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AKURE DIOCESE METHODIST CHURCH HOLDS MAIDEN 2025 MINISTERS, PASTORAL AGENTS AND WIVES RETREAT
Ministers in the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Akure have successfully concluded the maiden edition of the 2025 Diocesan Ministers, Pastoral Agents and Wives Retreat held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The two-day spiritual retreat, which took place at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), brought together all ministers in the diocese alongside their spouses for a time of spiritual renewal, learning, and fellowship.
Declaring the retreat open, the Bishop of the Diocese, Right Rev. Bola Osunjuyigbe, described the event as timely and essential. He emphasized the need for ministers who work tirelessly in God’s vineyard to take time to refresh themselves spiritually and mentally in order to serve more effectively.
According to the Bishop, the retreat provides an opportunity for ministers to refocus and rededicate themselves to their divine calling. He urged them to see themselves as good shepherds entrusted with the responsibility of leading God’s flock to salvation.
In his remarks, the Synod Secretary, Very Rev. Zacchaeus Orojo, commended the large turnout of the Ministers, stressing that the program was necessary for spiritual and personal growth.
“We need to continue this program for us to grow spiritually. It is also an avenue to know ourselves better as ministers serving within the same diocese,” he added.
The Host Minister, Chaplain of the Chapel of Faith, FUTA, Very Rev. Dr. Chris Godspower, along with church leaders, warmly welcomed participants to the venue, expressing gratitude for the privilege of hosting such a spiritually enriching gathering.
The retreat featured a variety of impactful sessions and activities. A morning prayer walk set a vibrant tone for the program, promoting unity and spiritual awakening among participants.
Guest speakers at the retreat included: Rt. Rev. W.A.O. Egbetakin, Bishop of Owo Diocese, who led a thought-provoking session on “Overcoming Ministry Challenges in the 21st Century, Very Rev. Philip Oladosu on “The Prayer Power of the Man Behind the Pulpit and His or Her Spouse.” Evangelist Emmanuel Fashina, addressed “Spiritual Dynamism in Approaching Ministry Challenges among others.
Adding a unique touch to the retreat, wife of the Diocesan Bishop, Sis Abiola Osunjuyigbe hosted an interactive and enlightening session tagged “Mama Bishop’s Kitchen.” The session focused on healthy living, teaching participants natural alternatives to artificial seasonings like Maggi, as well as other nutritional tips for a balanced lifestyle.
Participants expressed deep satisfaction with the retreat, describing it as refreshing, inspiring, and transformative.
They also called for its continuity as an annual event to further enhance ministerial growth and effectiveness in service.
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