 |
| CAC Agbara DCC Superintendent, Pastor Joseph F. Omolola |
With his recent
celebration of 40 years in ministry, the Superintendent of CAC Agbara DCC, Pastor
Joseph F. Omolola, in an interview with CAC News correspondent, Oluwagbenga
Bankole, shares his ministerial experience from the beginning till present.
When were you called by God into the ministry?
I received calling into the ministry in 1984, but I fully
surrendered to the call and entered the ministry on October 3rd, 1984.
What was your most preferred profession before your call into the ministry?
I actually wanted to be a builder, like a civil engineer, but I
started my training in architecture. I trained under someone to become an
architect, and I was moving toward my graduation under my boss before God's
call came. I had also planned to attend Yaba College of Technology to further
study architecture and building technology before God called me into ministry.
You served as an
Evangelist for how many years and at what station or stations?
I served as an Evangelist from March 1st, 1985, to December
13th, 1995, a total of 10 years and 9 months before becoming a pastor. I served
at Christ Apostolic Church Oke-Igbala Korogboji Agbara Estate, now known as
Christ Apostolic Church Hosanna Chapel Korogboji Agbara Estate.
When were you ordained as a pastor in CAC?
I was ordained as a pastor on December 13th, 1995.
Where were you posted after your ordination?
After my ordination, I was posted back to my station, Christ Apostolic Church Hosanna Chapel, where I had been serving since 1985.
How many stations have you worked at?
I would say two stations. Though I wasn’t transferred by church
authority, God asked me to go to Abeokuta to plant a church, which I did from
1998 to 2001. After that, God instructed me to return to Hosanna Chapel in
Korogboji Agbara.
When did you become District Superintendent, Zonal, or DCC Superintendent?
I was promoted to District Superintendent in August 2002. In
2009, I became the Zonal Superintendent, and in 2014, I was promoted to DCC
Superintendent (Districts’ Coordinating Council).
In what capacity have you served at the Regional and National level in Christ Apostolic Church?
To the glory of God, I have served as the DCC Secretary and the
DCC Youth Coordinator for Badagry DCC. I also served as the youth coordinator
for the Badagry District. Currently, I’m the Ministers' Wives Coordinator for
Pearce Region. Served as a mission board member of Christ Apostolic Church, and
presently, a member of the Ministers' Wives Advisory Committee at the national
level. Additionally, I’m part of the Marriage Crisis and Counselling Committee
and also I am one of the Promotion Interview Assessors.
It’s no secret that you’re a senior pastor in CAC. Can you tell us who has positively impacted your life over the last 40 years?
I want to appreciate God for that question. I’ve been blessed by
many people in my ministry journey. The first is my late father in the Lord,
Pastor Joseph Olayinka Adeyanju. Under his guidance, I learned a lot during my
early ministry days. He played a big role in my marriage, as he helped me meet
my wife. I would also like to acknowledge Pastor Paul Kehinde Bankole, a
retired DCC Superintendent of Egba DCC, who impacted me greatly. Pastor
Professor Christopher Olubunmi Oshun has also been a significant influence,
encouraging me to study and grow. Additionally, Evangelist E. O. Kolawole, now
Pastor Kolawole (retired), played a vital role in my life during his time under
Baba Adeyanju. My gratitude extends to many others, including Pastor Samuel
Olusegun Oladele, President of Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas who
taught me in the leadership school when he was in Lagos and that was my first
bible college, he is my teacher and mentor, and Pastor D.A. Ayo (retired DCC
Superintendent). I also appreciate Pastor Obisesan S. F. for his leadership and
my father, Pastor Oyepetun, who contributed significantly to my ministry
development and many others.
How do you feel having spent 40 years in the ministry?
I feel great and deeply thankful to God who has been helping me
in His service since 40 years. I give all glory to Him for His faithfulness and
for calling me into ministry.
What has ministry taught you?
The ministry has taught me many things because as a church planter, and that is what God has called me to do. I'm a church planter, and to the glory of God, I am called to be a discipler and developer. These are the core areas of my calling. God spoke to me and directed me to serve as a village pastor, sending me to Korogboji village in Agbara Area. At that time, it was a bushy area without electricity for 13 years. My time there taught me valuable lessons in endurance, discipline, hard work, focus, self-development, never to depend on anybody, but God.
By God’s grace, I have been able to plant nearly 50 assemblies,
and none of this is my own and to His glory, another new assembly was
inaugurated on October 3rd, 2024, on a two-plot parcel of land and it has been
given to God.
