Methodist men charged to drive church transformation, spiritual responsibility, church growth

L-R: Presbyter, Methodist Church Nigeria, Lagos North Diocese, Shogunle Circuit, Very Rev’d Olatunde Onadipe; Diocesan President, Sir. Seyi Otegbade; Diocesan Coordinator, Very Rev’d Toyin Ogundeyi; Bishop, Lagos North Diocese, Rt. Rev. Job Gboyega Ohu; Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Moses Fatola and Immediate Past Diocesan President, Evang. Bassey Anietie, at the Men Fellowship retreat at Agege Cathedral, Agege, Lagos

Stanley Ihedigbo

Men of the Methodist Church Nigeria have been urged to take the lead in driving spiritual renewal and overall church transformation, to embrace greater responsibility in advancing growth, strengthening families, and deepening commitment to God’s work.

The keynote speaker at the Lagos North Diocesan Men’s Fellowship retreat, with the theme, “Men in the repositioning agenda of the Methodist Church Nigeria,” is Presbyter, Shogunle Circuit, Very Rev. Olatunde Onadipe.

The event that brought together men from across the diocese for a time of spiritual reflection, teaching, and renewed commitment to the work of God.

The man of God emphasized that the future growth and strength of the Church depend significantly on the active involvement of men, noting that while the Church has remained vibrant through various programmes, there is an urgent need for more committed, spiritually alert, and responsible men.

The Church, he explained, is currently focused on four key areas of development: spiritual growth, numerical expansion, financial stability, and infrastructural advancement.

However, he stressed that these goals cannot be achieved without the dedication and participation of men.

Quoting 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong,” the speaker described the retreat as a divine call to awakening, urging men to move beyond passive participation to active leadership.

Very Rev Onadipe noted that in many congregations, women often carry the bulk of church responsibilities, while many men remain less engaged.

This imbalance, he warned, has contributed to challenges such as weak family structures, declining spiritual intensity, and limited church growth.

The speaker highlighted the biblical expectations of men as leaders, keepers, and representatives, emphasizing that these roles are rooted not in superiority but in responsibility.

Participants were reminded that when men are spiritually disengaged, progress is hindered, but when they are actively involved, growth becomes inevitable.

Discussions at the retreat focused on the critical roles men must play in the Church’s repositioning agenda.

In the area of spiritual growth, men were urged to cultivate consistent prayer lives, study God’s Word diligently, lead their families spiritually, and actively participate in church activities.

On evangelism, participants were challenged to become intentional soul winners by sharing the Gospel in their daily interactions, inviting others to church, and living lives that reflect Christ.

The issue of financial commitment was also addressed, with a call for men to be faithful in tithes and offerings, support church projects, and demonstrate responsible stewardship of resources for kingdom advancement.

In terms of infrastructural development, the example of Nehemiah was cited to encourage unity and collective effort in building and expanding the Church. Men were urged to contribute their skills, expertise, and physical efforts to development projects.

Onadipe also outlined core responsibilities expected of men, including serving as spiritual leaders, evangelists, mentors, family pillars, intercessors, and active workers in the Church.

Participants were encouraged to confront barriers such as spiritual laziness, fear of commitment, worldly distractions, and lack of discipline, which have hindered many from fulfilling their roles effectively.

As part of practical steps moving forward, men were urged to commit to daily prayer and Bible study, win at least one soul, actively serve in church units, revive family devotions, support church work, and mentor younger believers.

The message of the retreat concluded with a strong charge for men to rise to their responsibilities and embrace their calling as kingdom builders.

“When men rise, the Church becomes stronger, families become stable, and society is transformed,” the speaker declared.

In his remarks, Bishop, Lagos North Diocese, Rt. Rev. Job Gboyega Ohu advised men to adopt the right attitude as a critical step toward strengthening the Church and enhancing their impact within their various congregations.

He noted that the retreat witnessed a strong turnout of participants from across the diocese, as well as representation from other dioceses within Lagos.

Welcoming participants to the gathering, the bishop expressed appreciation for the impressive attendance, describing it as a sign of renewed commitment among men to the work of the Church.

He further noted that recent developments and evolving leadership structures within the fellowship signal a positive shift, describing it as a “good revolution” that should inspire men to rise to the occasion.

The Fellowship Coordinator, Very Rev. Toyin Ogundipe and President, Sir. Seyi Otegbade commended the Bishop for his support and love towards them. They also commended the immediate past Diocesan President, Evang. Bassey Anietie and the members who were present at the event for their support and love for the fellowship.