The GEWC States 2nd Ministers' Conference held from 10th to 12th March 2017 at various State headquarters. Ministers gathered to seek God’s face and to hear from Him. There were several enriching talks and seminars.
Sunday, being the grand finale, the president of the Women Fellowship International, Pastor (Dr.) Nonyem E. Numbere graced the Rivers West Ministers’ Conference. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to God for being present at the Ministers’ conference and also appreciated the organizers of the conference. Speaking on the topic: The Servant Leadership As a Tool for Being a Disciple and Making Disciples for Christ (Luke 22:24-26, Matthew 18:1-6), she began her message by saying, the quest to be known with big titles has been there from the very beginning. She used the analogy of the disciples who came to Jesus to ask, “Who is the greatest?” After our founding father passed on, people asked who would succeed him as the head of the Ministry, but the ways of the Lord are not the ways of man. God chose a man after His own heart.
Speaking further, she said, just as the unseen parts of our body are very important so is every member of the body of Christ very important. The Church will not grow when the Pastor tries to use his/her authority forcefully on the people all the time. Pastors should value every member of their church so that they will not slip from their hands. If you must please God, You must be a servant leader. A servant leadership enhances leadership. Jesus Christ made himself lower than a servant.
She highlighted on a few points:
- God is the employer of the ordained minister, especially the full time minister. God will pay the salaries of the ordained minister. When people buy a car for you, build a house for you or pay your children’s fees etc, it is God providing for you as a minister.
- Be anxious for nothing (Luke 22:24-27)
- Being a servant is key. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet including Judas that was to betray Him. Washing of feet is the work of slaves. To wash the feet of your members is to love and care for their needs. Pastors should visit every member of their congregation and know everyone by name.
- See every member of your church as everyone that you can use. Even though the disciples were ambitious, Jesus gave them a chance. The preacher must know how to strike a balance.
- Jesus paid taxes (Matthew 17:24); full time ministers should give to support the work of God
The International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori was present at the Rivers State East Conference. Highlighting on his charge to all ministers, he brought to the fore the truth that all ministers are arrows in the hands of God (their master) who has given them this task. Describing Ministers as arrows, he stated that when the arrow is not well prepared, it will not hit its target, because the roughness of its edges and unpolished parts will be distracted by the wind, however, it will only produce great noise, reduced speed and penetration ability. There is the need to be submissive to the polishing process, which will enable them function effectively in their various ministries. In his words, the polishing process determines whether one would enter into the quiver of the Master, as well as make heaven.
He stressed that, a minister who is thoroughly polished, produces great results. Such a person also gives true testimonies and is able to polish others, which is the ministry we have been called to. He was keen to point out that a minister who trains his members to become disciples will scarcely experience issues with regards to his welfare, as these disciples will operate like true disciples both in their words and in deeds. He adjured all Minsters to be watchful of the antics of the wicked and not make themselves available for the enemy to use in fighting the Ministry. Finally, he urged all ministers to utilize all they learnt in the conference to bring about results, because when God uses a man there must be result.
