By Osifuye Samuel Olamide
In an era when life's hustle and bustle can often drown out spiritual nourishment, Christ Apostolic Church, Ogo-Oluwatan Districts’ Coordinating Council (DCC), Sagamu, Ogun State held her yearly Refresher Course.
The programme which held on Friday August 25th, 2023, was a refreshing oasis for those who labor in the Lord's vineyard.
With a focus on the theme ‘GROWING IN GOD’S GRACE’, this retreat brought together all Ministers and Ministers’ wives; Elders and Deaconesses; and all other church workers from various roles and levels, reaffirming their commitment to serving with renewed vigor and a deeper understanding of grace.
The retreat opened with a warm welcome address by Ogo-Oluwatan DCC Superintendent, Pastor Sunday Olufemi Ibijola sets the tone for the day's proceedings.
According to Pastor Ibijola, “grace cannot be earned; it is something that is freely given. (Acts 8 vs 17 - 20). Steadfastness is an essential principle in Christian character for you to grow in the grace of God. There is no grace in the grave.” These words resonated with the attendees, emphasizing the significance of coming together as a community to recharge, learn, and to grow in God’s grace.
The retreat was thoughtfully divided into three sessions, catering to different groups within the congregation. The first session, tailored for Ministers and thier wives, delved into the theme of 'Maximising the grace of God rightly’, and this was taken by Pastor Olu Akanbi. The lecture was a masterful blend of biblical wisdom and practical insights.
According to Pastor Akanbi, “grace is not the ability to miserably tolerate a situation. Grace is a proclamation. It is the triumphant announcement that God in Christ has acted and came to the aid of all who will trust Him for their salvation.”
He challenged attendees to continually seek God's grace as they navigate the challenges and joys of pastoral ministry.
For the Elders and Deaconesses, the second session offered a unique perspective on ‘Ccooperating with the Minister of God: Making the Right Use of God's Grace.' Pastor E.T Oluleye's discourse was a timely reminder of the vital role these individuals play in supporting the church's leadership.
Attendees were encouraged to approach their responsibilities with ‘truth, holiness, fear of God, and godly understanding; and to submit themselves to the authority of God in the ministers.
The final session, which welcomed all church workers, was nothing short of inspiring. Pastor D. Olu Aladeselu's lecture on 'A Christian Worker that Grows in God's Grace' resonated with the diverse group of attendees. From ushers, publicity/media team, children/teenagers teachers, Sunday School teachers, to the choir members, the message centered on the shared responsibility of nurturing a strong spiritual foundation in their service to the church.
“The most important thing in the life of a Christian worker is to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (2nd Peter 3vs18). To grow in grace is to mature as a Christian and in our understanding of Who Jesus is, what He did, and to grow in our appreciation of the grace we have been given.”
He further said: “we must grow in order to bring us to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,” (Eph 4vs 13ff).
The presence of Pastor Sunday Olufemi Ibijola, Ogo-Oluwatan DCC Superintendent; Pastor Samson Oluleke Omidiwura, Makun District Superintendent; Pastor Amos Oladejo Odetoro, Oke-Itura District Superintendent; Pastor Stephen Bolabo Adeyemi, Ogo-Oluwa District Superintendent; and all pastors under each district underscored the retreat's significance. The unity displayed on this occasion was a testament to the power of a shared purpose and the collective desire to honor God through dedicated service.
The impact of the retreat extended beyond the confines of the event. As participants left the retreat with hearts aflame and minds rejuvenated, a renewed sense of purpose permeated the atmosphere. The practical teachings and reflections offered by the speakers provided actionable insights that church workers could immediately integrate into their ministries.
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