By 'Gbenga Bankole
A Lecturer at Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary (CACTS), Ibadan Campus, Pastor C.O.A. Oluwatusin has urged everyone to make commitment to grow spiritually, noting that many denominations and lives are developing without growing.
He said everyone should start a Bible reading plan, set aside time each day to pray, read good Christian literatures, watch some good Christian programmes and never give up on learning.
He said many denominations are building cathedrals these days but are not growing spiritually, saying that the church is gradually becoming being materialistic due to prosperity message.
According to him, one of the greatest tragedies of the Church is invasion of the pulpit by comedians.
Pastor Oluwatusin said this while ministering on the topic "Minister and His Commitment to Ministry" at 2020 Ministers' Refresher Course organized by CAC Ibadan Districts' Coordinating Council (DCC), Ibadan.
He also said without a clear sense of purpose and direction it is easy for the pastor to fall prey to misguided priorities, stating that the Pastor cannot be all things to all people and at the same time be faithful in following God's calling on His life.
The Cleric said the Pastor must determine the expectations of God from a biblical perspective and minister accordingly and he must understand the terms of his calling otherwise he would be committed to a wrong course.
"The ministry of Pastor must not focus primarily on a constantly changing and transitional culture. The pastor's calling, character and competence must be solidly anchored to biblical moorings that do not change with cultural shifts or the passing of time," he said.
While speaking on the character of the pastor, he noted that there is no substitute for godly character and if pastors do not have godly character as the foundation of their ministries, it will be revealed over the long term in failed ministries and damaged lives and congregation.