Embrace ‘Good Shepherd’ role, TACN leader urges pastors

By Olayinka Latona

ABEOKUTA — The Apostolic Church Nigeria (TACN), LAWMA Territorial Chairman, Pastor Gabriel Okpako Uyeh, has urged ministers to embody the spirit of the “Good Shepherd,” emphasising sacrificial service, humility and genuine care for their congregations above personal ambition.

Pastor Uyeh gave the charge at the weekend during the induction service of Pastor Samuel Osuntayo as the 10th Area Superintendent of TACN, Igbein Area. The event also featured the launch of Osuntayo’s book titled Strategic Leadership in Pastoral Ministry.

Represented by the Abeokuta Area Superintendent, Pastor Timothy Agbeja, Uyeh called on church leaders to model their leadership after the “Chief Shepherd,” warning against pride, greed and self-centred leadership.

“They must have the shepherd’s heart and lead the people in the way of the Lord,” he said. “The source of your strength and longevity is from the Chief Shepherd; therefore, depend on Him alone.”

He described the induction as a “marriage” between the minister and the congregation, stressing that the new superintendent must protect, provide for and guide the flock.

“If a shepherd is found wanting in these responsibilities, he is a hireling,” Uyeh warned.

He also urged members of the church to see their new superintendent as a gift from God and support his leadership.

“Cooperate with him and ensure that you take good care of him,” he added.

In his remarks, the newly inducted superintendent, Pastor Samuel Osuntayo, said his book, Strategic Leadership in Pastoral Ministry, was part of his contributions to strengthening pastoral practice based on his years of experience in ministry.

The book received commendations from religious and professional leaders who attended the launch.

Presiding Elder Samuel Solesi of The Apostolic Church Nigeria likened the principles outlined in the publication to quality control standards used in the corporate world. He urged church leaders to abandon indifference and adopt measurable performance indicators in church administration.

Solesi also recommended the book for use in Bible colleges, noting that its step-by-step guidance could help improve church assemblies and encourage leaders to render service that is acceptable to both God and humanity.

Also speaking, Town Planner Toyin Ayinde described the book as a “minister’s companion,” noting that it addresses the fundamental questions of “why,” “what,” and “how” in pastoral leadership.

Ayinde further described the publication as “the science of pastoral leadership,” urging aspiring ministers and church leaders to study it carefully.

“This is a manual I would advise anyone who seeks to become a successful leader in pastoral ministry to read,” he said.

“If you ever wonder where to begin, start from the last page where you will find ‘Bringing It All Together.’ It ends with the words, ‘See you at the top.’ That is the tonic needed to go back to the beginning and read the book voraciously.

“Thank you, Pastor Seyi, for allowing the Holy Spirit to produce this invaluable resource through you.”

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