Embrace larger biblical views of stewardship, Olonisakin urges church leaders
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin has called on church leaders to look beyond the church wall in their evangelical drive, noting that stewardship in the 21st century goes beyond church budget and church building projects.
At the 29th Convocation ceremony and 30th Anniversary of the West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS), which held on Saturday, September 14 at the school ground in Ipaja, Lagos, Olonishakin, who was represented by the Chaplain of the Defence headquarters, Abuja, Second Lt. Col. Chukwudi Ochoji said as it was important that Christian leaders in the 21st century began to look beyond the church wall and connect with everything that God is involved in, in this world.
He also pleaded with the graduating students of WATS to embrace a larger perspective of stewardship, which connects more with the people.
In his words: “As Christian leaders in the 21st century, I urge us to embrace the larger views of leadership, which reaches beyond church budgets or church projects. It connects everything we do with what God is doing in the world. Christian leaders need to be faithful stewards of all that God has given us within the opportunities presented through the providence to glorify Him, serve the common good and further His kingdom.”
While commending the founder of WATS, Dr. Gary Maxey for holding unto his vision of the seminary and doggedness over the years, CDS praised the students, staff and friends of the institution for their cooperation over the years.
The guest lecturer, Prof. Michael Omolewa in his lecture, titled: Riding the storm to Glory, noted that there was no tangible achievement in life that is devoid of challenges. While noting that WATS had come a long way, Omolewa, who was Nigeria’s Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), said the 30th anniversary of the institution is an indication that the Lord is going to use the school mightily in Nigeria in this end time. He reasoned that many people who made great strides from the Bible days began when they were 30. Citing the example of Jesus and Joseph in the Bible, he said, the real manifestation of the seminary had just begun.
The founder, Dr. Gary Maxey expressed great delight at the success the school had recorded so far, pointing out that God had been the mainstay of the school since its inception 30 years ago.
About 130 students graduated at the school with degrees, ranging from BA, MA and Doctor of Ministry. Nine students bagged a first class degree in Bachelor of Theology. The high point of the convocation was the dedication of a two-floor hostel facility donated to the seminary by the founder of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. Daniel Olukoya.The Provost of the school, Pastor Oluwafemi Martins described Olukoya’s gesture as amazing, noting that he volunteered to carry out the project “when he saw the impact the school had made.”
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