Kwara Bishop, STG Adewole Charges Newly Collated Archdeacons, Installed Canons on Exemplary Leadership

 

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kwara, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Sunday Timothy Gbolahan Adewole, has charged newly collated Archdeacons and installed Canons in the diocese to lead by example and faithfully uphold the teachings and doctrine of Jesus Christ in both their personal lives and family relationships.

Bishop Adewole gave the charge during the installation of Canons and collation of five Archdeacons held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Adewole Estate, Ilorin, on Saturday.

He urged the clergy to remain faithful to the sacred trust committed into their hands, describing their new appointments as a call to greater responsibility, humility and dedication in the service of God and humanity.

According to the bishop, the effectiveness of Christian ministry is measured not only by preaching and administration but also by the personal character and conduct of those entrusted with spiritual leadership.

He admonished the newly elevated ministers to serve as true pastors and shepherds of God’s flock, ensuring that their lives reflect the values and virtues they preach.

“Lead by example in your homes, churches and communities. Frame and fashion your lives and families according to the teachings and doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ. Be faithful stewards of the responsibilities entrusted to you and remain committed to the spiritual growth of the people under your care,” he said.

The bishop of the Kwara Diocese further charged them to remain steadfast in proclaiming the gospel, urging them to “preach the word, be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

In his homily, the guest preacher, Bishop Shobanke, called on the newly collated Archdeacons and installed Canons to embrace servant leadership, humility and unity in the body of Christ.

Drawing his message from Ephesians 4:1-7 and Luke 22:24-27, Bishop Shobanke reminded the clergymen that ecclesiastical elevation should not be viewed as a platform for personal prestige or authority, but as a higher call to selfless service.

He urged them to walk worthy of their calling “with all humility and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,” stressing that Christian leadership must be rooted in compassion, patience and commitment to God’s people.

The cleric warned against authoritarian tendencies in ministry, noting that Jesus Christ set the perfect example of leadership through service and sacrifice.

“You are called to serve the people God has placed in your care. Do not lord it over them as masters, but minister to them as servants of God and servants of the people. True greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humble service,” he said.

The service, attended by clergy, church leaders, family members and well-wishers from across the diocese, featured prayers, presentations and thanksgiving by the newly appointed church leaders and mother’sunion.

The occasion marked another significant milestone in the growth and strengthening of the Anglican Diocese of Kwara as it continues to raise and equip leaders for effective ministry and the advancement of God’s kingdom.

The new Archdeacons, who also took oath are: Ven. Emmanue Ihenaka, Ven. Emmanuel Adebayo, Ven. Babatunde Gbenga Amoo, Ven. Kolawole Opeseyitan, and Ven. Joel Adebayo Olorunfemi

The new Canons are: Rev. Opeyemi Aluko, Rev. Abanobi Ezeamaku, Rev. Samuel Adedeji and Ikedichi Akomah.