Christian Leaders have been charged to always have spiritual guard and watch over the flocks entrusted their care by God Almighty.
Chairman, Regional Church Council (RCC), of Church Of Christ In Nation (COCIN) Du, Reverend Dauda Leng Jakawa, gave the charge while delivering a paper titled “LEADERSHIP CONGRESS 16TH JULY 2022
EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP FOR A UNITED CHURCH”at COCIN LCC, RAYFIELD, Jos during
the church’s maiden congress held on 26th July, 2022.
Relying on the book of Acts 20:35 in the holy Bible, the clergy drew the attention of christian Leaders to the fact that, “ Leadership is God’s gift to humanity, effective church leadership is even more precious”
Jakawa took his first reading From the book of 1Timothy 4:1 pointed that, “The Bible strongly describes it as “a noble task”. God chooses and appoints leaders at different times for particular assignments”.
“Leadership comes with responsibilities, privileges and challenges. It is accompanied by power and opportunities. Someone states, “Being a leader takes courage, discipline, and determination. While a great leader can bring great success, it also comes at the cost of being judged and overwhelmed.” He explained.
Earlier, leading pastor, COCIN LCC RAYFIELD, Rev. Samuel Dantoro, had during his welcoming speech
Emphasized the matter of Unity in the church which is in line with the COCIN theme of the year 2022 “walking in Unity”.
The Church leader told members that, “the general church council (‘Babban Majalisa’) is the highest policymaking organ of COCIN.
pointing that, “the system of governance in COCIN is called, Consultative Presbyterianism. It means, leadership by consultation. That is why together, as a church denomination, we govern ourselves, together, we propagate or spread the good news of salvation (gospel), and together, we raise resources to sustain ourselves”.
Categories of members invited (delegates) are groups leaders particularly, Secretarys and Treasures of all the church groups drawn from variously branches of the LCC in addition to the different church committees saddled with various responsibilities within the Church.
Taking his text from the book of Psalms 133:1, Philippians 2:2, John 17:23 during the welcoming words, the clergy told the delegates “our gathering today is a mark of our Unity as a body of Christ in Rayfield. And one thing that COCIN has been stressing right from January 2022, is the matter of Unity . For what can we honestly do and achieve without Unity? ”
“Our victory as believers is in our Unity ; our spreading of the good news is in our Unity; Even our loving one another is in our Unity is also our success as an RCC and a congregation. Today’s Council is therefore, the meeting point of those that God has entrusted Leadership in their hands at the RCC, LCC, sub-group, prayer cell and committee or unit levels.
It meets in may and November every year , and also in emergency session at the COCIN headquarters, the regional church council also meets in Majalisa twice every year. Out meeting today is therefore, consistent with what the church at both GCC and RCC levels are undertaking for building up of the church”.
One of the Church Elders, N llpppde Manasseh, took turns to stress that groups are meant to work in the church, serve and glorify God not for his own good (God)but for the members.
He further stated that groups must adhere strictly to their vision and mission and it must enshrine fellowship,bible study, evangelism or mission,prayers, e.t.c. in their yearly activities to be effective in the discharge of their leadership responsibilities.
OCIN LCC RAYFIELD HOLDS IT’S MAiDEN CONGRESS…….
The church of Christ in Nations COCIN LCC Rayfeild held her maiden congress on the 16/O7/2022 at the church Sanctuary in other to fashion out the best way ever to improve the growth and development of it’s members spiritually and otherwise.
In an exhortation and purpose of the congress, the leading pastor Rev. Dr Dantoro admonishes members to be focus and attentive to the teachings, observations and questions that Will be raised in the course of the congress as this is aimed at equipping them for a better leadership delivery in their various congregations.
On his own part, chairman Regional Church Council RCC Du. Rev Jakawa,in his teachings hammered on the need for delegates as leaders in their different groups, they most strive hard to lead and live by example.
Congress concludes with the various Church groups and committees presentations of their reports and an action plan is expected to be issue out from these reports for the spiritual upliftment and development of the church.
In a brief observation of some of the reports, leading Pastor Rev.Dr Dantoro decries the use of prayer cells or houses as a channel only for gathering monies for Pastor farm against the quest for spiritual growth and upliftment of members.
Reverend Jakawa’s detail text:
“COCIN LCC RAYFIELD
LEADERSHIP CONGRESS 16TH JULY 2022
EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP FOR A UNITED CHURCH
SCRIPTURE CITATION
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to allq the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood –Acts 20:28.
NOTABLE QUOTES
A leader is someone who units people and guides them toward a shared goal. They help to set the target, the pace and the culture within an organization. In a church, leaders are crucial to a ministry’s ability to achieve its mission. Every church has a slightly different leadership model and terms for describing those leaders, however, the basic characteristics of a church leader should be the same
– Patricia Lotich.
