There was an aura of joy in the atmosphere as long-time friends, classmates, colleagues, and officers reunited after years and months of little or no physical interaction. The Alumni, Faculty Members, Heads of Theological Institutions, and members of the Faculty of Education  Students Fellowship (FESF) converged in the Conference Room of the Hybrid Library Extension building of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso on Wednesday 11th September, 2024 during the annual Ministers’ Conference for the Nigerian Baptist Religious Education Association (NBREA) meeting.

The Public Relations Officer, as well as Rev. Segun Abioye, and the President, Rev. Mrs Mercy Utake led the praises, prayer and presidential address respectively. In her address, Rev. Utake welcomed everyone and affirmed the timeliness of this year’s Ministers’ Conference theme “The Gospel Minister and His Call” – given the current state of the nation, the economic recession and inflation, among many other things, resulting in uncontrollable groaning among people. She highlighted few points of expected response from Christian educators: steadfastness in faith, hope, prayer, teaching of God’s word, and reaching others for Christ. She also charged participants from 2 Chronicles 7:14 which states “if my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn away from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land”.

The Vice President, Rev. Oluwatayomi Abiola introduced the guest speaker, Rev Dr Olumide Kehinde, who is a minister with over 40 years’ ministerial experience; having served in different capacities in Association, Conference and Convention levels before retiring as the Senior Pastor of Union Baptist Church, Osogbo, Osun State. “Integrity in Our Pastoral Calling” was the title of his message, centered on a book he had authored. He commended the high level of investment poured into students in the Faculty of Education in the Seminary that makes them able to stand out in ministry on the field. Among quotes and other explanations; Dr Olumide Kehinde defined integrity as “being who you are both in the secret and in the open.” The understanding that we are representatives of God here on earth will help us represent Him well.

Dr Kehinde highlighted some tips on the lifestyle of integrity. He charged educators to satisfy Jesus; to be sure to spend quality time at the feet of the Lord as one’s walk with God determines their strength. He charged educators not to be consumed by the workload of their office, to stay at their place of calling and do ministry faithfully. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to recognize one’s grace gift and stay with it; learn how to manage relationships; be honest and prudent in money matters, remembering that we are pastors, not contractors.

Dr Kehinde charged participants to live within our means, have godly role models; and have our own accountability group because ministry is not for lone rangers. He said many other things including the need to relate well with one’s spouse, avoid doing things that will bring shame to one’s spouse and children; to pray for grace to abound in ministry endeavours and to remember that we are not the owners of the ministry but only chosen and appointed by God. He added a note for students to be anxious for nothing, as tomorrow will take care of itself.

Beyond the main teaching by Rev. Dr Olumide Kehinde, there were fraternal greetings and comments by the Deputy President Advancement, NBTS, Rev. Prof. Olusola Ayo-Obiremi and the Dean of the Faculty of Education Rev Dr Ruth Oyeniyi. From sister institutions, Rev. Prof Esther Ayandokun, Rector Baptist College of Theology Oyo, Rev. Dr Mrs FOluke Odesola, of Baptist College of Theology Igede Ekiti, Rev. Mrs Abigail Dariya of Baptist Theological Seminary Kaduna and the representative of Baptist College of Theology Obinze brought greetings and attested to the growth of the Department of Religious Education in their respective institutions. According to Dr Odesola, there are ten students currently in BCT Igede Ekiti and a graduate of Religious Education from the institution is now in the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso for her Masters Degree in Religious Education. In the Baptist College of Theology Obinze, the Department of Religious Education will be 20 years next year. Some of the institution representatives mentioned the need for more lecturers in the field of education. The President of the Faculty of Education Students’ Fellowship, Ogbomoso Pastor Damilola Olaiya, was invited forward to be the voice of the students and he appealed for support of the students.

Rev. Dr Fola Lateju, one of the long-standing members of NBREA, prayed for all students of the Faculty of Education across the Colleges of Theology and the Seminaries. As we dispatched from the meeting to continue with the next session of the Ministers’ Conference Rev. Dr Helen Oyekanmi committed the fellowship and all attendees unto God’s hands and Rev Dr Lateju pronounced the benediction. Members look forward to meeting again individually, in smaller groups and as a large group at Convention in session in April before next ministers’ Conference in 2025. We praise God for the growth of education specialization and of NBREA!

Ayomide MAYKOGBON

MDiv RE 3, NBTS

 for NBTS Advancement