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| Pastor Stephen Ajayi, PhD |
Despite the rapid scientific and technological advancements of the 21st century, the message of the Gospel must remain unchanged, even as ministers adapt their methods of carrying out the work of ministry to meet the demands of the present age. This was the central message of Pastor Stephen Ajayi, PhD, at the 14th Convocation Lecture of Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary, Ile-Ife, Ibadan Campus.
This declaration was made by Pastor Stephen Ajayi, PhD, while delivering the 14th Convocation Lecture of Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary, Ile-Ife, Ibadan Campus.
In his paper titled “Exploring the Challenges and Prospects in Ministry and Their Implications for Church Growth in the 21st Century,” Pastor Ajayi asserted that every generation of ministers inherits a world different from the one in which their predecessors laboured. Nevertheless, he emphasised that the Gospel message remains the same.
He maintained that ministry in the present age cannot be conducted in exactly the same way as it was in the previous century. However, the message of the Gospel must remain unchanged because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
The cleric also expressed concern over the growing prevalence of doctrinal confusion, false prophecies and the misuse of sacred symbols in the Church.
He therefore called on Church leaders to establish effective institutional mechanisms to check these excesses before they cause further harm to the Body of Christ.
In conclusion, Pastor Ajayi urged ministers of the Gospel to identify, discover and develop their specific ministerial gifts and callings, while remaining faithful to them for the overall growth and development of the Body of Christ.