Baptist Seminary Seeks Sanity Amongst Ministers
The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Ogbomoso, has called for sanity amongst gospel ministers to guarantee the nation’s transformation.
NBTS President, Rev. Stephen Ayankeye, made the call in Ogbomoso on Monday during a news conference to announce the forthcoming 2024 NBTS Ministers’ Conference.
The conference, with the theme, “The Gospel Minister and His Call”, is scheduled for Sept. 9 to Sept. 12.
Ayankeye says the theme is apt, following Nigeria’s current situation where some gospel ministers demonstrate a lack of understanding of what it means to be called into ministry.
He said gospel ministers were expected to know the purpose of the call and how to sharpen it to promote the gospel.
“The result of the ignorance is the disgraceful behaviour found among some pastors.
“A cursory look into this theme will help in restoring ministerial sanity that can result in the transformation of society,” he said.
Ayankeye urged political officeholders and others in government to be more intentional in ensuring the restoration of economic, social and educational vibrancy in Nigeria.
He enjoined the government to direct more efforts to ensure the security of lives and property for the people to experience a conducive atmosphere to face their work in peace.
“The citizenry should also be law abiding and be praying for our leaders regularly. Time has come when everyone should work hard to restore the glory of Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the conference will help gospel ministers to be further equipped and reinvigorated for godly living and effective ministries.
Ayankeye said the conference, embedded with a continuing education programme, would help to update the academic and professional knowledge of gospel ministers.
This, he said, would also sharpen their ministerial skills and provide them with opportunities for fellowship and denominational promotion.
He listed the following as highlights of the convention: African praise, hymn singing, instrumentals, messages, Bible teachings, group discussions, intercessory prayers, witnessing and football matches.
The conference is an annual programme for Baptist Ministers of the Nigerian Baptist Convention. The year 2024 edition marks the 64th annual gathering of Baptist Ministers.