Economic hardship, church growth, moral discipline top agenda at MCN Men’s Conference

Stanley Ihedigbo

At a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic instability and shifting social values, the Methodist Church Nigeria Men’s Fellowship Conference brought renewed focus to issues of church growth, moral discipline, and the spiritual duties of the Christian man.

Directorate of Evangelism and Discipleship, Men’s Work Department, Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN), released the official communiqué of the 24th/4th Annual/Biennial National Men’s Fellowship Conference held at the Methodist Cathedral, Otapete, Ilesa, Osun State, from Wednesday, November 12 to Sunday, November 16, 2025, signed by the fellowship National Secretary, Elder Uche Achugbuo; National Coordinator, The Very Revd. James Adikwu and National President, Sir Dr. Kehinde Oladeji.

The theme of the conference was “Men, Arise Unto Greater Service.”

The conference drew participation from delegates across 90 dioceses and all 23 archdioceses, and was graced by top church leaders, including the Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba; Secretary of Conference, Rt. Rev. Dr. Babatunde Taiwo; Archbishop of Ilesa, His Grace, The Most Rev. Amos Akindeko, and Conference Lay President Emeritus, Sir Folu Aremu.

National President of the Men’s Fellowship, Sir Dr. Kehinde Olasunkanmi Oladeji, led the National Executive Officers and all other fellowship delegates.

Speeches and goodwill messages were presented, including the Prelate’s address titled “The price for Christian living” and another presentation on “The Methodist Man and the Methodist Church.”

The Secretary of Conference also delivered a keynote address on strengthening the effectiveness of Men’s Fellowship through proper church administration.

Delegates expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Methodist Archdiocese of Ilesa, led by The Most Rev. Amos Akinloose Akindeko, and Lay President Dame Toyin Ashaolu, for their warm reception and hospitality.

The conference acknowledged the difficult economic and living conditions in the country, urging Methodist men not to panic, but to exercise faith, obedience, and complete submission to God while trusting Him for national and church renewal.

The Prelate advised all Methodist faithful to thoroughly examine and cross-check facts before reaching conclusions on crises brought before them, particularly matters involving ministers.

Men were encouraged to ensure their children remain within the Methodist Church Nigeria and to bring back those who have drifted away.

Delegates emphasized the need for men to arise unto greater service by building trust, avoiding conflicts, eliminating hatred, and guarding against unwholesome speech within the fellowship.

Members were urged to deploy their professional skills, including pro bono services, to strengthen the fellowship, support evangelism, facilitate church growth, and aid special projects.

Men were reminded to be the high priests and uncompromised watchmen over their homes, communities, churches, and the nation.

The communiqué stressed that no man can arise unto greater service without being a committed praying man.

To promote a sustainable income, generating project for the Fellowship, the project committee was expanded from two members to nine.

The new committee members includes are; Sir Kayode Beckley; Sir Tunde Babalola; Chief Okeniyi; Bro. Olujide Kuti; Elder Thomas Nkuku; Bro. Nwokoro Emmanuel; Bro. Anirim Nwankwo; Elder Samuel Peter; and Elder Francis Anwana.

Delegates directed that all Induction Certificates must be issued strictly from the national body, with sanctions for defaulters.

A resolution was adopted approving one National Coordinator to oversee MF/YMF across all levels of the fellowship.

Delegates approved the commencement of construction of the Methodist Men’s Fellowship Guest House without delay.