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| Pastor S.O. Gbuyiro |
By Gbenga Bankole
The Director of Youth Affairs, Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samson O. Gbuyiro has canvassed for thorough discipleship which he said is God's ordained non-negotiable strategy, if an enduring and lasting impact would be made in leadership.
He also said that the great commission will end in great omission once discipleship is omitted in leadership.
Pastor Gbuyiro stated this while delivering the keynote address on Thursday January 2, 2023 at National Leadership Retreat 2023 organized by the Directorate of CAC Youth Fellowship.
Citing John chapter 14 verse 12, Pastor Gbuyiro noted that discipleship is the only platform for followers to accomplish greater things than their leaders and that is why Jesus said, "And greater works than this he will do...."
According to him, discipleship is God's method of raising quality vessels who are tested and trusted to stand for Him in the next generation (Acts 4:13).
The Cleric said when we focus on discipleship and equipping young believers for Christian service, church crises will be reduced because everyone would have discovered his/her ministry, and set to fulfill it, adding that only disciples are rightful successors in ministry.
Citing Isaiah chapter 26 verse 26, Pastor Gbuyiro said "God is the best Strategist and the Scripture is replete with instances where God called His beloved children to come into His secret place and abide under His shadow to draw strength for the journey ahead. Retreat to refire."
He further said the eyes of God are always on the finished line, and He is constantly consistent in offering us what it requires to finish strong.
"Therefore, waiting on God for renewal of strength remains a spiritual standing rule which must not be compromised if we truly desire and are determined to run with the heavenly vision, up to the finishing line unhindered. The Bible confirms that the glory of young people is their strength. Yet, running with the heavenly vision requires something more reliable, tested, and trusted than the natural strength," Pastor Gbuyiro stated.
Quoting Isaiah chapter 40 verse 30, the Youth Director told the youth leaders that the passage confronts them with a reality of human limitations and offers a direct and unlimited access to God for supernatural strength, adding that as a matter of fact, there is need for some break from work to rest and re-strategise to achieve better results in ministry for God.