Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege has said theological education should be a must for church leaders who will pass on the Christian tradition from one generation to the other.
He made this position known on Saturday, September 11 as the guest speaker at the 30th/31st convocation ceremony of the West Africa Theological Seminary, Ipaja, Lagos.
He spoke on the topic, Global Vision, Global Mission: Agenda for Excellence in Global Leadership through theological education
Ovie Omo-Agege, who was represented at the event by Barr. Felix Eshalomi said it had become imperative for church leaders to undergo theological education.
He wondered why some people believe they could serve the Lord without study and preparation adding that ‘ the Lord himself trained his disciples for three and half years.
The Deputy Senate President noted that there is a need for good Bible teachers and ministers. ‘The world is raising difficult questions. People have opened up to many things and life has become complicated. Atheism is growing and temptations and distractions are arriving from every direction. The gospel must be delivered honestly with simplicity.
“Its relevance must be demonstrated. We must address the issues that are driving people away from the Lord and meet them where they are, in the busy rush for their lives. We need Christian leaders in the world that are equipped’ he said.
He stressed further that theological education is essential for the renewal and continuity of the Church and its leadership. ‘theological education is central to the interaction between church and society where many issues demand a sharpened stand and position of Christianity.” he added.
While noting that theological education has become a global enterprise, he said the rapid growth of Christianity calls for a parallel advancement in equipping leaders who can guide with wisdom in the coming decades.
Omo-Agege: Church must rid society of evil
WATS graduates
While congratulating the graduating students of the institution, Ovie-Omo-Agege said the church must of necessity “become partners in the current drive to rid society of every worrisome tendency”
He charged the graduating students to add fresh impetus to their evangelism programmes so that “more Nigerians will begin to appreciate the need to love one another even as Jesus Christ loves the church”
He charged further, “Your action should be driven by good intentions and sustained by good conscience. You must have been challenged by the seminary rules and regulations while here.
“They were meant to prepare you for the challenges of life ahead. Therefore for you to succeed, continue to keep those rules and regulations of the seminary as you graduate from the seminary.”
The chairman of the school’s governing council, Pastor Dr. Emmanuel Oluwayemi had earlier in his speech commended the new management team of the school.
He expressed joy at the level of commitment of the council members and their devotion to the success of the seminary. He described the institution as a distinct institution of theological learning which has produced many graduates over the years.
The chancellor of the school, His Eminence Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu in his speech urged the graduating students to pay attention to the structure, order, and governance of their churches at all times. This according to him will engender “the right environment for spiritual numerical, financial and infrastructural growth of the Body of Christ.”
WATS was founded by Professor Gary Maxey, an American. At the event, Professor Maxey expressed great delight at the progress so far recorded in the school.
