By Tony Okafor, Agulu
The President of the Agulu Anglican Community (AAC), Architect Peter Okpala, has urged Anglican clergy, church workers and other members of the community to acquire specialised skills and embrace excellence in all their endeavours, saying the rapidly evolving world demands exceptional competence and innovation.
Okpala gave the charge on Saturday at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Agulu, during a stakeholders’ meeting attended predominantly by indigenous Anglican clergy and church workers from Agulu, as well as other leaders of the Agulu Anglican Community.
He described human nature as “greedy” in its expectations, in the sense that one must have something valuable to offer before attracting followership, stressing that ordinary knowledge and routine approaches were no longer sufficient for success.
“Human nature is greedy in the sense that, for one to attract followership, one must have something special to offer. And for a priest to distinguish himself, he must be exceptionally good in one or more areas, such as bold preaching of the Word, counselling, administration, evangelism, deliverance, healing or any other skill that causes people to seek him out, even in retirement,” he said.
The AAC President urged participants to distinguish themselves in their various callings by acquiring specialised knowledge, professional competencies and practical skills that would make them relevant in an increasingly competitive environment.
Addressing the clergy in particular, Okpala said the traditional approach to ministry must evolve to meet the realities of the digital age.
He noted that while preaching from the pulpit remained central to the Christian faith, it was no longer sufficient on its own to reach today’s generation.
He therefore challenged ministers of the Gospel to deliberately expand their online presence and digital reach by deploying digital platforms to spread the Christian message, disciple believers and engage wider audiences across geographical boundaries.
According to him, the effective use of technology has become an indispensable tool for evangelism, teaching and pastoral care in the contemporary world.
Okpala added that specialised skills enhance creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and self-reliance, while equipping individuals to adapt to changing societal and technological realities.
He also lamented the growing moral decadence among youths in Agulu, expressing concern that many young people were drifting away from the values and discipline traditionally associated with Anglicanism.
He called on parents, guardians and the clergy to work together to bring back estranged youths through mentorship, sound Christian teaching and the timeless doctrines and values of the Anglican faith.
The AAC President further advocated stronger camaraderie among Anglicans in the community, saying greater unity, mutual support and fellowship would strengthen the Church’s mission and foster sustainable community development.
Participants at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to promoting spiritual growth, moral renewal and closer collaboration in advancing the objectives of the Agulu Anglican Community.
