The Anglican Bishop of Ijebu North Diocese, The Rt Rev Akinwande Odubena has recommended a servant leadership model for anybody chosen to serve in the church environment.
He made the call at the installation of new chiefs at the St Luke’s Anglican Church, Oru Ijebu on Saturday, January 11.
The new chiefs installed to serve in the church include; Chief Tokunbo Talabi (Baba Ijo), Chief Mrs Adetoun Oduwole (Iya Ijo) Dr Leke Osipitan (Osi Baba Ijo) Chief Mrs. Adeshola Taiwo Dirisu (Otun Iya ijo).
Also installed are Chief Mrs Folashade Okunubi (Osi Iya Ijo) Chief Mrs Roseline Oduwole (Otun Iyalode Ijo) Chief Mrs Anike Odugbesan, (Iya Egbe Aya Bishop) and Chief Dr Mrs Odunayo Christy Odule (Otun Iya Ewe)
Integrity counts
Bishop Odubena who said the appointment of the new chiefs was based on their track record and moral disposition urged them to see themselves as servants who have come to serve the people of the church.
While citing how the apostles appointed deacons to serve in the early church, he said, “We can’t appoint anybody without a good name to hold a position in the church. Any church appointee must be people with wisdom and maturity. If you’re not mature spiritually you are not qualified to be chosen as leader or elder in the church. If we don’t see signs of good behaviour you can’t be chosen.”
He urged the newly appointed chiefs to imbibe a heart of humility. “The deacons that were appointed in the early church were willing to serve in offices that were not glamorous. That is the kind of office you are called to serve. But then, you should know that your positions are glamorous and prestigious before God. Don’t allow the paraphernalia of the office to lead you astray. Some people after they have been honoured become proud. You don’t need to remind people of your position. People know already.
“When we begin to refer to our position it’s tending to pride. You are servants to the church although you are leaders. You are here to work for the progress of the church. You are here as servant leaders to care for the spiritual needs of the church provide guidance for the church, and assist in directing the congregation.” He said.
He emphasised that appointees need to demonstrate maturity while also urging them to be selfless.
He reasoned that the only thing that can sustain them in their new offices is humility adding that they also “have to give matters that concern the church a priority”
While noting that their positions are challenging, he said, “As a servant leader, I want to remind you that leadership is not always easy because there will be times you will be called upon to make it difficult. decisions to address difficult situations in the church. You will be called to make sacrifices. You are not alone in the race. You have the support of the entire congregation. The holy spirit is there to guide you. You are there to serve not to be served.”
The event attracted many parishioners and top leaders in the Anglican Church. One of those honoured at the event, Dr Osileke Osipitan who travelled from the US to receive the honour with two of his children described the recognition as a privilege.
Despite having his base in the US, Osipitan who is an Intermodal Transportation Specialist at the New York State Department of Transportation
He has maintained regular visits to Nigeria and Oru Ijebu his hometown where he has impacted the community and the church. His close to three decades in the US have not in any way affected his love for Nigeria.
He said in a chat with Church Times that he desires to always be a blessing to humanity. He described the honour by the church as a call to serve more and make more impact in the church environment.
