Sup/Leader Femi Falade
Superior Leader Femi Falade, who is in his 30s, finds himself in an uncommon scenario when he was chosen to become the Parochial Chairman of Ile-Ileri Parish, Ijegun 2, about 3 years ago. Celestial Church Blog speaks with him about life as a young man leading a congregation administratively.

How did you feel when you were made the Parochial Chairman of Ile Ileri Parish, Ijegun 2?
At first, I was not comfortable with it, because of my previous experiences with shepherds of the Church, coupled with d fact that I don't want to be involved in church politics. I'm more comfortable with youth affairs rather than parochial church affairs. But because of the fact that I was nominated by the congregation, I felt I should not disappoint them and I see it as a means to input my quota into the church system. I see it as a call to serve.


How challenging has the task been, as you have to combine your personal, office and family duties with it?
Its a great task, combining responsibility is not easy at all, especially in a community church like ours where there are stake holders, elders, parents etc. Its so challenging that church activities override family matters but I manage it perfectly with official matters. Though, distractions come at times when at work, but God has been my major strength.


As a young Parochial Chairman, how do you cope with the challenges of having to work with the Shepherd and other Church elders? Has there been any provocation?
Like I mentioned earlier, one major strength God gave me as soon as I assume office is Patience. Don't know where it came from, because I have never been a gentle person from time, but God helped me with this and I have prevailed over all provocations even with Shepherds. But I must say this, our shepherds are so funny and they can be so mean at times.


What are the challenges you face in the cause of performing your duties?
One of the principal challenge is decision making. The setting of a Community church is more like the civil service where bureaucracy exist. But wisdom is always applied where necessary. Another one is conflict of interest, some may likely not support some innovation, when it's not in their favour.


Within this short period as the Chairman of Parochial Committee, there has been tremendous improvement in the Parish, can you tell us the factors responsible for this?
The developmental trend is what I can't explain. The secret is God. I can't explain how he has been doing it. Though, we plan, but he executes.


What advice would you want to give other young members in the Church that would be given similar positions in the future?
My advice to all that found themselves here is that they should listen to no one except God. People may tend to mislead them, but God will not.


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