The President, Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Ogbomoso, Rev. Prof. Emiola Nihinlola, says all is now set for the 60th annual NBTS Ogbomso Ministers' Conference come September 14th to 16th, 2020.
The Professor of Christian Theological Studies disclosed this on Monday in Ogbomoso during a press conference to herald the 2020 virtual NBTS Ministers’ Conference.
He explained that the 2020 programme is special because of the COVID-19 global pandemi saying that the usual onsite programme will be supplemented with virtual mode.
According to him, this will give opportunity to all NBTS graduates in different parts of the world to participate through online platforms.
The erudite clergy noted that, we have concluded plans to conduct this conference with prayer that God would revitalize the church, that the power of God would continue to consecrate church pastors, gospel ministers, all Christian leaders to transform our society.
Nhinlola who highlighted the objectives of organizing the Ministers’ Conference annually as firstly, it is a retreat, a worship experience to renew spirituality and fellowship of gospel ministers, secondly, it is a seminar, to update academic/and professional knowledge of the participants, thirdly, it is a workshop, to sharpen ministry skills especially for leadership, communication and counseling, fourthly, it is also meant for denominational promotion, to publicize the activities of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.
He said, the expected participants are of various categories of gospel ministers (church pastors, Christian educators, church musicians, evangelists, missionaries as well as denominational and interdenominational workers and officers.
Professor Nihinlola noted that the theme for the 2020 Conference is Church Revitalization with Focus on Revelation 2:1-7.
He said, "The church has a critical role to perform in the plan of God, not only for spiritual redemption and nurture of people but also for transformation of citizens and development of societies. The church need to be revitalized to lead the Nigerian nation to repent of the evils of corruption, rape, kidnapping, ritual killing and other social vices. In this conference we will encourage Christians facing victimization and persecution all over the world to continue to contend for the Christian faith."
"The theme of Church Revitalization will be discussed with various features and sessions including praise and worship, prayer, bible study, and devotional messages. A special seminar will examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of Christian and church life: medical/health, social and economic, ICT and education as well as spiritual and ministerial."
"The programme is being planned for students, staff, alumni of the Seminary and for all gospel ministers. It is a national and international conference, gospel ministers will participate online in all states of Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory and beyond. We have made all appropriate and adequate arrangements, including necessary COVID-19 protocols for the few face-to-face participants, safety and security measures, including wearing of face mask, hand washing and sanitization as well as social distancing to have a hitch free conference." Nihinlola explained.
Some of the programme personnel include: Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, the President of Christian Association of Nigeria and the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention; Dn. Biodun Oloyede, Vice-President (Finance and Investment), Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr Tunde Oyaleke, the Vice-Chairman, National Pastors’ Fellowship, Nigerian Baptist Convention; Rev. Dr Olusegun Adeleke, the Pastor of Ikoyi Baptist Church, Lagos; Dr Nkem Osuigwe, the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church, Port-Harcourt who is also the Chairman of our Alumni Association and Rev. Dr Mrs. Femi Okunlola, Olivet Baptist Church, Oyo.
The Chairman, Planning Committee and the Deputy President Academics, Rev. Dr. Simon Ishola maintained that 2020 Ministers' Conference is strategically designed for the church to wake up from slumber and empower the gospel ministers to do the work of the ministry effectively.
He said, the challenges confronting the church globally is a sign that there is need for the church of Christ to be revitalized.
Also, the Alumni Officer Rev. Taiwo Opajobi urged all graduates of NBTS Ogbomoso to register online or through bank transfer to enjoy conference materials and to be able to participate fully.
The press conference was graced by the Deputy President Administration, Rev. Dr. Yeside Odiase, the Seminary Bursar, Mr Christopher Ishola, the Director of Development and Public Relations, Rev. Kola Alade. the Chief Protocol Officer, Mr. Deyi Johnson among others.
God will grant the church victory in this critical period in world history. Kudos to the President of the seminary and the team.
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