The General Overseer, G.O., of the Christian Evangelical Fellowship of Nigeria, CEFN, Rev’d Prof. Abraham Auke Adams has charged ordained Elders to always seek divine help and do things for the spiritual growth of the congregation over which they are called to serve.
Rev’d Adams gave the charge on Sunday at the Ordination of 12 Elders selected from Kano, Sokoto, Jos and Zaria zones of the Mission held at the Zaria Zonal headquarters Church, Kakuri, Kaduna Northwest Nigeria.
The General Overseer derived the Ordination rites as set by Apostle Paul in the first chapter of his epistle to Titus.
Paul, the G.O. explained, had left Titus, a young Pastor in Crete to set in order, the things that were lacking, and appointed Elders in every city.
A young Pastor appointing Elders who could possibly be his parents’ age and irrespective of age, the Elders accepted and worked in harmony with the pastor. This, Rev’d Adams said, should serve as a model for them.
The G.O. said Elders and Pastors and not rivals rather, they should work in harmony by complementing each other for the well-being of the church.
“We create unnecessary cases when we allow Sentiments, superiority complex and ego to take its pride and place in our service to God, ” he remarks.
Turning to the congregatioRec’ asking them whether they would honour, encourage and obey the Elders in all things consistent with the will of God and zealously aid them in the discharge of their official duties, a question the congregation thunderously affirmed.
Earlier in a sermon, the Secretary, Ministerial Board of the Mission, Rev’d Gabriel Akeji, had spoken of the enormous task before the Elders pointing out that Eldership is not a call to office, but a call to serve .
He then urged them to live an exemplary life to meet the expectations of the church and the people .
“After today’s occasion, you will have more judges than the celebration” he warned.
Rev’d Akeji reminded the congregation that when they respect constituted authority, they respect God hence the need for them to submit and obey their leaders to enable them serve God.
“Don’t drag Elders to public ridicule as doing so could be a stain in the church and God ” he advised.
Meanwhile, duties of an Elder in the church have been spelt out by the Mission.
These include, to help settling disputes in the church, pray for the sick, watch out for the church in humility, spiritual life of the flock and spend time in prayer and teaching the word.
The Ordination service was attended by families, relations, friends and well wishers from States of the Elders resident and beyond.
https://www.africaprimenews.com/2017/12/14/news/nigeria-christian-youth-organisations-challenge-to-remain-committed-to-service-of-god/
