An Anglican cleric, Ven David Ezeobi has warned church ministers to desist from wrongful use of their positions as a business venture.
He gave the warning at the Advent Ordination of Priests and Deacons at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, Sunday, adding that some church ministers see service of the church as an opportunity to enrich themselves and live a luxurious lifestyle.
Ven Ezeobi, an Archdeacon of Mbaukwu Archdeaconry in Awka Diocese, Anglican Communion who delivered a sermon on “Deacons and Priests as Ambassadors of Christ,” warned that ministers are not expected to use the gospel as a business but must stand firm to preach the undiluted gospel of Christ.
He said that as ambassadors of Christ, church ministers are senior representatives of Christ wherever they are adding that they are called to preach to sinners to leave their sinful life and pray to lessen the burdens of Christians.
He reminded that ministers may not receive fat salary for their services to God but assured that the blessings that await the minister that serves God in truth and spirit are enormous even as they have security that is divine and which surpasses every other form of security.
“As ambassadors of Christ, we are encouraged to dedicate ourselves to Christ. When we neglect our calling, the owner will advertise our calling.
Ven Ezeobi said that God has called ministers to serve him in truth and humility. Quoting 1st Corinthians 1 verse 2, he said it is required of those who are designed as ambassadors of Christ to be found faithful in the lord.
” We are ordained to teach in humility and with love. We should be diligent in the study of the word of God to deepen our spirituality. The most important gospel we should preach is about our life outside the church premises and life after here on earth.
“We are expected to be agents and vessels of peace wherever we find ourselves. Not ministers who will go into society and preach the gospel of fear.”
He encouraged priests to be joyous in the service of God adding that the moment a minister begins to complain in his services to God, the blessings of the lord will start to elude such minister.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim while Consecrating the Priests and Deacons, tasked the ministers to proclaim by word and deed the gospel of Jesus Christ, as well as fashion their life by the principles of the church.
He urged them to be dispensers of the word of God to nourish the people as well as strengthen them to glorify God in their life.”As priests, it will be your task to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and to fashion your life by its precepts. “
Orient Daily reports that Fifteen Priests and Five Deacons were ordained in the church of the Anglican Communion at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka Anambra state while the advent ordination was performed by the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim.
The highlight of the ordination was the presentation, examination, and administration of Oaths of allegiance to God and against homosexuality and bisexuality by the legal officers of the Diocese led by the Chancellor, Honorable Justice Sir Okechukwu J. Okeke.