Diocese of Warri ends seminar at Ibru Centre

The Ibru International Ecumenical Centre Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, recently played host to Anglican Diocese of Warri for two days. At the special diocesan Seminar, which held on March 5 and 6, the Dean of the Warri Diocesan Bible School, The Ven. Dr. E.A. Otobrise, who delivered the opening charge, said the programme was one the series of seminars, resolved at the last Diocesan Synod, “to contextualise the concept of Practical Theology to reflect the realities of the challenges of the 21st Century Church, in order to rapidly and adequately respond to contemporary ministerial challenges for the enhancement of Church growth, as well as equip saints for practical ministry and to also identify lay members with special endowment, so as to support the ordained ministry.”

The course was organised by The Ven. Dr. E.A. Otobrise, and Bro. Akpovero Fortunatus Aruedoghene.

The Bishop of Warri Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Christian Ide, said the seminar was scheduled to hold in sections, not only for the Church teachers and wives, but also for the Clergy and their wives, as well as other groups like the Women group leaders across the Diocese, Lay Readers, Evangelists, Knights, Business Men/Women and all Youth Organisations, among others.

He explained that the seminars were designed to create awareness that will stimulate the ministerial capability of both the Clergy and lay, as well as, address most challenges and yearnings of church members cutting cross all groups in the church, irrespective of age, education, social and financial status.

The Seminar, themed, “Contextualising the Concept of Practical Theology for the Enhancement of Ministry (1Cor. 12:4-6),” featured mainly group discussions and think-tank on such topics as, “Christian Spiritual Formation – Individual and Church,”
“Effective Follow-up Technique from the text: Matt. 28:19-20 and Acts 2:41-42,” “Christian Ethics and the Place of Confirmation.”

The Bishop’s wife, Mrs. P.O.E. Ide, facilitated a special session on “Complimenting Each Other’s Ministry: 1 Pet. 5:2, John 21,” which was combined with Family Clinic. She explained that pastoring is a vocation and obligation to feed the Lord’s sheep eagerly and selflessly, shunning materialistic tendencies characteristic of modern day’s ministries. She also called on Church teachers to work together with their wives and ensure that their families are not left out of their pastoral ministries.

The programme was the maiden Diocesan Retreat for the Church Teachers, who are the lay full time pastors in the Anglican Church and from where ordained clergymen are groomed.