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Tag: discipleship

  • ‘Why churches don’t encourage discipleship training’

    ‘Why churches don’t encourage discipleship training’

    President of Equipping The Saint Worldwide Ministry, Dr. Jeje Philips, speaks with Adeola Ogunlade on the journey of the mission to the ideas of discipleship in Nigeria at its 14th convocation in Lagos

    How has the journey been in a terrain like Nigeria, trying to make disciples?

    Making disciples anywhere in the world is not easy and not smooth. Nigeria is not different but we give glory to God who has given us the strength to move this far and enablement all the way. Some of the things we encounter are human factors but God has been faithful to us. Because of is faithfulness, we have been able to move faster than expected. It‘s not been easy. We have been able to do 14 convocations in 20 years.

    That means you have lost out of some years. Why was that?

    In the process of setting up and establishing the ministry, we lost some resource people along the line. They lost out of the lane. May be the because of the rigid or rugged exercise put in place to run the race, some dropped out.

    We had to look out for new, greener pastures. Some people who started with us thought that is not as easy as church planting because in church planting, you have many people to support you financially.

    People will bring their tithes, which can be used to run the church but God ordered us not to collect money. So, we don’t charge for the training.

    So, how have you been keeping the ministry going?

    It is God that is helping us to survive. He told us to train them free that He did not send us to collect money but to make disciples and when we obey, He will give us the money.

    Are the materials free? If yes, how then do you pay your resource persons?

    The materials are not free.

    What is so peculiar about these new graduates in your interaction with them?

    God has enjoined us to go out and make disciples of all nations. The gospel of Jesus Christ should go across all missions. It is a mandate Jesus gave when He said all authorities on earth have been given to Him after resurrection.

    He gave the disciples the charge to go out and make disciples and teach the world about him. For sometimes, the church has been distracted from the main mandate by focusing on other things and not on Jesus and his heart cry to the church.

    Jesus told us to make disciples. By so doing, we would depopulate the kingdom of darkness, bring people to Christ, pray for the sick among them and they would recover because we have obeyed His injunction to go and  disciple all nations.

    We will then bring down the power of God on the earth. Originally, when Jesus Christ came, He gave power to the church to heal the sick but somehow the church, because we are busy running after other things, forgot His mandate

    His disciples are like Christ. Like Jesus said that to His disciples, they are not greater than the master but everyone, when fully trained, will be like his teacher (Luke 6: 40).  The church is supposed to act on earth as an arm of Jesus Christ. That is main purpose

    Do you keep tab on your graduates?

    We don’t just focus on the ceremonial aspect but invest our time and energy in following up with them one on one with the support of the alumni of the school.

    Why is it hard to sell the ideas to some denominational heads?

    The challenge is that some denominational heads want to run their own thing the way it profits them. They are churches that have bible colleges and they charge heavily. The church is looking for money by all means.

    When we started, a church invited us and we charged them and when we got there for the training, we did not see anybody, apart from an old woman with a child in the church. We felt very disappointed.

    I asked the Lord, why this disappointment and God told me ‘freely you have received, freely give. I told you to go and make disciples and not charge them. I will give you the money to run your ministry.’

    Then, we stop charging. We had charged some people for a fee, but when God told us to stop charging, we wrote to them that we are not charging any fee for the training and God over the years has been faithful to us.

    I remember we went to a church on Allen Avenue where we taught the workers for six weeks without any fee. The pastor of the church gave us some gifts after we finished the training but on our way out of the church, he called us back and told us that God told him to give us N100, 000.

    That encouraged and convicted us that God is faithful to what He said. Some churches also believe that no other ministry can come and teach them. We are non-denominational. We teach as the bible teaches us.

    Is it located only in Southwest?

    No, we are covering the whole of Africa.

    What’s your take on inclusion of African elements in worship in churches?

    We have no quarrel with that because you can do anything you like. Everything is important but not everything is expedient. Use of candle was first brought to Catholic Church in Nigeria and later to Cherubim and Seraphim.

    When I was the Dean of the C and S Bible College, we found it difficult to accept it but later we did. We accepted it but later changed. After some years, I was having problems with the church authorities because I was saying some things contrary to what they know and teach. We had problems and eventually, we moved out.

    We started an independent ministry, non-denominational ministry. We are not particular about the doctrines of each denomination. We teach Christ and we allow the denomination to teach their things. We may not interfere with the doctrine of any church, we only teach Christ and Christ alone crucified. It is a common denominator among all church

    How do you handle cases of trinity because some churches don’t believe in?