“Under the plan God has ordained for the church, leadership is a position of humble, loving service. Church leadership is ministry, not management. Those whom God designates as leaders are called not to be governing monarchs, but humble slaves; not slick celebrities, but laboring servants. Those who would lead God’s people must above all exemplify sacrifice, devotion, submission, and lowliness. Jesus Himself gave us the pattern when He stooped to wash His disciples’ feet, a task that was customarily done by the lowest of slaves (John 13). If the Lord of the universe would do that, no church leader has a right to think of himself as a bigwig.”
– John MacArthur
INTRODUCTION
Leadership is God’s gift to humanity, effective church leadership is even more precious. The Bible strongly describes it as “a noble task” –1Timothy 4:1. God chooses and appoints leaders at different times for particular assignments. Leadership comes with responsibilities, privileges and challenges. It is accompanied by power and opportunities. Someone states, “Being a leader takes courage, discipline, and determination. While a great leader can bring great success, it also comes at the cost of being judged and overwhelmed.”
What is Christian leadership? What should a Christian leader be like? There is no finer example for Christian leadership than our Lord Jesus Christ. He declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). It is within this verse that we see the perfect description of a Christian leader. He is one who acts as a shepherd to those “sheep” in his care.
Leaders are those who lead others towards achieving a goal. Effective leadership is about right attitude resulting in right action. So for effective leadership to a united church, there must be.
A. SPIRITUAL CHECK
Who am I? Am I qualified to be a Leader? The greatest and most dangerous deception is to deceive oneself. You are first of all a child of God, a Christian before you are a Leader, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God” –Jn.1:12.
Do I demonstrate godly character in all areas of my life? Do I destroy my claim and Christian testimony with the way I live? Church leaders need to be godly people who exemplify godly behaviors. Leaders must demonstrate a high level of integrity and adhere to honesty, moral and ethical principles regardless of the circumstances. Paul instructs, “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” (1Timothy 3:1-5).
What is my personal walk with God like? When was the last time I heard from God? Am I living the way he instructs me to live? Am I pleasing him? “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead” –Phil.3:10-11.
Am I submissive? Do I follow the Lord’s leading or do I have a “know it better” attitude? God promises to teach and counsel us –Psalm 32:8. Am I willing submit to God and my superiors? “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” –Eph.5:21.
Do I understand that being a leader is a call? Am I approaching this call with eternity in view? Do I always live with the consciousness that I will give account of this leadership before God? “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). For “we are each responsible for our own conduct” (Galatians 6:5 NLT).
B. RESPONSIBILITY CHECK
Do I have an understanding of the vision and mission of the church? Am I committed to the mission of the church? Do I participate fully in the life and activities of the church? Am I committed to discipleship? “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive” –Acts 20:35.
Am I leading by example? What example am I setting for those who look up to me as a leader? Can I be bold to tell others to imitate my faith and follow my example? Hebrews 13:7; 1Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 4:9. Can others follow my example and arrive safe? Where would those who follow my example spend their eternity? “Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” –1Timothy 4:12. Is my leadership characterized by integrity? The Bible says of David’s leadership, “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them” –Psalm 78:72.
Do I have a teachable heart? Life is a journey of learning and only the teachable succeed and survive. Leadership responsibility requires that we are open to learning new things. “If the axe is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength; however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success” –Ecclesiastes 10:10.
Do I have a team spirit? Am I willing to work with others as a team? Do I value the contribution of others for me to succeed in carrying out my responsibilities? “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another”–Proverbs 27:17. No one succeeds by working alone, no matter how smart you are, you need others.
Do I recognize my place in my call as a leader? John the Baptist did it when he said of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” –John 3:30. Do I understand that it is God who works through me? Am I willing to allow God do his work? “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” –Philippians 2:13.
Do I value feedback and criticisms? Am I threatened by criticisms? Do I value other people’s opinions? How valuable is feedback to my success as a leader? How can I use feedback and other people’s perspectives to improve my leadership? –“If you listen to constructive critism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor” (Prov.15:31-33).
Do I show commitment in handling any task assigned to me? Am I committed to ensuring that the church grows spiritually, numerically and socially? “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going” – Ecclesiastes 9:10.
Do I cherish faithfulness and accountability in accomplishing any assigned task or responsibility? Do I approach my responsibility with an expectation of Christ’s return? God requires faithfulness and accountability from those he entrusts valuable responsibility. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions” –Matthew 24:45-47.
Do I have the heart to serve others? Can I describe myself as a servant? Do I enjoy serving others or others serving me? Jesus said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” –Matthew 20:25-26.
Is this orientation going to change my perception of what it means to be a leader? How will this affect me, my family and the entire congregation of COCIN LCC RAYFIELD?
CONCLUSION
As leaders you must always have your spiritual guard and watch over God’s flock entrusted to your care. You are accountable before God as individuals, committees and a council for how this church thrives. The strength of this church is as strong as the strength of your leadership. The mountains this congregation will move or level are as high as your faith. Go in the power of his might and lead God’s people in your care. Never will he leave nor forsake you –Hebrews 13:5.
