By Isaac Daniel
Archbishop (Professor) Emenike Nwachukwu has said elevation to higher office in the Church of God is not man-made even as he urged church leaders to see any promotion as a call to higher service.
He made the remark at the recent consecration of Rev John Victory, the Senior Pastor of Victory International Christian Centre, Lagos as a Bishop.
The consecration ceremony which was approved by the Nigerian chapter of the Council of Bishops and Archbishops held at the Church headquarters.
In his sermon, Archbishop Nwachukwu said, “it is God that elevates people as He pleases. Divine elevation by God is first spiritually established by God before He grants man the authority to execute it on earth. God promotes people as he desires and it has no spiritual, material, physical or financial consideration”.
Referring to his own sojourn in the Church he said, “Look at me in two months’ time, I will mark 50 years in faith. But I met the present Assembly of God Church, General Superintendent, as an usher, while I was already a Pastor. Today, all of you know God has elevated him in ministry”.
He cited Daniel 1:8, Mark 41:18 and Job 8:9, as his scriptural references. He urged Christians to walk and work for God faithfully because He rewards faithfulness.
Also talking at the event Bishop Funso Bada, asked Christians to know that “God is always watching us as we discharge our services to Him. He has records of our services and He is a faithful rewarder of faithfulness as we can see today”.
Bishop Bada urged the new Bishop to show forth Godly character. lifestyle and work towards expanding God’s kingdom.
He charged him to be aware that the post of a Bishop means more work and dedication to kingdom expansion.
Archbishop Ubah, who presided over the consecration ceremony, testified that Pastor Victory has served faithfully and that is why God has elevated him through the Council of Bishops and Archbishops.
“He has served me as my Assistant and he is a man of good character. Pastor Victory has contributed so much spiritually to the advancements of God’s kingdom. Therefore, he deserves this divine promotion.
He, however, warned Bishop Victory that the office of a Bishop is not for decoration. “This new office of honour is the office of a good soldier of Christ. Therefore, be a good ambassador of Christ. Don’t associate yourself with people or associations with ungodly character.
In his response, the overwhelmed, business man turned pastor, thanked God for his amazing lifting which he said he never envisaged in life. ” I am a son of a native doctor, a heir to my village shrine. And my greatest ambition before I met Christ, was to be a successful successor to my father. But as God would have it, I have an everlasting inheritance in Him”. He appealed to the congregation to pray for him to live up to the ideals of his new office.
Bishop ( Dr.) John Okoronkwo Victory hails from Alayi in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. After his first and second degrees in theology, he bagged a doctorate degree at Unique Theological Seminary, an affiliate of Pilgrims University, Minnesota, USA. Bishop Victory is married to Pastor (Mrs.) Ugochi Victory and they are blessed with children. He is the founder of Victory International Christian Centre.
The event attracted dignitaries across Nigeria and beyond. It was also watched online by thousands around the world.
Eminent personalities who graced the event included; Archbishop ( Professor) Emenike Nwachukwu, the mentor to Rev. (Dr.) Chidi Okoroafor, the General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Church, Worldwide, Archbishop Victor Uba, President, Council of Bishops and Archbishops, Bishop ( Dr.) Funso Bada, General Overseer, Epic International Ministries, Epic Theological Seminary and University, Chicago, USA, legal luminary,
Barrister Chief Onuoha Okigiwe. President-General. Alayi Development Union Worldwide. Engr. and Mrs Nmandi Ajaere, Bishop Ngozi Adline, Apostle innocent Chukwu Pastor Sam Afolabi, and others.