By Ado Oyeyemi, Akure
Christian leaders have been tasked to be the light of the world and salt of the earth.
The Chairman Ondo State Christian Association of Nigeria, Very Revd Fr. Anselm Ologunwa gave the charge at a three day leadership retreat for State Executives and Local Government Chairmen held at the Domus Pacis Catholic Pastoral Centre in Akure.
In his welcome address, he said, the retreat is coming at a crucial time when the world is facing numerous challenges.
According to him, the church plays a pivotal role in addressing the so called challenges.
The Chairman said as Christian leaders, they must be equiped with the necessary tools and insights to navigate the challenges of our times and lead the congregation effectively.
He said the retreat will also afford them the opportunity to reflect on their callings as leaders , to seek God’s guidance and to learn from one another.
Fr Ologunwa also in another paper, “Jesus Disciples his Apostles” said, Jesus modelled the behavior he expected from his disciples, show them how to love , serve one another and how to live a life of humility and obedience to God.
He used the occasion to acknowledge the co – operation of both the state and local government executives in the running of the association and urged them to continue in their service to God and mankind.
Fr. Ologunwa also applauded the contribution of the sponsor of the program , a man whom he described as a lover of good things and pray God to continue to replenish him abundantly.
In his lecture entitled “who is a disciple”, the. Bishop, African Church, Ondo Central Missionary Diocese, Akure, Right Rev’d David Akinremi, tasked the religious leaders to examine their lives and see where they need to cry to God to receive mercy in the days and years ahead for effective ministry.
He urged them not to allow their different religious titles to go into their head in their day to day activities and in their service to mankind.
Also in his lecture on “School of Ministry” the founder of Agape Church, Right Rev’d Felix Remi Adejumo, described discipleship as a journey of life that must be followed religiously by a would be servant.
He said a true disciple is a dedicated follower of Christ, who believes and ready to spread the doctrine of another and always say yes to his master. READ ALSO:
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There were group discussion on the various themes which gave rise to resolutions of beginning with oneself.
Also, every participants as a matter of necessity, must to at least disciple another person in few months to come in view of forming a school of Discipleship in their various different locations.
The climax of the 3day retreat was the presentation of certificates to participants .
