MEN, THE PILLARS OF THE CHURCH

By Pastor Okey Iroegbu 

The National Men Fellowship of St.Joseph's Chosen Church of God International held their 2024 National Men Fellowship Delegates convention tagged "MEN IN GOD'S GLORY" Season 5, between 29th August to 1st September 2024, hosted by Lagos Region at Osapa London,  Lekki Lagos.
       

In an opening address read by the National President, Elder (Amb.) Henry Iyoha JP, he started by appreciating the organising committee for the successful hosting despite initial obstacles. It could be noted that the following zones in Lagos, Kirikiri, Orile, Dopemu and of course Osapa zone are the host.
       

Elder Iyoha went ahead to say "The National Men Fellowship usually host our Biennial Convention since we took over the administration of the body in 2013; it has been a glorious walk indeed from Benin City in 2014.
       

He went further to highlight the activities which include Rally/Evangelism, Revival,  Symposium,  High-praise, Expository lectures,  Breakthrough prayers, Quiz competition (covering bible and the church current affairs) which is compulsory to all zones.
       For this year, there would be outdoor picnic at the beach which will be rounded up with a Banquet in the evening of Saturday.
        On the journey so far as the president called it, it could be recalled that this administration took office effectively in 2014. Within the period in question, they have made some modest impact in the affairs of the ministry which include the followings; Encouraging unity among members by inculcating good values,  discipline and sound morals into the Men.
       

The Fellowship has been holding their quarterly meetings regularly since 2014. They have not failed to hold Zonal conventions, National Men Fellowship convention and Fathers Day celebrations.
        At this point the president listed some challenges which include financial constraints,  failure of some zones from joining. He identified Umuahia among other zones as culprits.
       

He reiterated the need for the ministers to see themselves as part of the Men Fellowship. Other challenges are lack of office space at the Global headquarters, Benin and sources of assistance.
        The second day of the event when this address was read was charged with many activities moreso with the arrival of the Spiritual Leader, His Eminence, Apostle S N Ogbu. There were messages from some of the erudite pastors and Apostles.
       Finally, the president saw the convention to be a time of transformation,  Revival and glory for each and everyone.
       

The Spiritual Leader on his goodwill address to the Men Fellowship after the touching address by the president of the Men Fellowship started with a quote from Billy Graham that "the greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life,  but rather a legacy of character and faith."
        He gave glory to God for such Men given to the church.  He therefore said "let me congratulate  the entire Men Fellowship of our church led by a strong and dogged man, whose resilience, commitment and full support of his leadership team had contributed immensely to the sustenance of the Fellowship and keeping the flag of Christ in St. Joseph's Chosen Church of God high.
       

"Thank you for all your contributions to the growth and sustenance of the branches and regions. I must appreciate the warmth reception and hospitality I enjoyed in all the regions I visited during my Apostolic Tours to regions; you are all wonderful!"
        He threw more light to the existence of the church which is predominantly led by the Holy spirit. He said this is why he was led to the theme of the church for 2024 through Rev. 3:8 which is "Open Door."
        He regretted a situation when God called him and asked him a striking question that "if I come today, how many of your people are ready for the kingdom?"
        He therefore called on the Men with courage to decide to make good use of the door of salvation that is open to everyone now before it is too late. Emphasizing on the theme,  Men, the pillars of the church, he quoted Acts. 6:3 and 1Corn 14:20. He described pillar as firm upright support for super structure.
       

Taking them to memory lane,  he also said that when our Lord Jesus Christ ministered to Men, women and children, He loved all but when He wanted to choose disciples,  He was very careful and prayerful enough to choose strong men as His disciples.
        Not forgetting the role of women,  quoting Bola Akin-John, he said "women are the beauty of the church,  children are the future but mainly men are the pillars of the church; you cannot have a thriving church without a core group of men who are true disciples of Christ."
        At this juncture, he informed the men of some administrative and structural changes in the church at a solemn assembly in January 2024. The Ecclesiastical Council and board of governors were dissolved in February 2024 and new one reconstituted.
        Five standing committees in the new board of governors were appointed into different areas comprising Finance Committee, Human Capital/Education Committee,  Infrastructure Committee,  legal matters Committee and Church growth/Environment Committee.
        It could be noted that the church authorities have also decided to restructure all the regions before the end of the year following the visions of Dr. H. I Alile of blessed memory.
        Finally, he said "beloved, I encourage you to fix your eyes on Christ,  continue in your steadfastness and be faithful to God.
        The second day was rounded up after an earth moving financial breakthrough prayer by Apostle Ken Osanebi and a QUIZ.
        The next day is billed to have an outdoor picnic at the beach. There will also be two messages from Staff Pastor Elohor Eniwore and Staff Pastor Frank Afieghe. There will also be presentation of prizes.
         Apostle J.A Jacobson and others were part of the Spiritual Leader's entourage.