Over 100 Ministers of God benefits from Spiritual, Financial Empowerment of Bible Pattern Church

Bible Pattern Church has supported ministers of the gospel with spiritual guidance, clothing, household items and financial assistance at the third edition of its Church Ministers’ Encouragement Day, aimed at addressing the challenges confronting church leaders.

The programme, themed “Physical and Spiritual Encouragement,” held at the church headquarters in Ikeja Lagos, following a two-year interruption attributed to funding challenges.

Speaking at the event, the General Overseer of Bible Pattern Church, Pastor Zacheaus Ogunsanya, said the initiative was established to support ministers who devote their lives to encouraging others but often struggle to find people to turn to when facing personal, family, spiritual and financial difficulties.

Ogunsanya explained that ministers frequently contend with misunderstanding, unrealistic expectations and financial pressures while being expected to provide solutions to the problems of their congregation members.

According to him, some people assume that pastors are financially comfortable and capable of meeting the needs of others, even when they struggle to pay their children’s school fees and meet housing expenses.

He also expressed concern about the impact of these challenges on ministers’ families, noting that some ministers’ children had become reluctant to attend their parents’ churches because of the difficulties associated with pastoral ministry.

The cleric stressed the need for ministers to support one another, adding that those who spend their time caring for others also deserve care, understanding and encouragement.

The programme featured prayers, worship, biblical teachings, testimonies, counselling and fellowship, alongside the distribution of clothing, household items and other useful gifts to participants.

The church also provided limited financial assistance, including support for transportation expenses, through contributions from individuals and members of the congregation.

Ogunsanya disclosed that one contributor donated clothing, while another provided ₦100,000 for distribution among participants. Other resources came from the sacrifices and contributions of church members.

He emphasised that the material gifts were not the primary purpose of the gathering but expressions of Christian love and appreciation, urging participants to take only what they genuinely needed so that available resources could reach others who might be in greater need.

Also speaking at the event, the Serving Overseer of New Dawn Christian Community Church, Apostle Chesson Kukwoyiyi, identified ignorance, inadequate ministerial training and unrealistic expectations as some of the challenges confronting church leaders.

Kukwoyiyi explained that the Ministers’ Encouragement Day emerged from the church’s Interdenominational Weekly Bible Study, a gathering where pastors meet every Monday to study the Scriptures and promote unity of faith across denominations.

According to him, the Bible study provides an opportunity for ministers to examine biblical teachings collectively, improve their understanding of the Word of God and establish common ground on scriptural principles.

He said the encouragement programme was introduced after recognising that many ministers experience spiritual, financial, physical and other difficulties while continuing to care for their congregations.

Kukwoyiyi noted that some ministers mistakenly believe that illness should be addressed exclusively through prayer and fasting, without considering medical treatment.

Referencing Jesus Christ’s teaching that those who are well do not need a physician, he stressed that seeking medical attention when necessary does not contradict faith.

He expressed concern that misconceptions about illness and healing could prevent ministers from receiving appropriate medical care, with potentially serious consequences.

The cleric said the initiative seeks to educate ministers on different aspects of life while providing practical assistance through gifts, money, clothing and household items.

He added that the programme gives ministers an opportunity to examine their ministries, encourage one another and ensure that their activities align with biblical principles.

Speaking on ministerial growth, Kukwoyiyi cautioned pastors against comparing their progress with that of established religious leaders without understanding the years of sacrifice, learning and experience behind their achievements.

He explained that Christian ministry requires patience and gradual development rather than the expectation of immediate success.

According to him, some ministers attempt to achieve results prematurely instead of allowing their ministries to grow according to God’s timing.

He also emphasised the importance of ministerial training, arguing that adequate preparation and understanding of Scripture are necessary for effective leadership.

Kukwoyiyi urged pastors to recognise that the church belongs to God rather than individual ministers and to focus on their responsibilities without attempting to force growth or imitate the achievements of others.

In his remarks, Pastor Paul Adeyemo, General Pastor of The Salvation and Power Church, described the Ministers’ Encouragement Day as a timely initiative for strengthening ministers who are struggling to establish themselves in ministry.