    There is no controversy about Trinity. Anybody who says he does not believe in trinity does not understand the nature of God. The nature of God is three, just like the nature of man. If you say that God is one and you are not interested in knowing the three aspects of Jesus, you have not started.

    Water is liquid as we know but if you put it inside the fridge or boil it, its only changes its form. It remains water. Anyone who does not understand that God is three does not understand God at all. Everything about God is three.

    How can the church make more impact in the world?

    The church can make impact if we follow the teachings of Christ that is why Jesus came to the world to make man understand God’s plan and purpose for humanity. In economy and other areas, the world did not have understanding of the purpose of God. That was why He sent His son to reveal His plan and purpose to the world. If the church can adhere to the teaching of Christ, it will affect the world positively.

  • Group ends training on discipleship

    A two-day training session on Alpha Course, a modern tool for evangelism, ended last week in Lagos with Christians urged to commit the more to discipleship.

    No fewer than 50 church leaders and trainers attended the conference, which focused on evangelism, discipleship and unity of faith.

    Tagged Run Alpha conference, the session was organised by Alpha Nigeria, an interdenominational evangelism and discipleship ministry.

    The training considered issues such as equipping laity to lead, discipleship outside the church, training laity in ministry, unity and societal transformation.

    The Catholic Archbishop of Metropolitan Lagos, Dr Alfred Martins, said the courses are veritable tools to better understand and appreciate the Christian faith.

    Represented by Parish priest of Catholic Church of Divine Mercy Lagos, Paschal Nwaezeapu, Martins said:  “Alpha is a tool needed to transform the decay and the dark world.

    “You begin to appreciate your faith more or you come to believe in God with it. Alpha challenges us to renew our faith. It’s interactive and promotes friendship. It activates peoples’ faith and makes it come fully alive”.

    He added the training gives joy “once you start running it and provides the opportunity to serve,” saying it can be a basis for Christian unity because “it talks about Jesus, which should be the unity force among Christians.”

    Mr. Femi Lijadu, one of the participants, said: “The process of deepening one’s faith is a marathon. Hence Alpha’s vision is to re-evangelise the nation, revitalise the church and transform the society.”

    He identified local churches as critical to the training, saying they provide the manpower, structure and resources to reach the outside world.

    Lijadu added: “It is an idea where you give people space to discover their faith and explore questions, forming a bridge between the church and the world.”

    He praised the global organisation for its invaluable services in “collecting data from around the world about what is happening, equipping the church by telling true stories and trying to make it learning experience.”

    Pioneer Director of Alpha Nigeria, Mrs. Biola Ogunbiyi, said: “It’s fully Spirit -driven as far as the Holy-Spirit is involved.

    “What is left is what we as people are doing. It gives you confidence, you know who you are in Christ. It’s not about you or me and it’s about giving the Holy-Spirit rooms to do what He’s sent to do as on the day of Pentecost.”

    National Director of Alpha Nigeria, Olatunji Andrew, said there should be no pressure in discipleship.

     The training, rather he said, “presents people with the truth and gives them the opportunity to make their choices”.

    He said conviction is the work of the Holy Spirit with the organisation merely a tool that gets messages out in ways people will understand.

    The former Provost of Marina Church Lagos, Very Rev Yinka Omololu, said the very thing to do in setting up any Alpha group is to set up a dedicated prayer team immediately.

  • Olagunju tasks church leaders on discipleship 

    The Senior Pastor of Kingdom Life Christian Centre, Pastor Jummy Olagunju, has called on church leaders to focus on discipleship and develop believers as solution provider within their community.

    Olagunju made this known in an interview with The Nation at the monthly Praise Arena Night oganised by the Kingdom Life Christian Ministry held recently at NICON in Lagos.

    According to him, God is looking for pastors that will motivate and inspire the involvement of believers to the service of God and provide solutions to world problems.

    He said ”our society lies in darkness as confusion, poverty, corruption, injustices and insecurity become more visible. They daily seek for the light which the church that is focused on Jesus can give within their communities and sphere of influence”.

    He noted that Christians of all ages have risen up to bring about good education, health care facilities, good roads, portable water and all forms of economic empowerment programmes in modern civilisation.

    The tele evangelist opined that the church cannot remain indifferent to the needs and aspiration of the world around them because of the growing needs for us to shine as light and sow the good seeds of love, care, understanding, and hospitality.

    Olagunju, said he believes that the church should bring smiles to the world around them as “our message of the kingdom will expand and spread round the world if we bring smiles to the downtrodden, neglected, and the vulnerable people around us.”

    He also lamented the wise spate of prosperity message being promoted by some church leaders as against the message that would prepare men for heaven.

