Deeper Life Leaders' Congress Extends Hands To Other Churches
By Olukayode Oyeleye

THE yearly leadership conference of the Deeper Life Bible Church ended two Saturdays ago, drawing leaders from other churches for full participation. The meeting, known as Leadership Strategy Congress, was held on the campus of the Deeper Life's International Bible Training Centre (IBTC), Ayobo, Lagos.

In the week-long meeting of ministers, held annually at the beginning of each year, and drawing participants from the various mission fields of the church within and outside Nigeria, the cream of leaders of Deeper Life Bible Church gather to review the mission work and plan for the year ahead.

This year, however, leaders from other churches were invited to participate, to which many of them expressed excitement, commending efforts of the Deeper Life Church. At the Congress, with the theme "Building the Church," the General Superintendent and Pastor of the Church, William Folorunso Kumuyi, displayed a rare gift of teaching and preaching.

Pastor Kumuyi, who preached three of everyday's collection of sermons, told the participants of the need to follow the prescription of the 'wise Master Builder,' and not to build according to individuals' parochial perception. He warned that the diseases plaguing the churches must be healed in order to effectively build. Other ministers who preached, emphasised on other aspects that need to be considered in building a true Church.

The clear focus of the organisers of the Strategy Congress was evident in messages that pin-point issues, bringing out the gems needed for effective mission work. During the Congress, "Christian unity without compromise" as well as "Love, unity and fellowship in a living church," were identified as essential features of true relationship among believers from various denominational backgrounds as they seek to carry out the tasks in the great commission.

Considering the centrality of raising godly offspring who will carry on the mission work and brighten the dark world, quality time was devoted to a topic on "Christian marriage, godly family and child training."

The Congress emphasised, as usual, the Bible doctrines, both as a reminder for those who already knew and as an opportunity to learn, for the first time, for those who do not have the prior knowledge. The planning sessions gave time for participants to work out ways of getting good results as the challenges increase.

The organisers made provision for various language churches, particularly the Francophone, Igbo, Yoruba, Ewe, among others, with their own separate sessions.

The participants, apart from leaders from other churches, also included Deeper Life ministers from Europe, Asia, America, Africa and the Caribbeans. Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), who is also the Bishop of Christ Mission Crusader Church with headquarters in Warri, Bishop God-dowell Avwomakpa, commended Pastor Kumuyi for extending the invitation to him and other ministries. He said Pastor Kumuyi is needed as well in other churches and that there are elaborate plans for him to come and minister to Christians in Delta State this year.

The tight security at the venue, as explained by one top security official, was to ensure that criminals were kept out of the camp. Notwithstanding the professional handling of the security officials, a thief was caught on the first day of the programme.

Pastor Kumuyi encouraged all present as Christian leaders to be light of the people, examples to the flock, ambassadors for Christ, deliverers of people, elders among the people, redeemers of the congregation and servants of the Lord.

Source: TheGuardian
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