… Veteran Journalist Consecrated As An Elder
Having pursued all Christian religious consecration and possessing proven christian qualities, including pledging to work for the spiritual welfare of all people and the unity of all believers among others, twenty-eight elected members of the Christian Evangelical Fellowship of Nigeria, CEFN Inc. were at the weekend in Gwagwalada-Abuja ordained as Elders of the Fellowship.
They were drawn from the Abuja, Jos, Zaria, Kano, Sokoto, Lokoja and Nyanya Zones of the Mission. Among those ordained, was a veteran Journalist and Managing Editor of Africa Prime News, Joseph Edegbo, JP.
At the ceremony, the General Overseer of the, CEFN Inc, Rev. Dr. David Usman, advised the newly ordained Elders to work for the church in humility in the task of oversight and discipline of the congregation.
The G.O who was the Chief Officiating Minister, admonished the Elders to among other responsibilities, guide the people of God with the Word in a manner that is pleasing to God.
He said they are entrusted with the duty of looking after the needs of the congregation and superintending its activities. He further charged them to direct public worship, to administer the ordnances, to exercise discipline, and to guard and promote at all times, the interest of the community over which they were called to serve.
An Elder, Rev. Usman said, must be above reproach, shun arrogance or quick temperedness, drunkenness, violence or greed.
He must be hospitable, a lover of good, exercise self control, uprightness and discipline among others. The G.O.warned that the honour of eldership could be withdrawn from anyone found wanting.
The G.O who also spoke on cordial working relationship between elders and pastors, said being responsible for the day-to-day administration of the church, the Elders are expected to be supportive of the pastor to ensure that he succeeds in the discharge of his own functions.
“The work of the Elders complements that of the Pastor for the well-being of the Church. “We create unnecessary cases when we allow sentiment, superiority complex and ego to take place in our service to God”.
While the congregation promised to honour, encourage and obey the Elders in all things consistent with the will of God, and zealously aid them in the discharge of their official duties, the Elders on the other hand, pledged their resolve to always seek divine help to faithfully perform the duties of the office.
They also promised to studiously endeavour to learn and to do the things that would make for the peace, purity and spiritual growth of the congregation over which they were called to serve.
Wives who accompanied their husbands to the ordination, were also tasked to assist their spouses in the discharge of their duties.
Other family members, friends and well wishers were at hand to celebrate with the ordained Elders.