    He said, “it is increasingly worrisome that many unbelievers come to church and they think Christianity is only about prosperity and abundance. Meanwhile, it is only faith in Jesus Christ that guarantees eternal life.”

    He noted that there must be an immediate doctrinal shift in the church. The preaching of money gospel must cease and the Nigerian church must return to the message of the cross, the message of the good news of the kingdom of God; the message of repentance from sin leading to eternal life.

    Olagunju posited that the Nigerian church has not been raising disciples. “Rather, it has focused on raising millionaires. We are all witnesses of the unfortunate results of that distraction. There must be a deliberate doctrinal shift in the church. Mammon must be dethroned in the church while Christ must be enthroned in His rightful position as the Lord of all,” declared Olagunju.

     

  • Meaning of discipleship

    Four recent publications in several national dailies illustrate various dimensions of discipleship which has become a topical concept not only in Nigeria but globally. They are: The chance of prosperity versus poverty of austerity by Bola Ahmed Tinubu; PMS pump price reduction and the economy: My take–away by Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN; Buhari vs. Jonathan: Beyond the election by Charles Chukwuma Soludo; and Buhari has not satisfied the constitution – Adebanjo being an interview of Chief Ayo Adebanjo. These publications addressed several current national issues, and gave insight into the perceptions, priorities and prejudices of the respective authors, and illustrated the various manifestations of discipleship.

    Tinubu’s article is a well-researched critique of the macro-economic policy of the federal government, and a spirited articulation of his preferred strategy for the creation of wealth and jobs. Fashola similarly presented a constructive critique of the government’s policy on the price of fuel. Soludo critically reviewed the economic policies of the Jonathan government as well as the proposed policy of the opposition party, APC. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the views expressed in the three articles, it cannot be denied that each addressed issues, and articulated researched, reasoned, balanced arguments; they criticized extant policy and practice, and presented alternatives. To that extent they were in the tradition of the late sage, Chief Obafemi  Awolowo. Indeed in his article Soludo acknowledged this hallmark of the sage.

    In his interview, Chief Adebanjo declared his preference for President Jonathan and his aversion to General Buhari’s candidature in the imminent presidential elections; he admonished the people of the South-West to support Jonathan in order to avoid “making a big mistake and digging their own graves”; he emphasized that his position was based on “principles”; he explained that, because he and his colleagues in their faction of Afenifere are “strictly Awolowo’s disciples”, they do not “modify Awo’s principles for our(their) own interest”. He did not elaborate on the “principles”.

    Chief Adebanjo’s choice of candidate – indeed the choice of any Nigerian – cannot and should not be questioned, and he need not proffer any reason for it. However if, as in this case, he decides to give reasons for his choice, it is legitimate to examine the reasons proffered. Therefore I wish to comment on four of the reasons presented by Chief Adebanjo namely: implementation of the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference, the character of General Buhari, the qualifications of Buhari, and the suitability of Professor Osinbajo as Vice-Presidential candidate.

    Chief Adebanjo stated that he is supporting Jonathan “because he is the only man who can implement the recommendations of the national conference which was set-up to bring equity to Yoruba land and Nigeria”. He asserted that the conference produced the panacea for Nigeria’s problems, and “—that is why I am insisting that all the recommendations of the confab should be implemented before the elections because the inequality this country has been suffering all this while has been rectified with the recommendations of the confab. All the things that could cause us conflicts have been rectified.”

    It is rather simplistic to suggest that, by itself, the recommendations of the 2014 conference – or any other conference for that matter – constitute a magic wand to sweep away all the problems of Nigeria. It is also internally inconsistent to insist that the recommendations of the conference must be implemented before the elections and simultaneously affirm that Jonathan, who is yet to submit the conference report to the National Assembly six months after it was presented to him, is the only man who can implement the recommendations. Could it be that those who described the conference as diversionary are correct? Could it be a repeat of a similar exercise during the second term of President Obasanjo?

    Chief Adebanjo asserted that “as a NADECO man” he cannot support a former military dictator like Buhari. He described Buhari as a “fundamentalist” whose tenure as the boss of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) was tainted with corruption. I share Chief Adebanjo’s aversion for military dictatorship. However it is possible for a Saul to become a Paul. Buhari’s track record during the current political dispensation demonstrates that he believes in and submits to democracy and the rule of law. Furthermore, Obasanjo was a military dictator who became President in a civilian democratic dispensation. His re-election in 2003 for a second term was supported by Chief Adebanjo and his colleagues. Obasanjo, who set-up two panels to probe the PTF, stated publicly that Buhari’s hands are clean, but Chief Adebanjo asserted that “—Obasanjo was trying to cover him (Buhari) up” because “—the issue of the N25 billion —is all in the report”. People like me who have not seen the report would have appreciated it if he had quoted the relevant parts. Corruption is a major endemic problem in Nigeria which should be fully exposed and condemned when and as opportunity permits. It is therefore unfortunate that Chief Adebanjo stated: “When they talk of corruption in Jonathan government, I won’t say the government is clean, but those who are talking about corruption, how clean are they themselves?”

