NBC must ensure Nigeria grows into what God intends it to be —Reverend Babalola

Reverend (Dr) Jonathan Babalola is the minister-in-charge of the Union Baptist Church, Ekotedo, Ibadan, Oyo State. He is also the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the Ibadan North-West Local Government chapter. In an interview with SEYI SOKOYA, he speaks on the church’s impact on the nation, his life, and reflects on the 80-year journey of the church branch.

Despite the recent challenges the church has faced, particularly in the north, it remains dedicated to fulfilling God’s will and supporting the nation. What is the secret to its resilience?

Although churches are run by human beings, who are not infallible, the Nigeria Baptist Convention, which includes the Union Baptist Church, is doing its best to address the challenges facing the country. Nigeria has encountered numerous difficulties, especially in security challenges, and some have said that the Nigeria Baptist Convention was established to minister to the nation both spiritually and socially. Interestingly, the convention was founded in 1914, the same year Nigeria was amalgamated.

The Nigeria Baptist Convention has never experienced a better yesterday; things are improving day by day, and the church is continually growing. Pastors are regularly being trained and commissioned. I recently attended an ordination ceremony. The Nigerian Baptist Convention bears the responsibility of ensuring that Nigeria develops into what God intends it to be.

What is the experience like when pastoring an 80-year-old church?

The foundation of success in ministry is Christ. When you truly know God, you are empowered to achieve great things. This is why Daniel 11:32 states that no organization or gathering of people is without challenges. One area where issues often arise is within the church, as individuals come together voluntarily to worship God, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. However, if members are encouraged, these conflicts can be minimised.

Over the past 22 years of leading this church, God has guided us in discipling many members. Discipleship means teaching others to follow Christ and to follow you as a leader. It is essential to lead by example; you cannot say, “Follow what I say, but don’t do what I do.” This approach has led to significant growth in our church, and we are excited to expand into new areas.

What is life like as a cleric?

During my secondary school days, I was known as a quiet classmate, and many people believed I would eventually pursue a career in ministry. After finishing school, I worked in a few places, including Suleja and Lagos, but I didn’t think much about it at the time. My pastor, the late Rev. D. O. Ojo, helped me by getting a seminary application for me in 1984. As a young man, I struggled with the decision because of the misconception that only older individuals are suited for ministry. I questioned why I had taken on responsibilities that were typically meant for older adults. After much reflection and prayer, which included prayers offered by Baba, I decided to study in Ogbomoso, where I completed my diploma from 1985 to 1988. After that, I was called to join the staff in Benin, where I spent 15 years working at Fountain of Life Baptist Church. In 2003, we were invited to come to Ibadan. I was ordained in 1991 as a part of the full Gospel ministry, and since then, God has been my helper, despite the challenges I’ve faced. As I’ve mentioned, being in Christ makes navigating life easier.

Most Baptist clerics are well-educated. Is education a prerequisite for the church?

The Baptist denomination places a high value on education. We regard education as essential and emphasize staying informed. After completing my studies in Ogbomoso, I obtained my degree in 1991. Following that, I pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) at the University of Benin, specializing in Social Work. I went on to earn my Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) in Guidance and Counseling from the same university. Upon arriving in Ibadan, I applied for a PhD at Olabisi Onabanjo University, which I completed in five years. It is essential for anyone aspiring to be a Baptist pastor to be dedicated to their education.

While it is not mandatory to hold a PhD to be a pastor in the Baptist Church, having a good education is essential.

What advice do you have for Christians, especially during these challenging times?

This message isn’t just for Christians; it applies to everyone. The current situation in our country resembles the plight in Samaria, where people were resorting to desperate measures, including selling their children and even resorting to cannibalism due to extreme hunger. In those dire times, God intervened and resolved the crisis.

I want to encourage everyone to hold on to God and seek Him, especially if they don’t already know Him. We must uplift and support one another. It’s important to remember that tomorrow can be brighter because God is in control.

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