By Boluwatife Oparinde
It’s the beginning of ministerial practicability and application for the graduating students of the Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary (CACTS), Main Campus, Ile Ife as the 40th Convocation Ceremonies begin with Ministerial Field Experience.
The convocation ceremony week which is annually commenced with a programme tagged “Ministerial Field Experience” where experienced fathers in the ministry are invited to share their ministerial experiences which upcoming ministers can tread to finish well in the ministry like them.
In the welcome address of the Provost of the Seminary, Pastor Prof. C. O. Oshun, who welcomed guests, graduating students and staff of the school; stressed that the convocation week is a thanksgiving week to show appreciation to the Almighty God; hence, the need for utmost reverence in the presence of God throughout the course of the programmes and beyond.
The Registrar, Pastor T.A. Adesoji while introducing the guest speaker adduced that, it is a deliberate action on the part of the school management to engage retired fathers in CAC on days such as this in order for them to share the gains and pains of their ministerial voyage for up and coming ministers to learn from.
A retired DCC Superintendent of CAC, Pastor Michael Omoniyi Olufadeju, being the Guest Speaker of this year’s Ministerial Field Experience which held at CACTS Chapel of Peace, Opa, Ile-Ife, spoke extensively on the practice of ministry, highlighting the pros and cons.
Pastor Olufadeju, who was described as a retired but not tired minister, having spent fifty (50) years in active service before retirement, described the call to ministry as “an honourable, glorious, great and graceful task” wherein, everyone called to ministry must guard with all diligence.
Stating the need for his audience to ensure that their calling is sure and are not pushed to the ministry by circumstances, the cleric categorically identified biblical and extra-biblical characters of Moses, Apostle Paul and Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola whose callings were confirmed by God.
The guest speaker of the first day of the convocation week, who shared his practical experiences in detail and had served in several places like Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Odo Owa among others, emphasized the need for patience in ministry and following God’s plans. “I worked for 13 years before I was recommended for Pastoral ordination. After I became a Pastor, I served for another 12 years before I became a District Superintendent,” he said.
According to the experienced retired field minister, “If your calling is sure, you don’t have to refuse/reject transfer because Jesus says, “go into all the world." "My counsel for you is not to be proud or pompous. Don’t turn yourself to god in the church.”
Pastor Olufadeju counselled that ministers need to be careful of the three little foxes that destroy ministry – Money, Women and Food, urging that ministers must not allow the devil get them through these weapons.
Prof. Oshun who thanked the Guest Speaker for coming all out to bless lives and ensure the graduands succeed in ministry as they graduate, advised the graduands in his closing remarks that, “constancy in prayer and in reading the word of God will stabilize you. As you journey in life, don’t throw away all that which you have learnt.”
Also, in attendance at the event were, the Deputy Provost and Chairman Convocation Ceremonies, Pastor Dr. M. O. A. Oluwaniyi; the Registrar of the school, Pastor T.A Adesoji; the Dean of Academics, Pastor S.A. Atetedaye; Director of Students’ Affairs, Pastor L. B. Akinyosoye; Director of Students' Affairs (Female), Evang. Dr. Mrs. R.O. Alao; Assistant Director of Students' Affairs, Pastor M.A. Adetunji; the Community Chairman where the school is domiciled, Pastor J. A. Obadire; Director of Summer programme, Evang. Mrs. E.O. Andrew-Balogun; Head, Department of Missions and Evangelism, Evang. Mrs F.O Ilori; the School Accountant, Mrs. D.O. Ajibade; and the Secretary to the Local Organizing Committee, Mrs O.D. Adesoji among others.
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