At Ikeji-Arakeji, thousands of CAC pastors rekindle the fire of ministry

FOR five days, the Babalola Memorial International Miracle Camp, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, became a spiritual meeting point for about 13,000 pastors and ministers of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Nigeria and Overseas, who converged to renew their strength, deepen their understanding of the Word and rekindle the fire of their calling.

The 2026 CAC Pastors’ Conference, held from September 22 to 25 with the theme, “The Bible: God’s Message to Man,” featured worship, prayers, seminars, biblical teachings and revival sessions, drawing clerics from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.

The gathering provided the ministers an opportunity to step away from the pressures of their various assignments and return to the foundation of their calling, the Word of God.

Speaking on the theme, the President of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele, said the Word of God, as contained in the Bible, remains the solution to the problems confronting the world.

He described the conference as an opportunity for ministers to retreat from the “warfront” of their various assignments, refuel and re-equip themselves with the power and Word of God for the next assignment ahead.

Oladele expressed delight at the large turnout of pastors from far and near, describing it as a welcome development for the church and evidence of the ministers’ desire for unity and spiritual growth.

At the conference, the General Superintendent of the church, Pastor Emmanuel Odejobi warned ministers against neglecting personal Bible study and quiet meditation, noting that failure to cultivate such devotion could expose a pastor’s ministry to trouble and internal conflicts.

He stressed that ministry was not about delivering clever or pleasing sermons, but about faithfully wielding the uncompromising Word of God to separate believers from worldly and harmful influences.

Scripture, he noted, carries God’s message to humanity, providing light and directing people towards repentance, faith, obedience and preparation for eternity.

One of the sepakers at the conference, Pastor Gabriel Agboola, reinforced the responsibility of Christian leadership, reminding the ministers that biblical stewardship goes beyond fundraising or managing church accounts. Rather, he said, it involves advancing God’s work faithfully, sustainably and with integrity.

The church’s Financial Director, Pastor E.O. Olagunju, brought a practical dimension to the conference, urging ministers and workers to prepare early for retirement.

He advised them to work diligently, save regardless of how little they could afford, invest wisely and avoid depending on others to secure their future.

Using the discipline of ants as an example, Olagunju urged the ministers to embrace foresight, preparation, self-discipline and cooperation, stressing that responsible planning was essential to a secure future.

The conference also challenged pastors to create a sense of belonging in their congregations by being transparent with members and providing opportunities for their spiritual and personal development.

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Pastoral leadership, the sessions suggested, must go beyond the pulpit to include mentoring, accountability, listening and raising people who can contribute meaningfully to the work of the church.

The gathering also featured special minstrations of clerics including Prophet Moses Olagunju at the conference, who engaged thousands of clerics in a revival-like session, at the opening conference.  

Speaking about the conference, Olagunju noted that the moment offered a striking picture of Godly mentorship, spiritual covering and generational continuity, underscoring the importance of learning from those who have gone ahead and preparing another generation to carry the work forward.

Veteran gospel musician-cum-cleric, Pador Joseph Adelakun, popularly known as Baba Ayewa, was also part of the gathering and charged participants with a powerful song ministration, delivering a solemn reminder about faithfulness, obedience and the need to finish well.

Reflecting on the conference, Ayewa said he was blessed to be part of the gathering.

“It was a wonderful time of fellowship, worship, learning, and spiritual refreshing in the presence of God. I am grateful for the opportunity to be among God’s servants and to be part of this great gathering,” he said.

The conference also looked beyond the church to the nation, as the ministers interceded for Nigeria, particularly the northern part of the country, praying for divine protection, peace and safety over families, communities and churches.

They prayed for those affected by insecurity and called for an end to banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violence, while seeking wisdom and strength for those working for peace and security.

For the thousands who gathered at Ikeji-Arakeji, the message was clear: the pastor who strengthens others must also be strengthened.