El-Shaddai Covenant Church, a leading Pentecostal denomination in Nigeria has rounded off the 2025 edition of one of its annual flagship programmes, the Easter Leadership Conference, ELC, with the ordination of some tested, trusted and serving members of the church across its various branches in Nigeria and abroad into the ministerial offices of Deacons, Deaconesses, Pastors and Prophet.
The event, which took place at the Abule-Egba, Lagos headquarters of the church saw Brothers Seyi Akanji, Michael Obadina, David Nwachukwu, Francis Isaac, and George Ike as well as Sisters Onyinye Omoike, Anne Oni, Christabel Baryogar, Nwogu Nancy, and Mary Matthew ordained as Deacons and Deaconesses; while Deacons Alex Olorunfemi, Ariyo Olabisi and Deaconess Vera Iyare were presented to the church as Pastors.
The only serving member who was ordained into the office of a Prophetess was Sister Funmi James who had over the years demonstrated her calling into that office as attested to by members and leaders in the church.
Conducting the ordination, Reverend Omokayode Adeaga, the Assistant General Overseer of the Church (Northern Region), charged the ordained Deacons and Deaconesses with these words, “Beloved in Christ, you have been called by God and affirmed by this church for the distinct and vital office of a Deacon. This is a call to serve, to care, and to lead by humble example. As you are set apart for this ministry, we lay upon you this charge, rooted in the example of Christ and the instruction of Scripture:
Serve Others: Embrace your role as servants. Care for the needs of the congregation, especially the hurting and vulnerable, showing Christ’s love through practical action.
Live with Integrity: Maintain a life of godly character and honesty, meeting the qualifications in Scripture and being a good example to all.
Support the Church: Work with the pastors and leadership, help keep the peace, and use your gifts to build up the church and its mission.
Be Good Stewards: Manage wisely the resources and responsibilities the church entrusts to you.
This is a vital ministry. We stand with you in prayer as you serve”.
To those presented as Pastors, he said, “Beloved in Christ, you are called by God and set apart for the office of pastor. This is a high and holy calling, one that demands reverence, dedication, and a life wholly surrendered to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ and His people. As you stand on the threshold of this new ministry, lay upon you this solemn charge:
Preach the Word: Faithfully proclaim God’s truth in all seasons. Study the Scriptures diligently, letting them be your guide and the foundation of your message. Correct, rebuke, and encourage with patience, always declaring the full counsel of God.
Live a Godly Life: Be an example to believers in everything you do – in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Keep your relationship with God strong through prayer and worship, guarding your heart and mind.
Pursue Evangelism: Maintain a passion for those who do not know Christ. Be a clear witness to the Gospel and equip your congregation to share their faith.
Remember, you do not serve alone. The church stands with you in prayer and fellowship”.
The newly ordained ministers were, thereafter, prayed for and anointed by a team of ministers led by the General Overseer of the church, Dr. Temitayo James.
Each of the new ministers expressed their readiness to up the ante in their commitment to Christ, and the church; deliver on the mandates of their new offices and cooperate with both the leaders and members to take the church to new heights, especially in line with the theme of this year’s conference, “Divine Manifestation”.
