By Sunday Okunogbe
In a bid to improve the knowledge capacity of the church workers in the DCC, thereby motivating them to be more productive and proactive in their services to God and humanity, the Christ Apostolic Church, Egba Districts' Coordinating Council (DCC) has just concluded her 2023 annual Refresher Course.
The two days annual programme took place at the CAC Essien Regional Headquarters, Isale Ake, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd July, 2023, with the theme: "Maximizing Grace as a Church Worker" - 2 Cor. 6:1.
The first day of the event, which was exclusively dedicated to Ministers and their wives only, witnessed a large turnout of ministers and their wives from all the 16 districts in the DCC.
The only lecture for Friday was taken by Pst. S. B. Olatunde, the Superintendent of the Holy Ghost DCC, Sabo, Abeokuta. In his lecture, titled "Ministers' Home and the Church Relationship," he harped the need for a harmonious relationship between the Ministers and their homes. According to him, "Any failure at home will affect the church, and if a balance is not striked between home and the church by a minister, he will find himself to blame if he has issues with the church". He encouraged how to foster a good relationship with the Church of God.
Thereafter, a coordinated "Share and Care" session took place, which was structured on issues that affect Ministers of God, their homes, and the ministry. The session was anchored by the secretary of the planning committee, Pastor Ayo Oduronbi. It attracted questions and contributions from different quarters. Pst I. Olu Eyebiokin contributed immensely, using his wealth of experience spanning many years in the ministry to deepen the session.
The first day session on Friday ended on a memorable note, as the Regional Superintendent said the closing prayer and the Benediction.
However, the grand finale of the seminar on Saturday was highly exciting, seeing Elders, Deaconesses, Choir members, Ushers, Media members, Children and Adult Sunday School Teachers, Mid Wives, Interpreters and other church workers, trooped out in their large numbers to grace the occasion and to be imparted with knowledge. One of the high points of the occasion was the opening remark of Pastor I. Olu Eyebiokin, the Essien Regional Superintendent. In his address, he gave thanks to God for the reality and success of the programme. And, he took the time to appreciate the support of all categories of church workers at the programme. He commended their tenacity to make the region a force to be reckoned with.
He encouraged all present to be up and doing in their services before the Lord, stressing that commitment and faithfulness are wholesome key if God will recognize and accept our services.
Talking about the Theme: "Maximizing Grace as a Church Worker" he enjoined all Christians not to take the God giving grace in vain, describing God's grace like a window of opportunity, which have a time limit attached to it. He stressed further that, anyone who maximizes the grace of God upon his or her life, is open to more grace and undisputed reward, and those that fail to maximize the grace of God are bound to loose it - Matthew 25:14-30.
In the same vain, Pastor D. O Okusanya, The Superintendent of Isabo DCC, who equally doubles as the Essien Regional Secretary, made a good exposition on the first Lecture of the day, titled: "Service As a Measure of Grace and Danger of Abuse"
Pastor Okusanya stressed that all church workers are God's representatives on earth and instruments in the hands of God for kingdom fulfilling purposes. He further explained that all our services before the Lord are equal, and the gift of God given to us must be used productively without abuse.
He said any God giving gift that is not used for the kingdom of God and in line with the will of God has already been abused and it can be retrieved by the giver, thus attracting grave consequences.
The man of God charged the younger ministers to exercise the grace of God upon their lives with utmost respect and honour to those ahead of them. He cautioned them to tread with care, using Heb. 10: 26 - 31 as a reference.
He concluded urging all workers in God's vineyard that, as we serve God, we must equally serve one another in love and in the Spirit of God.
The second lecture was taken by Eld. Femi Sadiku (F.C.A), on the topic "Understanding Christ Apostolic Church Financial Policy,"
Eld. Sadiku opened the understanding of all present to the CAC Financial Manual and regulations that guide the mission. He stressed the need to know and understand the financial policy of CAC, laying emphasis on the source of church income, documentation, and its allocation.
The church according to the elder from Remo DCC have their sources of income through: Member tithe, Corporate Tithe, Seed of Blessing (S.O.B), Sacrificial offering, Revival Offering, Missionary fund (M.F), Ministers' Tithe, and Project fund, which their remittances must go into their appropriate purses.
The vote of thanks was given by the Chairman of the Refresher Course Committee, D/S Pst. S. A. Odubade. In bringing the occasion to a close, the Essien Regional Superintendent, Pastor I. O. Eyebiokin also appreciated everyone and enjoined all to shun high-handedness and work according to the dictates of the Holy Spirit. He stressed that God is no respecter of anyone, as He will pay everyone according to the degree of their service to Him. He berated all shenanigans happening in the church, stating that God will not fail to reward each and every one according to their work.
To this end, the year 2023 Refresher Course was brought to a memorable close. Pst. I. O. Eyebiokin gave the closing prayer with the Benediction, while all leapt for joy for the great success of the programme.
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