    Chief Adebanjo described the selection of Professor Yemi Osinbajo as Buhari’s running-mate as “a gimmick”. He stated that Osinbajo: “—is a distinguished lawyer and a nice gentleman…has no political experience…Tinubu brought him in as Attorney General, he was never in politics…he is from Ikenne but does he know the politics of Ikenne?”

    This is most amazing! Chief Adebanjo knows that Osinbajo is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who became a Professor of Law at the University of Lagos over two decades ago, served as Adviser to Prince Bola Ajibola when the latter was Attorney General of the Federation in the late eighties, and gave widely-acclaimed meritorious service as Attorney General of Lagos State for two terms from 1999. In addition, he has served with distinction in several capacities nationally and internationally, including the United Nations. He is clearly a distinguished lawyer who has cognate experience of governance by virtue of his eight-year membership of the cabinet of the Lagos State government. The point is not that Adebanjo should support the choice of Osinbajo. Rather it is his implied belief that knowledge of the politics of Ikenne –whatever that is – constitutes an/the important criterion in the selection of a candidate for the post of Vice-President!

    Chief Adebanjo is well-known as a long-standing political associate of the late Chief Awolowo, and proudly asserts that he and his colleagues are disciples of the sage. The contributions of the sage to public discourse were always characterized by focus on issues, constructive criticism, and clear articulation of well-researched balanced arguments.  The statements in the interview reviewed do not reflect these hallmarks.

    A disciple is a follower of the doctrines of a leader, teacher or school of thought. The quality of discipleship is a function not only of loyalty but also the disciple’s perception or understanding of the doctrines. It is a blessing that the books written by Chief Awolowo, as well as lectures which he delivered and his contributions in parliament are readily available. They make it futile for any individual or group to claim proprietary rights to the sage.

    • Professor Oyediran, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, lives in Ibadan.
  • ‘Terror cannot stop the gospel’

    ‘Terror cannot stop the gospel’

    The Bishop of Evangelism and Discipleship, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Edoka Amuta, believes that no amount of terror or persecution will stop the gospel. He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on this and sundry issues. Excerpts: 

    Nigeria was 54 last week as an independent nation. How would you assess the country?

    When I was younger, I felt the impact of government even in the rural area where we lived. My father was a teacher in the primary school. The school was lively; education was very good. Even in the village back then, we had extra curricula activities such as agriculture, band and sports. Everything was impressive.

    We wrote common entrance and passed with our rural background. That formed the background of my life today. Those days were very good. As we grew, we saw there were unity, peace and progress. You could live in any part of this country without fear of molestation. Food was readily available and job seekers got employment.

    I’d say Nigeria has progressed in many ways but there are other sides that are not very pleasant. That we are still together as a nation is a plus. We have done fairly well but there is a large room for improvement.

    You just came on board as the Bishop of Evangelism and Discipleship. What has changed since your assumption of office?

    You know so much has changed. There is renewed vigour and zeal for evangelism in our work. We have travelled round doing crusades and seminars as well as retreats. We have seen that interest in the work of God among us has greatly increased. We see many people coming to Christ and those in the system are getting revived. I see that people are very eager and hungry to go the way for God.

    How much has the insurgency in the north-east affected the works of the church?

    We have been seriously affected. We have churches there. We have a main church in Maiduguri, which has been there since the early 80s. I have been involved in church-planting activities personally in the north-east. I recall a time we were there. We planted about 10 churches across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. They were growing but since this insurgency, they have been largely affected.

    A few of them closed down but again I got a report that one of them has been revived again. Among the abducted Chibok girls, we have it on good information that about eight or nine of them are Methodists. We feel the pain because we would have spread further but for the insurgency. Our growth there has slowed down.

    Don’t you think it is best for the churches there to close down pending when the security will improve?

    Well, the thing is that the message of the gospel must be preached. While people are affected, there are souls still living there. They need the gospel of Christ there. They need succour and hope to stay alive.

    Should that be at the expense of their lives?