What day is your unforgettable day as a minister or Pastor since the last 40 years?
There have been several unforgettable moments in my ministry, but I will share a few that stand out.
One day, the church and I went out for house-to-house evangelism in Agbara Town, before we got to Alagbara of Agbara Palace although God had already revealed to us that there would be obstacles along the way and indeed, we encountered a masquerade coming toward us, making incantations. After he had finished chanting for about 5 minutes and left the spot, I boldly stood where he had been and prayed. To the glory of God, no harm came to me or any of the members.
Another memorable moment was when a woman came to me, concerned about her child who had fallen seriously ill. The Lord revealed to me that there was a charm hidden in the ceiling of her home. Upon searching, we found the charm, which was extremely hot. I took it and placed it on my lap while riding my bike back to the church. Although my leg was burnt from the heat of the charm, I prayed over the charm, and that was the end of the sickness in the family.
Lastly, on January 16, 2018, I experienced what I call “the only
missing day of my life.” On January 14, I suddenly fell ill and was taken to
the hospital. Unknown to me, I had been poisoned. The doctors administered
fluids, and I felt better, so I was discharged. However, by the night of
January 15, I collapsed again and was rushed back to the hospital. I entered
coma, my wife had invited my children and family members, I did not wake up
until evening of 17th. When I finally regained consciousness, I was shocked to
learn that an entire day had passed without my awareness. My wife later told me
I had been in a coma throughout January 16. What shocked me the most was that I
sent a message with my phone telling someone that I was in a conference while I
was in a coma. And that day, 16th of January, is missing day in my life, and I
will never forget that day.
Tutelage was crucial for entrants into ministry 40 years ago. Can you share your tutelage experience? Do you think it’s necessary now?
Tutelage refers to undergoing training or mentorship under a
senior pastor.
Tutelage was indeed vital, I had the privilege of training under
Pastor Joseph Adeyanju of blessed memory, who taught me to pray, receive
visions, and endure in ministry. This practical experience shaped my life.
Ministry goes beyond seminary training—it requires hands-on learning under a
senior pastor, just as Joshua served Moses and Elisha served Elijah.
What can tutelage do for new entrants into ministry?
Tutelage provides something that cannot be bought, which is
experience. It’s a universal principle that applies across all sectors. I
believe tutelage is one such foundation. It’s crucial for guiding new ministers
through practical learning and mentorship.
Do you think there is a need to adopt new methods for tutelage today?
Change is necessary for growth. I suggest that after Bible
college, young ministers should serve under a senior pastor as evangelists.
However, senior pastors must be willing to mentor them, endure with them and
provide support, including financial compensation, during their training
period.
Christianity in Nigeria has been described as "mile wide and an inch deep." Do you believe this? If so, what’s the cause, and what’s the solution?
Yes, I believe this description is accurate. Christianity today lacks depth. We confess Christ with our mouths, but our hearts are far from Him. Discipleship has faded, and many are caught up in the "get rich quickly" mentality. We need to return to the foundation of studying the Acts of the Apostles and focus on true spiritual growth.
What are the common mistakes of young ministers, and what is your advice to them?
Young ministers often view the ways of older ministers as Old
School, but my advice is to stay close to elders and learn from their wisdom.
Instead of discarding their methods, they should be rebranded for modern times
while preserving their core values.
Has ministry impacted or affected your marriage in any way?
Ministry has greatly impacted my marriage, but in a positive
way. My wife joined me in ministry in August 15, 1987, and together, we have
raised four children who are all youth ministers. Ministry has shaped our
family and blessed us immensely.
What has been your wife’s contribution to your ministerial success?
I bless the day I met my wife. She has been my best friend and
partner in ministry since we got married. She joined me in the village and
never forced me to leave. She is hardworking, disciplined, and a strong prayer
warrior, highly intelligent, and a good counsellor. My wife never allowed me to
touch church money, and she even sponsored my Bible college studies by selling scrap.
She has been a pillar of support in every way. Truly God favoured me in
giving her to me.
Any advice for the body of Christ in Nigeria or the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)?
The body of Christ is asleep; we are no longer doing the work of our Master. I appeal to pastors to seek true revival and return to the Acts of the Apostles.
As for CAN, I advise them to stay focused on representing the
Kingdom of God we should maintain our stand as light and salt of the world and
avoid becoming politically entangled.