Interviewer: Tell us about yourself—your name, your areas of ministry, and your years in ministry until retirement.

Interviewee: I am Abigail Ajoke Jasper. My ministry has spanned over two decades, with 20 years dedicated to preaching, teaching, and counseling. One of my key roles was as the Director of Evangelism and Missions, where I led seminars and workshops on Bible study, prayer, stewardship, and service. I organized programmes across local churches, Associations, and Conferences, particularly for the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU). Under my leadership, we published a book called Send Me, which served as a resource for WMU organs including Sunbeam, Girls’ Auxiliary, Lydia, and the Women Missionary Society.

Beyond organizing seminars and workshops, I actively visited mission fields where we provided both spiritual and material support—clothing, food, and cash gifts. These visits were a crucial part of the ministry, ensuring that missionaries, mission pastors, and their families received the necessary counsel and support. We also organized the WMU in areas where none existed. Alongside other directors, including Mama Lateju, who was also a Religious Educator, we provided counseling to missionaries and their wives on maintaining moral standards and strengthening family ties. Additionally, I had the privilege of serving as a Sunday School teacher and a children’s minister at the local church level. Reflecting on my journey, I am deeply thankful for the comprehensive training I received, which exposed me to nearly every aspect of church life and ministry.

Interviewer: How was your experience at this year’s Ministers’ Conference, and what stood out for you the most?

This year’s Ministers’ Conference was a rich experience. Two things stood out to me. First, during the Retired Ministers Fellowship, I was deeply impressed by the sense of maturity and respect shown by the retirees. There was no struggle or rush for conference materials during distribution, which is something I have unfortunately seen at other events. Everything was peaceful and joyful, and we concluded the fellowship with a sense of unity.

Second, the Religious Education Fellowship was well-organized and distinct. I was particularly thrilled to see how many Religious Educators now occupy strategic leadership positions within the Convention. It was a proud moment to witness their influence, and it reassured me that we are not lagging behind. It is truly commendable to see the roles Religious Educators are playing in advancing the work of the Church.

Interviewer: How was the Retired Pastors Fellowship event for you, and what did you find most meaningful about it?

Interviewee (Rev. Mrs Abigail Ajoke Jasper):
The Retired Pastors Fellowship has been a refreshing and enriching part of my post-retirement journey. This year marked my second time attending the event, as I retired in April 2022 at the Convention ground in Lafuwape. Shortly after my retirement, I was asked to represent Ibadan Conference at the national level, serving as the National Financial Secretary for the Retired Ministers Fellowship. This role came as a surprise, but it opened new doors for me. Stepping into this position after retirement has been a great honor and an eye-opener. It made this year’s fellowship event even more meaningful, as I found new ways to remain active and involved.

Interviewer: What are the benefits of being a member of the fellowship, especially for retired ministers who are not currently part of it?

Interviewee (Rev. Mrs Abigail Ajoke Jasper):
The fellowship is an invaluable resource for retired ministers. It offers us a platform to stay involved, share experiences, and receive encouragement from one another. We interact with leaders who continue to visit the fellowship and offer us guidance and support. This sense of community helps us avoid the isolation that can sometimes come with retirement. It also helps to ensure that we remain engaged in ministry, even in this new chapter of life.

The fellowship provides an opportunity to stay connected with colleagues and build relationships with both senior leaders and fellow retirees. It allows us to continue serving in different capacities. For me, this role has restored a sense of relevance and responsibility. I am also grateful for the chance to encourage other. This year, I inspired at least three retired ministers to join the fellowship, and they were all glad they did.

Interviewer: What has your journey been like since you retired from active ministry, and how has it impacted your life?

Interviewee (Rev. Mrs Abigail Ajoke Jasper): Retirement, though a natural stage, can be challenging if not well-planned, especially in terms of finances. For me, the transition was made more difficult by two major events. A month before I retired, I lost a daughter-in-law, a young woman of 36, leaving behind two children. Then, in September last year, my husband suffered a stroke. These personal challenges, coupled with financial strains, made my early retirement burdensome. However, God provided help, and we have managed through His grace.

Despite the difficulties, retirement has also brought blessings. I now have the freedom to focus on the ministry God has laid on my heart—Prayer and Mission Partnership International. I have started a platform for prayer and another for missions. These responsibilities have filled my time with purpose. I also continue to engage in quarterly evangelism to nearby village markets and other suburbs, and join my church’s evangelism team. These assignments have occupied my life, and I no longer regret retiring, I am active and fulfilled doing God’s work.

Interviewer: Looking back on your years of service, what do you remember most about being a pastor, and what lessons have stayed with you?

Interviewee (Rev. Mrs Abigail Ajoke Jasper): Being a pastor is both a privilege and a responsibility. Coming from a family with no Christian background, I view my journey as nothing short of divine grace. One major lesson I’ve learned is that God can use anyone, regardless of their race, background or circumstances, as long as they are willing and obedient. Bible characters like Gideon, Deborah, Esther, and Joseph show that when God calls, He equips.

Pastoral ministry is also an honorable and prestigious calling. As pastors, we receive respect from both young and old, but this honor comes with the expectation of moral integrity and humility. It is crucial for pastors to uphold moral standards and live lives that others can emulate. Most importantly, the Word of God must never depart from our lives if we want to prosper in ministry.

Interviewer: What hopes do you have for the future of ministry, and what encouragement would you like to give to the next generation of pastors?

Interviewee (Rev. Mrs Abigail Ajoke Jasper): My hope for the future is that pastors will hold fast to the Word of God and use their training to further the work of the Church. Religious Educators who have been fortunate to serve as pastors have proven to be highly effective, and I pray that this trend continues. For the next generation of pastors, my encouragement is simple: stay true to God’s Word, remain humble, and let your training serve as a tool for effective ministry.

By Debo Odunlami, MDiv RE

For NBTS Advancement Office