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| Pastor Abraham Ekebafe |
By 'Gbenga Bankole
The Minister in Charge of Christ Apostolic Church, Light House Assembly, Ikeja Lagos, Pastor Abraham Ekebafe has said retaining capacity of any church that lacks fellowship would be very low.
He noted that it is fellowship that actually makes us a family, evangelism opens the front gate of a church and fellowship closes the back door.
Pastor Ekebafe stated this while delivering a lecture on th topic "The Purpose-Driven Church" on Tuesday February 8, 2022 at the ongoing CAC Pastors' Leadership Retreat, Batch Four, Akinyele Region.
He further said it is fellowship that keeps people in the church even two three hours after church service.
"When people can't connect with a church they don't relate for long.
This must be made known to every worker of the church. When fellowship is existing the church is warmer and the church is safe. The congregation needs to network together," he stated.
According to him, as Christians we are called to belong, not just to believe, the church exists to provide fellowship for believers.
Apart from fellowship, he said other purpose of the church is worship, ministry, evangelism and discipleship.
"Discipleship can't be impacted by laying of hands. It has to be taught. It is a place where men are built up in Christ. If we don't do discipleship the future of the church is in jeopardy," he noted.
Laying emphasis on the ministry, Pastor Ekebafe said everyone in the church must be involved in the ministry otherwise after a while they start dragging their feet.
He said when the five purposes of the church are not there, the church is not balanced, adding that the key of a healthy church is balance and it is very important that we maintain a healthy and a balanced church.