The 2025 Edition of the annual retreat of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Bishops and their Wives kicked off Yesterday 7th of January 2025 with a holy communion service at the Calvary Chapel situated in the Bishop’s Court of the Diocese on the Niger.
The Meeting which is an annual program where the Church leaders seeks God’s face to set the tone for the new year is being hosted by the Diocese on the Niger, one of the foremost mother dioceses in the Church of Nigeria.
The theme for the annual retreat is “Mentoring in Discipleship: Barnabas Example”.
The opening eucharist service was celebrated by the host province of the Niger led by Archbishop, the Most Rev’d Dr. Alex Ibezim.
While delivering his message, the Rt. Rev. Johnson Ekwe, Bishop of the Diocese of Niger West, taking his text from Matthew 28:19a, emphasized that making disciples for Christ is the heartbeat of God.
He elaborated on the concept of mentoring, describing it as a relationship where a more experienced individual supports another in developing the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to grow.
The Bishop defined a disciple as someone who follows the teachings and life of a master with the goal of becoming like the master.
Drawing from 2 Timothy 4:11, he stressed that a good mentor must never write off anyone whom the Lord has not written off. Instead, mentors should be guided by the Holy Spirit to nurture and guide others. He added that a mentor should be an encourager, free from envy.
The message concluded with a reflection from Hebrews 10:24-25, urging everyone to discover their area of calling and to build on it diligently.
Over 160 bishops and their wives are expected to attend the retreat which is presided over by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry Ndukuba and Mrs Angela Ndukuba.
While welcoming all Archbishops, Bishops, and their Wives, Primate Ndukuba thanked God for a good year 2024 and the expectations for a greater year 2025 for the Church fathers and mothers.
The host bishop, the Rt. Rev’d Owen Nwokolo noted that the Diocese on the Niger is set to give a great hosting for this gathering.
The Executive Governor of Anambra State Professor Charles Soludo and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim grace the service and welcomed the Church of Nigeria to Anambra State.
Korede Akintunde,
CoN Communications Officer.
8th January 2025.
