History was made once again at the Christ Apostolic Church Festac District on Sunday May 16, 2021 as a new set of Deacons were formally appointed with the Superintendent in charge of Amuwo Odofin Districts’ Coordinating Council Pastor Joe Jacobs, praying for them, and laying hands on them.
The celebration which had The Good Tree as the theme saw about 22 workers ordained as Deacons and Deaconesses, with 12 as Deacons and 10 as Deaconesses.
Before laying hands on them the DCC Superintendent, Pastor Joe Jacobs had intimated the Church with the new development in Christ Apostolic Church which now appoints Deacons in place of Elders.
According to him, their appointments came as assistants to Pastors and they should be accepted in the same capacity as they accept Church Elders and Deaconesses.
“That is the new status in the Church. They are chosen to assist the ministers in charge and not to everybody. In stead of calling men among them as Elders we shall call them deacons. Elders are to function as deacons. Deacons are biblical titles of those assisting pastors,” explained the DCC Superintendent.
Going down the memory lane Pastor Joe Jacobs explained further, “Before Jesus there were elders in the synagogues, there were the scribes, the Sadducees and Pharisees and the priests. When the church started it began with Apostles, Deacons and Deaconesses, and later to the era of the Catechists. Elders then were the ones controlling the local church. They were directly assisting the pastors,” noting that the new deacons and deaconesses were chosen because of their gifts.
In the same vein the coordinating minister for the selection and appointment, Pastor Emmanuel Orosanyin stepped forward to announce the modalities, roles and responsibilities of the new deacons and deaconesses.
According to him, they were selected and appointed to support ministers and Church authorities. “You are to advise pastors who are not duty bound to take your advice,” as he charged them to work for God and work with the ministers of God.
“Do nothing without the knowledge of the Church authority, anything done without the Church authority is rebellious. You are appointed to promote the work of God. It is your duty to take care of the ministers of God. It is not a sin to take care of the ministers of God around you. Do not work against ministers of God. The appointment is a privilege, and not a right. Do not abuse it.
“Be a servant leader. A servant leader is a glory leader. What you do in your new office, you do it for yourself. Do not imbibe the spirit of ‘except me alone’. Work as a dependable team to your pastor. Let us hear good news about you always, that you perform well in the Lord. Be humble and gentle, and take things easy.
By the new title they would be henceforth be addressed as Deacons and Deaconesses, and no more as Mr. and Mrs, noted Pastor Joe Jacobs.
Prayers were offered for them, the Superintendent laid hands on them and they were taken to their new seats in the Church.
Earlier in his message titled The Good Tree, the DCC Superintendent admonished the Church on how to be the best in their chosen assignments.
The man of God who drew a practical analogy from a tree posited that “All species of trees, herbs and other plants which the Lord God created on the third day and confirmed to be good and food for mankind were all intended by God the Creator for the fulfilment of man, which however was manipulated by the devil was responsible for all evil trees in all creations today which has corrupted and polluted all the good things that God created.
The man of God who shared the view that it was possible that a good tree might be turned bad of course posited that Jesus Christ remained the hope of all to remain a good tree to bear good fruits.
He said, “Yes, someone may have a good origin or background but along the line, the enemy influenced and turned that person into an evil tree. There are some evil, domineering trees that force good trees from normalcy. Some trees are like parasites. They grow along with good trees only to arrest and turn the good trees to their hosts by draining all goodness away until the good trees are destroyed.”
He was very quick to raise the hope of such victims of bad influence in practical life.
“Is there any hope for such fellows?” he asked. He equally answered by saying “Yes! This was the reason for the coming of the Redeemer of mankind. He has come to deliver the captives of the evil one. As Satan turns anything good to evil, Jesus Christ restores to the original good,” quoting Matthew 12:33.
Pastor Joe Jacobs concluded with the assurance that “All blessings, favours, victories and advantages of Christians today are given by the One Who conquered sin, Satan and the world Who is Jesus Christ,” adding that “He is the Good Tree, and Christians are His branches powered to bear good fruits.”
It was another moment of joy for the family of Elder R.O.Olaonipekun, the Head Usher of the Church who came to thank God for divine healing after a protracted sickness which God miraculously put away. He was accompanied by wife, Children and grand children.
The service was rounded off with a session of thanksgiving by the newly appointed deacons and deaconesses, the Christ Elevators, and the assemblies making the district. These are Peace Assembly, Oke Ayo, Ilogbo Assembly, Oke Ogo Jesu, Tedi, Chapel of Grace, Mercyland, Mount of Salvation and Palace of Favour. The anniversary was attended by assembly pastors, ministers, leaders and members from the district.
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