At the beginning of every semester, a programme tagged “Spiritual Emphasis” is held at The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso. The programme exposes every member of the Seminary community to the spiritual focus for the season. The theme chosen for the second semester of the 2025/26 session is “Relationship for Empowerment” as a follow-up to the first semester theme, which was “Relationship for Resemblance”. The programme was held from Wednesday, February 4 to Friday, February 6, 2026.

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026; after welcoming all students, staff and Faculty members to the programme; the President of the Seminary, Rev. Prof. S Ola Ayankeye gave the opening charge from Luke 24:49.

He emphasized the importance of the retreat every semester – to frame the thoughts of all student pastors, staff, faculty members, and the entire community; to make all ‘drink and eat’ for the journey ahead – which was long. He noted that our focus for the year is “Relationship for Empowerment”. He thus encouraged all who seek empowerment to do so in the way of the Lord, building a cordial relationship with the Lord of empowerment in God’s directive and timeline, seeking God with all their mind to receive the desired empowerment from God.

The second day was also highly imparting. Rev. Olusegun Babalola of The Glad Tidings Baptist Church, Ogbomoso was the guest minister. The message was titled “The Promise of His Empowerment” and the text taken from Acts 1:8 & Luke 24:49.

Rev. Babalola exhorted all present as follows:

a.         The promise of God’s empowerment is dependable and reliable.

b.         God’s promises are an expression of His character.

c.         God gave us His Holy Spirit as a gift (Ephesians 1:13-14).

d.         Our response to Him should be in faith and this faith has three ‘legs’. Namely: knowing God, believing in His Word, and having hope that is based on trust in God.

On the third day, God empowered many whose hearts were open, waiting on Him for impartation. The title of the message was “The Proof of the Promise”. The promise is the pouring of the Holy Spirit on all flesh in the last days. Though the disciples had been commissioned, they still had to wait for the promise of empowerment. Jesus also never stepped out without empowerment from the Father. By inference, we have to wait for the power of God as well.

Rev. Babalola highlighted the effects of the empowerment as follows: The enduement with power transforms one from a natural Man to the realm of the supernatural.  God brings us into a relationship so that He can release the ability to do whatever He has commissioned us to do. Power brings performance. Other effects are that Christ’s disciples experience seasons of refreshing, divine health, divine protection, provision, supernatural manifestation, divine favour and possibilities. Rev. Babalola concluded that if we want to experience the empowerment and manifestation of the power of God like the days of old, we need to have a cordial relationship with God, walk with Him, and get committed to the things of the Spirit.

The experience of empowerment included singing of hymns like ‘Breathe on Me, Breath of God’, ‘The Pentecostal Power’, other hymns and choruses.  Various members of Faculty and the student body were also available to preside, play instruments and lead in worship in various ways all three days. While the spiritual renewal retreat held in the Multipurpose hall in English, a Yoruba version held in the Chapel for staff and those who prefer the indigenous language. The minister there was Rev. Dr Jacob O. Agbaosi of Faith Baptist Church, Oke-Owode and the people were also blessed tremendously.

As we have received empowerment from God, we are challenged not to fall from this experience but to continually walk with God so that the experiential manifestation will be continuous and our lives and ministry will not experience a halt.

Olugbenga Olumide AKANJI,

For NBTS Advancement Office