NBTS holds 2026 Ministers' Conference Sept 14 - 17

NBTS holds 2026 Ministers’ Conference Sept 14 – 17

Bolaji DAVID

Advertisement

The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, NBTS, Ogbomoso, Oyo state, will begin its annual Ministers’ Conference Monday September 14 at the Alumni’s Multipurpose Hall of the 128-year-old institution.

This year’s event which will run till Thursday, September 17, has as theme: “The Gospel Minister and Ministerial Competence.”

Announcing the programme Monday during a press conference held at the Seminary’s (Council Room, Hybrid Library Extension), president of the institution, Rev’d Professor S. Ola Ayankeye, noted the theme was specially designed to ramp up the performance of gospel ministers against the backdrop of the various challenging situations in Nigeria.

“The theme ‘The Gospel Minister and Ministerial Competence’ is very important in the current economic and security situation in Nigeria where some gospel ministers are found to be deficient at their ministerial duty post, “Prof Ayankeye said.

Advertisement

Ayankeye, a Fellow of the Counselling Association of Nigeria (FCASSON) informed the theme “shall be examined from various perspectives with the hope of enhancing the performance of the gospel ministers.”

He unveiled some programme personnel who included the new president of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) and the institution’s visitor, Rev’d Dr. David Olusola Idowu, Rev. Segun Babalola, Rev Ikechukwu Michael Onyegbu, Prof Ayankeye, among others.

He disclosed the conference would feature various activities including Bible teaching, African praise, hymn singing, instrumentals, messages, group discussions, intercessory prayers, witnessing, and football match.

This is as he explained that drivers (who conveyed ministers to the event) as well as children (in company with their parents) would also be catered for under various spiritual-enriching sessions.

Advertisement

He added, “We look forward to the active participation of all categories of gospel ministers: church pastors, specialized ministers (music, education, children, youth), evangelists, missionaries, etc.”

The Professor of Pastoral Care & Counselling Psychology similarly charged governments at various levels to be more responsible in changing the narratives of Nigeria specifically in the areas of kidnapping, fuel subsidy, inflation, and elections, canvassing that premium should be placed on the lives of the citizens.

“I wish to call attention to some burning issues in our country that the government at the three tiers should pay more attention to. The issues are kidnapping, fuel subsidy, inflation, and elections. I need not spend time describing the scenarios of all these imbroglios because they are no longer news. The value God placed on human life is high that it should not be toyed with.

“To ensure that the sacredness of life and the associated benefits like good economy, safety of life, and property are held in high esteem, government need to put in place measures that will restore peace and tranquility in no distant time.

Advertisement

“The federal government should work hard to show more the value of fuel subsidy removal. Also, as general elections are close by, the politicians and all related stakeholders should endeavour to allow room for free and fair electioneering process. The fear of God should characterize the processes.

“I also encourage the citizens of Nigeria to be active in the process of electing our leaders. May God bless our country and restore our fortune once again.”

Brief history of the NBTS

The NBTS was established on May 3, 1898 by the Southern Baptist Convention, USA. God used the indefatigable Missionary, Rev. C. E. Smith (popularly called Baba Onirungbon) in the establishment of the Seminary, which was called “Preachers Training Class.” A giant stride occurred in 1950 when the NBTS awarded Bachelor of Theology degree, thereby becoming the first-degree awarding institution in Nigeria. Indeed, the graduands had satisfied the requirements for graduation in 1948.

Indigenization of the NBTS Ogbomoso

There was a development in the history of NBTS in 1970 when the Nigerian Baptist Convention took over the proprietorship of the Seminary. The International Mission Board of Southern Baptist Convention later needed to focus their mission attention elsewhere leading to withdrawal of the bulk of their human and financial supports in the year 2000. The Seminary has since been supported by individuals, families and churches of the Nigerian Baptist Convention. Meanwhile, the NBTS also maintains academic and professional relationships with some partners and accrediting agencies in different parts of the world.

The NBTS Ogbomoso Became a Post Grad Institution

The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary awarded the first doctoral degree in the year 2002 and thereby became a postgraduate institution. Theological education and ministerial training are offered by the Seminary through four training programmes: theology, missiology, religious education and church music. These programmes are offered at bachelor, masters and doctoral levels. They are meant to prepare people for ministries in theological schools, churches and larger society. In terms of age, size, and quality, the Seminary is a top evangelical brand in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. I need to add that, NBTS currently offers fully online masters and doctoral degrees in Christian Leadership, Christian Worship, Intercultural Studies, African Christianity, and Pastoral Care and Counselling.

The Ministers’ Conference

From available and accessible records, the first Ministers’ Conference took place in 1960, that is sixty-six (66) years ago. Over the years, the Conference has been holding for three basic purposes: first, it is for spiritual renewal so that gospel ministers can be further equipped and reinvigorated for godly living and effective ministries; second, it is a continuing education programme, to update the academic and professional knowledge of gospel ministers so as to sharpen their ministerial skills; third, the Conference also provides opportunities for fellowship and denominational promotion.

Advertisement