Adeyemo, who said he had known Ogunsanya since 1996, commended the cleric for his commitment to encouraging ministers through spiritual teaching and practical support.

He described the programme as an opportunity for pastors to receive guidance, reassurance and assistance as they navigate the demands of ministry.

Using the growth of a child as an illustration, Adeyemo explained that emerging ministers need support and nurturing before they can mature and become effective leaders capable of standing independently.

He said the programme provides an avenue for ministers to receive encouragement and learn from the experiences of others while developing the capacity to support fellow ministers in the future.

Adeyemo also urged participants to remain steadfast despite the difficulties associated with church work, noting that perseverance and faithfulness were essential to fulfilling their calling.

Drawing from Philippians 2:5–11, he highlighted the humility and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who endured suffering before being exalted.

He encouraged ministers to understand that challenges could form part of their journey and that they should remain committed to serving God while looking forward to the rewards of faithful service.

Adeyemo further urged religious leaders to extend the spirit of the programme to others by offering spiritual guidance, financial assistance and practical support wherever possible.

Addressing the political situation in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, Adeyemo called on Christians and church leaders to prioritise righteousness, prayer and responsible leadership.

He said the church had a responsibility to pray for the nation and guide political leaders towards values that promote justice, humility and the welfare of citizens.

According to him, the coming elections should provide an opportunity for a renewed commitment to godliness and good governance, enabling Nigerians to enjoy the benefits of democracy.

Also speaking at the programme, Oluwafunmilayo Okonomi, who operates a ministry at No. 40 Yaya Abaton, Lagos, encouraged ministers to remain committed to learning, humility and service to others.

Okonomi explained that her ministry gathers people every second Friday of the month for biblical teaching and prayer, after which participants receive food items such as garri and rice to support their needs.

She said her decision to give back to the community was inspired by her personal experience of God’s goodness to her and her family.

According to her, she decided to extend the blessings she had received to others by providing assistance to people who needed it.

Although she admitted that there had been moments when she felt tired of giving without receiving anything in return, she said her faith encouraged her to continue.

Okonomi recounted that she was reminded of the biblical account of Jesus feeding 5,000 people, an experience she said strengthened her resolve to persevere in serving others.

She urged ministers to continue learning the Word of God so they could better understand what God expects of them and communicate biblical teachings accurately.

Reflecting on her experience at the encouragement programme, she said humility was one of her major lessons, commending the organisers and participants for their willingness to serve without waiting to be instructed.

She noted that people willingly carried out tasks such as cleaning the premises and toilets, describing the attitude as an example of practical humility and service.

Okonomi also encouraged women who aspire to serve at the forefront of Christian ministry to work hard, study the Scriptures and remain committed to God’s work.

On the 2027 general elections, she called on Christians to pray for Nigeria and ask God to provide leaders who would serve the country with integrity and a genuine concern for the welfare of its people.

Explaining the biblical foundation of the initiative, Ogunsanya cited Isaiah 40:1 and 2 Corinthians 1:3–4, which emphasise comfort, compassion and the responsibility of believers to support those experiencing difficulties.

He said the programme was designed to translate these biblical principles into action by strengthening discouraged ministers, encouraging those facing challenges and helping them remain committed to their calling.

The initiative also seeks to promote unity among church leaders, discourage rivalry and unnecessary disputes, and foster a culture of cooperation within the Christian community.

The first two editions of the programme were held on December 4, 2021, and July 1, 2023, before financial constraints interrupted its continuation.

With the resumption of the initiative, the church expressed its desire to sustain the programme and extend similar support to other groups, including students and widows. Dates for subsequent editions have yet to be announced.

Ogunsanya further urged ministers to make encouragement a regular part of their relationships with fellow ministers, noting that support does not always require substantial financial resources.

He explained that a telephone call, a visit, a prayer, a kind word, a meal or a modest gift could make a significant difference in the life of a fellow minister.

The programme ended with a renewed call for church leaders to practise mutual support, humility and cooperation, ensuring that ministers facing personal and professional difficulties receive the encouragement they need to continue their service.