showcase the church at least in the media. Is there something Abiodun is hiding? “I have not been hiding but busy with running the vision,” he began.

    “There has been no intentional effort to blow one’s trumpet. You don’t announce the pregnancy of six months. It announces itself. I just love the simple, unassuming life.”

    This unassuming life makes many fellow church leaders avoid him. He hardly gets invited for ministrations. His views are radical and hard-hitting. But Abiodun is the least concerned. “Jesus is my friend and I am contented with him. It is not about popularity but being right,” he retorted.

    His obsession with being right is huge. As long as something is right, Abiodun is all for it, without minding whose ox is gored, the cumulative costs or losses.

    He also likes to see himself as a process-oriented minister even though he is also mindful results are not easily dismissible. “We are more interested in process without minding results. What is the essence of laboring without results? We want success, prosperity and power but we know that there must be a process. Our attention to process is great.”

    Abiodun, who runs TREGA Life centre, a community empowerment scheme that has benefitted over 200 people, says he is never under pressure to deliver despite being a prophet.

    According to him:  “You cannot come to this church and I will tell you God will do it in just two months. I will tell you He makes everything beautiful in His own time.”

    “I am not under pressure to impress God and people. I tell people there are many things I cannot do.  I am not God. I am only a prophet. I can only pray to God and He has the prerogative to answer or not. God has told me that gifts will not build the church, but the word.”

    He said the trend of overpromising puts the church at a disadvantaged. Many people, he said, have been disenchanted by God and the church. “

    “When you come to God, He will fix you. But the way, time and how are left to Him. No man on earth can determine that. Many Christians no longer preach Christ but church.

    “When we preach Christ, everything is balanced. We are causing problems for God. When we balance things, the focus will be on God, not the man of God. When they have challenges, they will remain.”

    Abiodun added: “When we promise what we cannot deliver, we are causing problems for God. We don’t have right over our lives. Why should we promise others things so that they become disappointed with God and the church?

    “There is someone who will never die; whose network does not fail. That person is God and He should be our main focus.”

    TREGA life centre is a free empowerment scheme designed to uplift the downtrodden. Abiodun said the scheme is an intervention programme that is not money-related.

    “We came to the realisation that the church is supposed to be a solution centre in every facet of life. Be it in spiritual or physical area, the church must offer help to mankind.

    “I believe the church can do the little it can do without monetizing it to the people around. That is why birthed the vision. We are trying to be a blessing to the community and imposing kingdom values,” he explained.

    Though it is taking a toll on the finances of the church, the radical preacher said the scheme has come to stay because it is the right thing to do.

    “We don’t believe you must derive monetary benefits to help others. We do what is right to be a channel of correction to others. Fellow pastors have asked why we are wasting our time. Some think there is a grant somewhere and the fact is there is none from anyone. I believe the reward is with God and will not be immediate.

    “We are strictly abiding by the core values of moderation and love. We are doing what God wants us to do without bothered about the popularity or otherwise.”

  • ‘Church leaders are causing problems for God’

    ‘Church leaders are causing problems for God’

    The first thing you notice about the senior pastor of The Redemption Glory Assembly (TREGA) Lagos, Pastor Emmanuel Abiodun, is this curious reclusion. He keeps to himself in a way that tells one there is something about him to be unearthed.

    This reclusion is an art he has mastered over the years, perhaps to save him the wrath of those affected by his radical views. But once one succeeds in drawing him out of his shell, Abiodun opens up in a friendly, amazing manner.

    It’s been ten, long years since TREGA came into being. But there has been no attempt to showcase the church at least in the media. Is there something Abiodun is hiding? “I have not been hiding but busy with running the vision,” he began.

    “There has been no intentional effort to blow one’s trumpet. You don’t announce the pregnancy of six months. It announces itself. I just love the simple, unassuming life.”

    This unassuming life makes many fellow church leaders avoid him. He hardly gets invited for ministrations. His views are radical and hard-hitting. But Abiodun is the least concerned. “Jesus is my friend and I am contented with him. It is not about popularity but being right,” he retorted.

    His obsession with being right is huge. As long as something is right, Abiodun is all for it, without minding whose ox is gored, the cumulative costs or losses.

    He also likes to see himself as a process-oriented minister even though he is also mindful results are not easily dismissible. “We are more interested in process without minding results. What is the essence of laboring without results? We want success, prosperity and power but we know that there must be a process. Our attention to process is great.”

    Abiodun, who runs TREGA Life centre, a community empowerment scheme that has benefitted over 200 people, says he is never under pressure to deliver despite being a prophet.

    According to him:  “You cannot come to this church and I will tell you God will do it in just two months. I will tell you He makes everything beautiful in His own time.”

    “I am not under pressure to impress God and people. I tell people there are many things I cannot do.  I am not God. I am only a prophet. I can only pray to God and He has the prerogative to answer or not. God has told me that gifts will not build the church, but the word.”

    He said the trend of overpromising puts the church at a disadvantaged. Many people, he said, have been disenchanted by God and the church. “

    “When you come to God, He will fix you. But the way, time and how are left to Him. No man on earth can determine that. Many Christians no longer preach Christ but church.

    “When we preach Christ, everything is balanced. We are causing problems for God. When we balance things, the focus will be on God, not the man of God. When they have challenges, they will remain.”

    Abiodun added: “When we promise what we cannot deliver, we are causing problems for God. We don’t have right over our lives. Why should we promise others things so that they become disappointed with God and the church?

    “There is someone who will never die; whose network does not fail. That person is God and He should be our main focus.”

    TREGA life centre is a free empowerment scheme designed to uplift the downtrodden. Abiodun said the scheme is an intervention programme that is not money-related.

    “We came to the realisation that the church is supposed to be a solution centre in every facet of life. Be it in spiritual or physical area, the church must offer help to mankind.

    “I believe the church can do the little it can do without monetizing it to the people around. That is why birthed the vision. We are trying to be a blessing to the community and imposing kingdom values,” he explained.

    Though it is taking a toll on the finances of the church, the radical preacher said the scheme has come to stay because it is the right thing to do.

    “We don’t believe you must derive monetary benefits to help others. We do what is right to be a channel of correction to others. Fellow pastors have asked why we are wasting our time. Some think there is a grant somewhere and the fact is there is none from anyone. I believe the reward is with God and will not be immediate.

     “We are strictly abiding by the core values of moderation and love. We are doing what God wants us to do without bothered about the popularity or otherwise.”