COVID-19: Group wants churches to embrace new ways of reaching out

The Lagos Chapter of Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), one of the five blocs of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has challenged churches to position themselves for abundant opportunities in ministerial exploits, which post COVID-19 has exposed churches to.

The body said the pandemic has impacted ministerial operations, opening up new windows of opportunities for churches to spread the gospel.

At the body’s special end-of-the-year meeting in Lagos, Lagos OAIC General Secretary, Senior Apostle Dr. Ezekiel Daramola, who presented a paper titled: Impact of Year 2020 Crisis on OAIC churches, said year 2020 opened greater opportunities for soul-winning.

He noted that despite the lockdown, many churches employed alternative means, such as teleconferencing, live streaming, online prayer sessions and social media platforms to hold church services.

He urged OAIC churches to employ same, despite the ease of lockdowns, as many Christians have become so used to the alternative channels of worships.

“Pastors must reinvent themselves with current trends, especially ICT knowledge, to be relevant and minister to multimedia believers,” he stated.

He also wanted them to uplift churches’ humanitarian programme, as the pandemic has shown church members are going through a lot than they want to talk about.

“This is the time pastors should be more passionate to show they really care for church members. They must find ways to make members feel the positive impact in their lives and situations,” he said.

Chairman, Lagos OAIC, Apostle Julius Opasola, said: “Churches will certainly thrive post COVID-19. The church has always risen above the waters. Anytime there are challenges, churches have always outlived them. So, basically, we’re just arming ourselves with the requisite mindset and skills to come out stronger and better.”