Women can play leadership role in the church, but… —Pastor Ogundimu

Pastor Bose Ogundimu is the Senior Area Pastor, Ikeja Model Area of Decross Gospel Mission, Lagos State. In this interview with OLAIDE SOKOYA, the cleric, who is also a banker, speaks on values of women in the church among other issues. Excerpts:

Women now play major and sensitive roles in churches, especially on the altar. How will you justify this development?

The Bible says in Galatians: 3 VS 28 that there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. God chooses to use whoever he so wishes. Women are to play active, spiritual and matured roles in the church according to their spiritual gifts.

How far is it true that women have limited roles in the vineyard?

I don’t think so. God has given everyone, irrespective of gender, the liberty to serve Him. Deborah, a woman of great worth, courageously led Israel, the great nation, while men followed. God used her as she was worth the assignment. The truth is that there is no gender difference with God. We are all one in Christ Jesus. Women can take leadership roles in the Church so far the position is not that of leadership over her own husband.

How has it been taking a leadership position as a model pastor?

It has been God all the way, when He calls, He gives the backing. Also, the parish pastors have made the job  easy for me, because they are great people and the relationship has been really cordial.

You are a clergy, wife and a mother, how have you been able to combine all effectively?

I bless God for the opportunity to serve. My wonderful husband and God-given seeds have supported in making the assignment easy and interesting. I give 100 per cent credit to my husband for his encouragement and support. Aside being a pastor, it might interest you to know that I am a banker by profession, presently the Group Head, Public Sector Business of a bank and am also married to a politician, a top government functionary in Lagos State.

Christianity as a religion has faced a lot of challenges in recent times. How do you think this issue can be resolved?

These are signs of the end-time. It is written in the scriptures 2Timothy: 3 vs 1-5. I will suggest that the Christians, as a family, need to seek the face of God and serve Him wholeheartedly.

It is no more news that recession has also hit the church. As a cleric what would you advise the church to overcome the pressures?

It is true that there is recession and it is really affecting many Nigerians. In fact, most organisations cannot afford to meet their obligations, they have resulted to layoff and salary cut. However, we can only trust God and commit everything into his hands, because He is capable of keeping whatever is committed into His hands.

How should the church should do to help people at these pressing times?

We can only keep praying for the best. Some churches actually have plans and schemes to assist, while some are working out some employment and business plans. Our Ministry is not lacking here.

What has God told you about the nation?

Yes, He told me that He would surely take us back to our place of our desire. Joel 2:25 says, “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.”

How did you receive the call?

God spoke to my father in the Lord, our General Overseer, Evangelist, (Professor.) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, (MFR), he revealed it to my husband and subsequently, I was asked to go and pray to confirm it, and the rest is history. It can only be God and I am grateful that I am one of His vessels. I may must say that, working under the leadership of our G.O. has been a great honour and privilege.

Advice to women?

Women ought, to be closer to God. We should walk with and for God; handle issues prayerfully and sensibly. We should also endeavour to always pray for our children and husbands, and support them as much as we can.