Most Rev’d Alexandra Ibezim, Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, has called on Christian faithful to build a healthy Church and families for a healthy society.
Ibezim made the call during a homily tagged “What are the indicators of a healthy church” on Sunday at the Church of The Pentecost Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra.
He said the homily during the inauguration of Awka Central Archdeaconry and induction and institution of Venerable Ekenedilichukwu Nwafor as Vicar and Archdeacon of Awka Central Archdeaconry of the diocese.
He said that the indicators of a healthy church includes the level of soul wining, mission oriented and level of the visionary leadership of the church, prayer life ,accountability amongst other qualities.
Ibezim encouraged the faithful through the bible passages in Proverbs 29 verse 18, 11 verses 30, Philippians 3 verses 12 to 14, Matthew 8 verse 19 amongst other passages.
He enjoined the faithful to be visionary in all forms in all their duties schedules as it would aid them to follow the basic principles of building a healthy church which translate to healthy family.
Ibezim said that positive discipleship leads to intercessor, seeking God’s face earnestly, generosity which are good qualities worthy of emulation that would help groom a healthy home and better society at large.
He said that the Archdeaconry is a religious geographical location mapped out by the church for the sake of missionary development and that the head represents the bishop and the diocesan boards.
Ibezim urged the committee members of the new archdeaconry which was made up members of all the church units namely the knights, choir, fathers fellowship, mother union, girls guild , children ministry , youths ministry amongst others in the three churches that made up Awka Central Archdeaconry.
He urged the team to ensure that parishioners are treated equally and respectfully so that all the indicators of a healthy church would be seen and emulated by parishioners so that the homes would be a Christian home where no drug abuser or law violator would be found.
“If we pray together, seek God’s face in all time life challenges and hardworking, our children would follow our foot steps and healthy society would be ours because fear of God reigns in our homes,” he said.
Nwafor the newly inducted Archdeacon, he took oath of allegiance said that he would put in his best to see that the churches under him grows evangelism beyond what it is at moment.
He also denounced been member of any secret cult or practice same sex activities and prayed that God would strengthen him in the course of discharging his duties as a vicar and Archdeacon.
He said that the work at the vine yard of God is many and urged all faithful to release themselves to the anointing of God for the building of a healthy church, homes and society at large.
Mrs Ngozi Mbachi a parishioner said that she was privileged to witness the process of the induction and institution of a venerable in the communion and reassured herself to be a good Anglican.
Razor reports that Revd Canon Prof Benjamin Osisioma vicar St John The Divine Church Ngozika Estate Awka and President of Nigerian Accountant graced the occasion.
Mrs Martha Ibezim , Principal Queens Convent, wife of the Archbishop and president Mothers Union, Women Guild , Girls Guild of the Province of the Niger and Diocese of Awka was also present.
Also highlight of the event was the presentation of Nkwa group of the church of the Pentecost and other activities done to promote the service of thevday.
