Pastor Seyi Oladimeji, Dr. Kunle Hamilton and Pastor Nkechi Ene

Senior Pastor of The Carpenter’s House, Port Harcourt, Mrs. Nkechi Ene has said that when it comes to picking the successor of a church founder or head pastor, it is not a filial matter. “A son is not automatically spiritual or called by God to lead a church, simply because his father is the founder or head pastor” she emphasized.She was speaking at the 11th annual conference of the Church Administrators Society of Nigeria (CASON) held at Pistis Hub, Maryland, Lagos which addressed challenges that churches face in terms of governance and succession planning, in a spirited effort to get church leaders ready to comply with the agitation of government for legal and moral accountability, otherwise risk the penalties of non-compliance.According to Ene, “There are at least five parameters that must be considered when choosing a successor.

CASON 2: Seyi Oladimeji, Nkechi Ene; Funke Amobi; STV Adegbite, Hakeem Ogunniran; and Steve Akoni

One, the call of God should take pre-eminence over the expectation of the congregation. It should also take pre-eminence over family and filial relationship, over seniority in church or family hierarchy, over individual skills – for the Lord still confounds the wise with simple things and people. Number five, the call of God should take pre-eminence over gender. We all must understand that it is not a luxury to be called of Go

Pastor Seyi Oladimeji, Dr. Kunle Hamilton, Pastor Nkechi Ene and Barr. Tomi Vincent

Pastor Ene who was interviewed on stage by the President of CASON, Pastor Seyi Oladimeji, spoke from experience as successor to the late founder of The Carpenter’s Church, Pastor Charles Omofomah.Other guest speakers at the conference were the CEO, Eximia Realty Company, Dr. Hakeem Ogunniran and Senior Lecturer, Lagos Business School, Dr. Nkem Iheanachor, on Church Governance; and the Deputy Head of Operations, StanbicIBTC Bank, Mrs. Funke Amobi on Succession Planning.The Chairman, Lagos Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop (Dr) STV Adegbite, and the Director, Babcock University Centre for Executive Development, Dr. Ayodeji Ajibade also gave goodwill speeches at the conference. CASON-certified Church Administrators came in from different parts of Nigeria to attend the conference.

The quest for spiritual growth is something many Nigerians pursue, as evidenced by the tens of thousands of religious institutions across the country. However, this journey can be hampered by various factors, including a busy work schedule. The good news is that, even with a hectic routine, you can achieve personal spiritual growth by following these simple steps.

1. Adopt Praying: Prayer is simply talking to God or a higher being. It’s not just about saying the words but engaging in a conversation. Incorporating this into your daily routine will help you grow spiritually.

2. Read and study religious books: Most religious texts should be thought of as handbooks. These books—such as the Bible, Quran, Book of Mormon, etc.—teach how to live a fruitful and fulfilled life and attain spiritual growth.

3. Engage in worship: Worship deepens one’s spiritual relationship in two ways. Private worship involves daily prayers and scripture study, while corporate worship involves gathering with others for prayer and worship.

You can also experience diverse styles of worship from the comfort of your home. For example, you can join Redemption Way, a ministration of prophetic words of knowledge by Pastor E.A. Adeboye; Healing Word focused on salvation and prophetic Word by Prophet Mike Agboola, airing every day on Dove TV (ch. 113); the New Level ministration series by Pastors Hank and Brenda Kunneman; and Adventures in Faith with Jerry Savelle, airing on Faith TV (ch. 110) on GOtv. You can also enjoy Islamic-themed programs and teachings on Sunna TV (ch. 114) and Islamic TV (ch. 111) daily on GOtv.

4. Practice fellowship: Fellowship goes beyond prayer and worship; it includes building relationships and supporting one another. This could involve joining local groups, scripture classes, Christian book clubs, Christian therapy groups, or faith-based fitness classes. Surround yourself with people who encourage your spiritual growth.

5. Witness: The popular saying “Do as I do” plays a key role in spiritual growth. Witnessing means sharing your spiritual journey through both words and actions and using your spiritual gifts to benefit others. This can include teaching, evangelism, serving, or providing financial assistance to those in need.

Discover more spiritual-themed content airing on GOtv. Subscribe to GOtv Supa+ and save! Pay only ₦13,900 instead of ₦15,700 when you subscribe before November 10th, 2024. Download the MyGOtv App or dial *288# to subscribe and watch on the go with GOtv Stream.

The General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry and Convener, Global Crusade with Kumuyi, GCK, Pastor William Kumuyi, has called on gospel ministers of the gospel to portray Christ and not self based on the transformed lives they have received from Christ to shine as lights in their lifestyles and the world.

Kumuyi stated this while speaking on the topic ‘Reviving Christ’s Timeless Ministry in the Present – Day Ministers,’ at the ongoing June edition of the GCK for Gospel Ministers, Church Workers and Professionals with the theme, ‘Fulfilling The Ministry with Heaven In View’ at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Convener of the GCK noted that the life of the converted believer is different from that of the natural man, hence cannot be like those who are yet to embrace Christ into their lives.


According to him, while there is the possession of righteousness on one hand, true believers are also commissioned to preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus with God’s power deposited in their lives.

The man of God also admonished pastors and preachers to remember that Christ came to save sinners and He has committed the ministry of reconciliation to believers of today, who must understand that they are duty bound to preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus everywhere.

He said: “We should allow the congregation we are ministering to, to see Jesus in us.”

He (Kumuyi) posited that God would grant His disciples the riches of His glory and strengthen them in the inner man, as they follow His footsteps.

“We should not listen to present day preachers and theologians that say miracles cannot happen again”, he explained.

In a remark after the event, the Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria,Rivers State Chapter, Reverend (Dr.) Minaibi Dagogo-Jack, described Kumuyi’s teachings and preachings as enriching.

“We learnt a lot about recovery. We learnt a lot about revival and we learnt a lot about restoration. The faith is failing gradually in the church, there is need for revival, there is need for restoration and there’s need to recover the lost axe.

“I think our father in the Lord, Papa WF Kumuyi really ‘fed’ us. We are full and abound. We were really filled, and honestly speaking every gospel minister in Rivers State from today would be a true vessel of healing, deliverance and salvation of souls”, he said.