Detail speech of Rev. Dantoro ;
BENEFIT OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL
This church council is to provide a platform for us to consult with one another.
We will hear from each other we will receive reports from each group we will ask questions make comments discuss and find a common ground to strengthen the ministry encourage one another share new ideas and agree on roadmap for the times and seasons ahead.
We are also desirous of being accountable and transparent in the assignment we have been given in our various groups we want openness and participation in the affairs of the church.
Therefore, we will hear about how each group is faring this has many benefits there will be no ignorance of what we are doing there will be no mischief or gossip there will be no clashes in assignments it will promote unity it will encourage us to continue serving wholeheartedly and to give her support freely and it will enable us to correct answers and promote godly examples.
We are all the more encouraged by personal presence of our father and leader at the regional level in the present of the chairman RCC du Reverend Dauda Leng Jakawa. Not here to be a spectator mode to give just a few words of encouragement in passing know our chairman is with us to give us fundamental teachings that will further strengthen our leadership root and points to the better directions in the administration and ministry of the church at the region and local level we are immensely thankful sir.
We are expecting a total of 33 reports from the church sip groups area sells and 15 committees and units there will be a lot to learn from each other”
LCC RAYFIELD IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
In hausa it is often said, ‘Waiwaya Maganin mantuwa’ when we look back, we remind ourselves not to forget.
History has it that, COCIN RAYFIELD was conceived in 1970 by late Da Jang Davou who saw the need for a church to be established in rayfield. Before then, believers were worshipping at COCIN GURA topp, until early 1970, when a place was secured for erecting a church. This crucial moment , Late Da Pam Tang willingly gave a land at Fwavei for that purpose.
Unfortunately his brother from Du oppost the donation of the Land to the church. The lord who makes a way where there seems to be not stirred the heart of late, Da Ezekiel Tok who gave his apartment for worship. Afterwards, COCIN in rayfield acquired a piece of land around where the church was built. The congregational Church was inaugurated by Da Not Pam Kim and Da Chuwang Kanang in 1972.
It is important to note that COCIN Rayfield was carved out from Gura Topp. In 1986 members usually went to Kwang for holy Communion as Kwang had been upgraded to LCC and Rayfield was attached to her.
In 1993 English service was introduced in the church as the number of worshippers increased, it was upgraded to an LCC with 209 communicant members the 10th January, 1998 by Rev. Samson C.D Pam who was the chairman of RCC kuru. Rayfield grew has grown in her own 20 year history to also given birth’ to LCC Gut, LCC Lahwol Gut, LCC mazaran and LCC Fwavei. To God be the Glory.
I give honour to the members committees elders as well as all the ordained and none ordained ministers, some alive and many already in sleep with the lord who had served in COCIN Rayfield from inception. From records I am the 8th ordained pastor to be posted to rayfield from 1998. In accordance with my official letter of posting from the COCIN headquarters, I reported accordingly on January 1st, 2022 assumed duty here in rayfield and received the assignment from my co-worker, Rev. Hehemiah Makunish Mafiyai on Saturday February 12th 2002.
I am also thankful to the RCC Chairman and EC for the warm welcome since my posting. I am elated that, i have come to enjoy the unique service and experiences of the first associate pastor LCC Rayfield, Rev. Prof. Jotham
Maza kangdim, now retired as a pastor. I am grateful for the ministry of the wife of the late president of COCIN, Mama Grace Alexander Mamdip Lar, that of the outstanding trainer of hundred of pastors, my lecturer at TCNN, Dr. Mrs. Justina Damap as well as RCC Kuru treasurer who have been a long-standing assets in Rayfield,Da Chollom Jacob Nyam,. I am further grateful for the team that God has carefully assembled here to Minister as well I am truly very proud of them in every way.
Pastor Bulus Iliya From -Pastor
Elder Yiljap Abraham-Secretary
Elder David Denwa-Asst. Secretary
Elder Yakubu D. Gyang-Treasurer
Elder Paul Weka-Fin. Secretary
Elder John Mankilik- Member
Elder Habiba T. Alams-Member
Elder Rahila Damnul-Member
I acknowledge the landmark achievement that were attained before my posting. And I pray that God will reward each person according to the measures of their faith and contributions in the name of Jesus Christ. I trust the leadership of the holy spirit, the guidance of our leaders at RCC and enthusiastic members I have encountered in Rayfield A to further grow the church and God’s Kingdom to the praise and honour of our Savior Jesus Christ.
MOVING ON WITH THE MINISTRY.
Since my arrival we have worked with sustaining and even raising the spiritual temple of leaders and members in this assembly kitchen sprayers visitation stored in the world tour together and attending to those who are weak both in body and soul have been important weapons in ministry the congregation is made up of more than 700 communicants and vibrant Sunday school with over 400 children they are very dear to our hearts as a Council.
So as I welcome you I also invite you to enjoy this Air of freedom in your father’s house and let us together dwell truly in unity.
SAWABIYANews