The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Reverend Dr. Henry Ndukuba, has called on Anglican clergy across the country to embrace genuine repentance, sincere worship and Spirit-led ministry, urging church leaders to align their service with obedience, humility and moral integrity.
He made the call while delivering his Presidential Address at the First Session of the 13th Synod of the Abuja Diocese held at St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry,” the Primate challenged church leaders to examine their spiritual lives and return to authentic worship marked by repentance and a deliberate rejection of sinful practices.
According to him, God values obedience above religious rituals and outward expressions of faith.
“The God we serve desires obedience more than sacrifice, religious observances, or activities,” he said.
He warned that outward religious devotion without genuine commitment to God amounts to spiritual hypocrisy, noting that worship must be rooted in sincerity and truth.
Referencing the words of the prophet Isaiah, he stressed that true worship involves both external devotion and inward transformation.
“These people draw near to Me with their mouth and honour Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me,” he said.
The Anglican Primate further reminded clergy that Christian worship must be guided by truth and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth,” he stated.
Drawing a distinction between life in the Spirit and life controlled by worldly desires, Ndukuba noted that believers are called to reflect the character of Christ through their conduct and leadership.
He cited Galatians 5:19–21 while warning against behaviours associated with the flesh, describing them as inconsistent with Christian leadership and discipleship.
In contrast, he identified love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as evidence of a transformed life.
“These are the character of Christ and the mark of belonging to Him,” he said.
The Primate also urged the Church to focus less on positions and titles and more on service and purpose.
According to him, ministry should be driven by the effective use of spiritual gifts for the growth of the Church and the advancement of the Gospel.
“We must move from emphasis on offices we occupy in the Church to function and service within the Church,” he said.
“Every gift, talent and ministry must be seen as an opportunity to serve God and His people.”
The Synod continued with discussions on leadership, discipleship and the role of the Church in addressing contemporary moral and social challenges facing Nigeria.
