By AMEN GAJIRA

The Southern Kaduna Baptist Conference (SKBC) on Saturday ordained 19 new pastors with a call on them to focus on the message of salvation rather than prosperity and healing.

The ordination service which took place at Hasken Rai Baptist Church, Kafanchan, was presided over by the President of the Conference, Rev. Donald Arak.

Speaking on the topic: The Power of Your Ordination”, Arak enjoined the newly ordained ministers not to copy other people’s style of propagating the gospel of Christ.

“As you are ordained today, we want you to be unique, different and just be yourselves. Don’t copy anyone.

“Strive to be the pastor God has called you to be and not a copycat, because that will amount to a waste of who you are.

“I know sometimes your members might try to push you to imitate other men of God they see on television, but don’t be moved by it,” he said.

The reverend implored them to resist the urge to allow their members look up to them as God, noting that they were called to serve.

According to him, being an ordained minister of God should not be used as a license to deceive or take advantage of church members.

“Don’t use your ordination as an opportunity to promote yourself; oppress your members and take advantage of them.

“It is sad that ministry in the end time is characterised by charismatism and self-glorification without spirituality.

“Demonstrate the power of God and be faithful and when you are faithful, there is no way that the Almighty God will not give you success,” he stated.

He reminded the pastors that they would face challenges from both within and outside the church but should not be shaken as it was part of their calling.

“There is no doubt that you will face challenges from within and outside as this is a ministry of challenges.

“The challenges are intended to strengthen your faith in Christ, so you must not allow them make you lose focus,” he said

He called on the congregation to give the newly ordained ministers the needed support and assistance to succeed in the vineyard of God.

Speaking on behalf of the ordained ministers, Pastor Samson Peter, thanked the conference for the opportunity to serve and promised to justify the confidence reposed in them by winning souls for Christ.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the occasion was the presentation of certificates to the ordained pastors as well as special prayers for them. (NAN)

•Some of the pastors ordained during Saturday’s Southern Kaduna Baptist Conference

Update news