Image cpation: Prof S. Ola Ayankeye, president of the NBTS
Baptist Seminary Ogbomoso holds annual Ministers’ Conference holds between September 9 and 12
Femi OGUNLANA
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The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Ogbomoso, Oyo state, will hold its annual Ministers’ Conference between September 9 and 12, 2024 at the institution’s Alumni Multipurpose Hall. This edition is the 64th.
This was disclosed Monday by the President of the theological institution, Professor S.Ola Ayankeye, during a press conference held at the Council Room, Hybrid Library Extension, accompanied by some other principal officers including, Rev’d Dr. Gabriel Ademola Oyeniyi, Deputy President Administration; Rev’d Prof Olusayo Oladejo, Deputy President Academic; Rev’d Dr Sola Ayo Obiremi, Deputy President Advancement, Rev’d Dr Dele Oluwole, Registrar; Dn. Olutunde Opeyemi, Bursar, Mrs. Olatoye Adebola, Acting Librarian; and Rev’d Adekola Oluwaseyi Alade, Director, Public Relations Unit.
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“This Press Conference is intended to intimate you on the arrangement and preparation for the 2024 Ministers’ Conference of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Ogbomoso,” President Ayankeye said.
According to the Professor of Pastoral Care and Counselling Psychology, the theme for the 2024 Conference is “The Gospel Minister and His Call,” informing that “Various activities have been designed to develop the theme among which are: African praise, hymn singing, instrumentals, messages, Bible teachings, group discussions, intercessory prayers, witnessing, and football match.”
Among the main programme personnel listed are Rev. Dr Israel Adelani Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and Visitor to the Seminary; Rev. Dr K. K. Saleh; as well as himself.
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Ayankeye similarly highlighted that participants will include various categories of gospel ministers such as church pastors, specialized ministers (music, education, children, youth), evangelists, missionaries and so on, adding that drivers who come with the pastors will also “be equipped for better performance. We have been praying and all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a successful conference.”
Speaking on the theme, “The Gospel Minister and His Call,” Ayankeye said it “is relevant to the current situation in Nigeria where some gospel ministers demonstrate a lack of understanding of what it means to be called, the purpose of the call and how to sharpen the call into the gospel ministry.”
“The result of the ignorance are the disgraceful behaviours found among some pastors. A cursory look into this theme will help in restoring ministerial sanity that can result in the transformation of the society.”
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Ayankeye a Fellow of Counselling Association of Nigeria (FCASSON) appealed to governments at various levels to willfully address the plethora of problems assailing Nigerians in the economic, social, educational and security sectors just as he called on Nigerians to be law abiding and indulge in praying for the leaders.
“We call on all political office holders and all others in government to be more intentional in ensuring restoration of economic, social, educational vibrancy in Nigeria. More efforts should also be directed to ensuring security of life and property so that dwellers in Nigeria will experience a conducive atmosphere to face their work with peace of mind. The citizenry should also be law abiding and be praying for our leaders regularly.”
The clergyman averred that “Time has come when everyone should work hard to restore the glory of our nation, Nigeria. Nigeria will rise again in all ramifications.”
Participants who will not be physically present at the conference will have the opportunity of following virtually, with a revelation that thousands of gospel ministers from all denominations annually attend physically and virtually.
This is as it is stated that adequate security measures have been put in place to be provided by internal security operatives of the Seminary and conventional ones assuring all participants of security of lives and properties.
NBTS was established on May 3, 1898, one hundred and twenty-six years ago, by the Southern Baptist Convention, USA, through the instrumentality of Missionary Rev. C. E. Smith (popularly called Baba Onirungbon). This Seminary awarded Bachelor of Theology degree in 1950, even after the graduands had satisfied the requirements in 1948, making NBTS the first degree awarding institution in Nigeria.
There was a development in the history of NBTS in 1970, as the Nigerian Baptist Convention took over the proprietorship of the Seminary. When the International Mission Board of Southern Baptist Convention needed to focus their mission attention elsewhere, they withdrew the bulk of their human and financial resources in the year 2000. The Seminary has since been supported by individuals, families and churches of the Nigerian Baptist Convention. NBTS also maintains academic and professional relationships with some partners in different parts of the world. 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.
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From available and accessible records, the first Ministers’ Conference took place in 1960, that is sixty-four (64) 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.
NOTE: Watch out for the second part of this story that will feature text of interview session with Prof Ayankeye and other principal officers.
