The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso provides for achieving vibrant spirituality in the whole community. One of the ways this is achieved is through simultaneous spiritual retreats in both English and Yoruba languages. While the retreat was held in English in the Multiple Purpose Hall, another section was held in the Chapel on August 14 – 15, 2025. The programme was held in three sessions – morning and evening on Thursday and in the morning on Friday. 

The Minister for the Yoruba section spiritual retreat was Rev. Dr Adetola Ipadeola and the theme was the same: Being with Jesus. The text was Mark 3:7–19. Dr Ipadeola treated the topic in three sessions under the sub themes: ‘What Kind of Call is This?’, ‘Benefits of Being with Jesus’ and ‘Among Those Appointed’.  Below is an outline of the messages as preached in each of the sessions:

Thursday August 14

Morning session: What Kind of Call is This? Mark 3:13

The call to be with Jesus in this context (Mark 3:13) was not a call for miracles, freedom, healing, deliverance, provision or victory over the enemy. Rather, it was a call to follow Jesus with no particular reason or self interest other than to become Jesus’ disciple. This was not the first time Jesus extended this kind of call. 

This kind of call requires self-denial, carrying one’s cross and following Christ daily (Mark 8:34; 10:17-31).

It is not yet a call to the ministry. Rather, it is a call to be with Jesus and become His disciple without any focus on worldly things. It is a call to everyone who is born again. Only those who answer this call are truly Christians (Acts 11:26)

 Evening session, Thursday August 14

Benefits of Being with Jesus 

1. Fellowship or intimate relationship with Jesus (Mark 1:29-31; 14:3)

2. Depth of the knowledge of the Word of God. (Mark 4:1-2, 10-11; 4:33-34)

3. Divine Inspiration/Revelation (Mark 9:28-29) 

4. Knowing secrets of the future or knowing the mind of God in relation to the future. (Mark 9:30-31)

5. Secret Rebuke that aids Spiritual Maturity Mark 8:14-18

6. Living Faith Mark 4:35-41 

7. Patience Mark 9:28-29 

All of the highlights happened as the disciples stayed with and followed Jesus. They couldn’t have been experienced apart from being with Jesus. Accordingly, everyone who longs for this same sweet experience today can/will find it only by being with Jesus. 

Friday August 15

Among those Appointed Mark 3:14-19

Why did Jesus appoint the twelve apostles in verse 14 and set them apart from the other disciples He already called in verse 13? 

1. That they might be with Him both spiritually and physically.

2. That He might send them out to preach the gospel 

3. That they might be empowered to heal the sick and cast out evil spirits.

NOTE: If anyone so appointed merely lives with or around Jesus but the heart is not with Jesus indeed, such will be a deceiver or betrayal somewhere somehow or sometimes in ministry. Eventually he/she will be cut off prematurely.

Accordingly, among those appointed, the experiences of Simon Peter and Judas Iscariot were highlighted and compared as a charge to everyone appointed, to be with Jesus indeed and not by mere physical appearance or association. 

Others who ministered alongside Dr Ipadeola were the Assistant Chaplains, Rev. Dr Mrs Oluwakemi Omotunde and Rev. Dr Stephen Oyelowo. Music ministers on the keyboard and conducting music were also fully present. They were Pastors Oluwafemi Dairo, Philip Oyebamiji, Damilare Akinpelu; Chrisitiana Ogunkunle, Victoria Adebisi and Joseph Ogunmola respectively. The Praise Team also ministered throughout. Hymns of Commitment sung were hymns 205, 575 and 437 in the Yoruba Baptist Hymnal: Jesu Npe Wa Losan Loru – ie Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult; Fun Mi Niwa Pele – i.e. Give Me a Gentle Character; and Mo Fe Ki Ndabi Jesu i.e. I Want to Be Like Jesus.

Some Seminary students ministered through Bible reading and prayer each day. They were Pastors Daniel Daniel, Kunle Oje and Oluwaseun Oladunmoye. It was indeed a time of spiritual renewal to the glory of God and we believe that those who God has called to be with Him will stay with Him, continue to enjoy the benefits of the chosen and not leave the company of the chosen ones by the special grace of God. 

Oluwaseun Oladunmoye (MDivRE II)

(for NBTS Advancement Centre)