    Well, you know we don’t use violence to promote the message of Christ. It is the gospel of love. It cost the life of Christ and if we want to really show the world the love of God, we should be ready to give it whatever it will take. Sometimes, it could be our lives. So, we have some Methodists who are standing there. Our ministers are there despite the crisis though many churches are folding up there. We don’t have plans to evacuate them though we move those who want to leave. Those who want to stay, we encourage and take care of them. We keep communicating, especially in terms of assistance for sustenance.

    If they can’t totally close down, shouldn’t they go underground and operate as cell groups instead of exposing themselves to danger?

    There are various approaches to God’s works. In some cases, people have the grace to operate openly while some have to operate underground. We are exploiting both to promote the gospel of love. Either way, the fact is no amount of terror will stop the church of God.

    How committed is the church to evangelism and discipleship?

    Evangelism and Discipleship is at the front burner of our operations. In 2006, the church took a serious decision to make evangelism its major focus. It adopted a vision to be one of the spiritually-vibrant and largest churches in Nigeria. Until then, we didn’t come out with a concrete decision on evangelism despite the fact that we are an evangelical church.

    So, the whole activities of the church now are geared towards evangelism. To make it stronger, the person heading the Directorate of Discipleship and Evangelism is a Bishop. I happen to be the second person in that office. That indicates our commitment. The church has decided that every budget at all levels from the local church, circuit, dioceses and archdiocese, twenty percent of it should be allocated to evangelism. So, the church is ready to fund evangelism while members and groups are also doing several things in this direction.

    The Council of Knights has adopted a particular state capital in the north as their mission ground. They have acquired a land, will build a church and hand it over to us. The women’s group is also doing something. I visited the youth wing of a Diocese in Rivers that has planted two churches.

    The exodus of youths from the Methodist is high. Is that a bother to you?

    Yes, that is a fact. The renewed interest of the church is meant to address that. We have policies of making our services youth-friendly. We have youth churches in some of our big churches. We have youth pastors now overseeing the youth wings of the church. These are stemming the tide in the church. It is a concern but we are addressing it.

    How about discipleship? Are there plans, beyond planting churches, to ensure that those in the system are real Disciples of Christ?

    We have put in place measures of re-focusing the clergy in this direction. This year, we have held retreats for the priests and presbyters, who are very serious ministers. Not long ago, we held retreats for others too. We are using these to revive ourselves and refocus ourselves on discipleship.

    We have a bible study guide which we prepared for our members. It is used for weekly bible studies in all our local churches. Sometimes, it is used on Sundays. We also have Daily Reflections, which is our daily devotional for members. We have the Young Minds’ Reflection for younger members. From next year, we want to put it on apps so that our youths can access it online for devotions.

    We also encourage mentorship, sometimes intentionally getting older Christians to look after younger ones through winning their respect and confidence. We are taking on that seriously.

    You are just starting but what would you think will be the highest point when you are bowing out of office?

    My prayer and desire is to see a church that is vibrant in the Spirit and righteousness. I want to see a church where the gifts of the Spirit will operate in all lives. I want to see a church where people will be hunger to know and serve God while placing their lives and resources in the hands of God for kingdom expansion.

    Will Nigeria survive the many challenges against it?

    Yes, I believe Nigeria will survive. You see this country is of God. God destined us to be together and no amount of human efforts to put us asunder.

    Two, we are working towards nation-building. We are holding our national convention next January where the theme will be Aglow in the Spirit. We intend to teach people how to be good citizens through impartation and prayers.

  • Cleric tasks churches on discipleship

    The General Overseer of Pentecostal City Lagos, Pastor Peter Atoyebi, has challenged the body of Christ to remain committed to raising disciples as demanded by the great commission. He said only true disciples can represent the church well and survive the increasing socio-economic challenges facing the country without compromising.  Atoyebi spoke at the first anniversary thanksgiving of The Mantle Prayer Ministry, an interdenominational outreach in Ewu Oliwo, Sagamu, Ogun State. He stressed the needs for the church to intensify efforts in preparing believers for discipleship remains urgent as many souls die daily without the hope of eternal life. He also lamented that corruption, cultism, immorality, terrorism, moral bankruptcy; murder, drug addiction and crime have continued to increase in every sector of national life despite the abundance of churches. Atoyebi said: “God is looking for the vibrant Church that will be able to exert spiritual authority over the satanic forces of violence in the land and speak to troubled waters in the nation.” President of the Ministry, Pastor Isaac Olaomo, gave thanks to God for His faithfulness. He said: “We have seen God saving souls and working miracles when we put our implicit trust in him. We are mobilising Nigerians to pray for their families, communities and the nation at large in the face of the increasing socio-economic challenges facing the nation.”