Bible Pattern Church has provided financial assistance, clothing, household items and spiritual guidance to ministers of the gospel at the third edition of its Church Ministers’ Encouragement Day, designed to address the personal, financial and spiritual challenges confronting church leaders.

The programme, themed ‘Physical and Spiritual Encouragement,’ held yesterday, following a two-year interruption caused by funding constraints.

Speaking at the event, the General Overseer of Bible Pattern Church, Pastor Zacheaus Ogunsanya, said the initiative was established to support ministers who devote their lives to encouraging others but often lack people to turn to when confronted with personal and family difficulties.

He noted that pastors frequently face financial pressures, misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations from congregations, despite struggling to meet basic needs, including their children’s school fees and housing expenses.

Ogunsanya expressed concern that these challenges sometimes affect ministers’ families, with some of their children becoming reluctant to attend their parents’ churches because of the difficulties associated with pastoral ministry.

He stressed the need for ministers to care for one another, insisting that those who support others also deserve encouragement and understanding.

The programme featured prayers, worship, biblical teachings, testimonies, counselling and fellowship, alongside the distribution of clothing, household items and financial assistance, including transportation support.

Ogunsanya disclosed that contributions from individuals and church members made the intervention possible. One donor, he said, provided clothing, while another contributed N100,000 for distribution among participants.

He, however, urged beneficiaries to take only what they genuinely needed, explaining that the gifts were expressions of Christian love rather than the primary purpose of the gathering.

 

Also speaking, the Serving Overseer of New Dawn Christian Community Church, Apostle Chesson Kukwoyi, identified inadequate ministerial training, ignorance and unrealistic expectations as challenges confronting church leaders.

 

He explained that the initiative grew out of the church’s Interdenominational Weekly Bible Study, where ministers from different denominations meet every Monday to study Scripture, deepen their understanding of biblical principles and promote unity.

 

Kukwoyi said the programme was introduced after recognising that ministers faced spiritual, physical and financial difficulties while continuing to care for their congregations.

He cautioned against the misconception that illness should be addressed exclusively through prayer and fasting, stressing that seeking medical treatment when necessary does not contradict faith.

 

Referencing Jesus Christ’s teaching that those who are well do not need a physician, the cleric warned that misconceptions about healing could prevent ministers from receiving appropriate medical care.

 

On ministerial development, Kukwoyi urged pastors to avoid comparing themselves with established religious leaders without understanding the years of sacrifice, learning and experience behind their achievements.

 

He said ministry required patience, adequate preparation and a sound understanding of Scripture, adding that ministers should allow their work to develop gradually rather than force growth or imitate others.

 

He also reminded pastors that the church belonged to God and encouraged them to focus on their responsibilities while promoting cooperation instead of rivalry.

 

In his remarks, the General Pastor of The Salvation and Power Church, Pastor Paul Adeyemo, described the initiative as timely, particularly for ministers struggling to establish themselves.

Adeyemo, who said he had known Ogunsanya since 1996, commended his commitment to providing spiritual guidance and practical assistance to fellow ministers.

Using the growth of a child as an illustration, he said emerging ministers needed nurturing and support before becoming mature leaders capable of helping others.

Drawing from Philippians 2:5–11, Adeyemo highlighted the humility and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, urging ministers to remain steadfast despite difficulties and trust in the value of faithful service.

He also called on Christians to pray for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging church leaders to promote righteousness, justice, humility and responsible governance.

Another participant, Oluwafunilayo Okonomi, who runs a ministry in Lagos, encouraged ministers to remain committed to learning, humility and service.

She said her ministry gathers people on the second Friday of every month for biblical teaching and prayers, after which participants receive food items, including garri and rice.

Okonomi said her decision to support others was inspired by her experience of God’s goodness, adding that her faith had sustained her during moments when giving became difficult.

She urged ministers to study Scripture diligently and practise humility, recalling how participants at the programme willingly undertook tasks such as cleaning the premises and toilets without waiting for instructions.

She also called on Christians to pray for leaders who would govern Nigeria with integrity and prioritise citizens’ welfare.

Explaining the biblical foundation of the initiative, Ogunsanya cited Isaiah 40:1 and 2 Corinthians 1:3–4, which emphasise comfort, compassion and supporting people experiencing difficulties.

He said the church hoped to sustain the programme and extend similar assistance to other groups, including students and widows.

The Guardian reports that the first two editions were held on December 4, 2021, and July 1, 2023, before funding challenges interrupted the initiative.