In this interview, our lead publisher spoke with Special Most Senior Evangelist Kayode Ajala on his appointment as a patron of Celestial Church of Christ Students' Fellowship, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH in Lagos.

The interview touched various aspect of the Church, especially as it affect the Students' Parishes and Fellowships.


CCB: In your opinion, what might have inspired CCCSF Luth to appoint you as one of its patrons?

I might begin to sound immodest if I attempt to pinpoint what must have inspired them to appoint me as their Grand Patron, amongst thousands of others who are also qualified for the position. One thing is clear though, these are a bunch of very brilliant and focussed young people driven by a strong sense of purpose. I believe they must have done their homework before taking the decision to appoint me. All I can do, on my own part, is to live up to their expectations and not disappoint them in any way.

CCB: What vision do have for the fellowship?

My ultimate dream is to see this fellowship grow into a full fledged and vibrant student parish of the CCC, with all that is needed in terms of infrastructure and equipment, on ground.

CCB: In your opinion, what are the problems bedeviling Celestial Students' Fellowships and Parishes across Nigeria?

The biggest challenge that Student Fellowships face in our church is inadequate or total lack of support from the parent body.

CCB: Sir, can you explain more on the lack of support from the parent body?

I'll give you two examples of what I mean. I once visited a university campus and was thrown off balance when I saw how well established the student fellowships of other Church are. They all had well built chapels and places of worship, while that of the CCC, was a makeshift contraption built with palmfronds. Again, during Sunday service in one of our frontline parishes, students from a fellowship in a university campus came around with the aim of seeking support and raising money, but right there, in the presence of all, the Shepherd not only shunned the students but also sent them away. These are the kind of things I'm talking about.

CCB: Can you also mention at least more problems bedeviling fellowships

We have a duty to make the CCC a place where all and sundry would be comfortable and proud to worship. If we can achieve this, we would stem the tide of the exodus of our young people to other churches. This is a major challenge being faced by youth fellowships in the CCC.

CCB: How can these problems be addressed?

We must begin to recognise that these student fellowships are an integral and vital part of the future of the Celestial Church. To toy with them is to toy with the future of our church. They must be given a pride of place and put on the priority list in all that we do. Deploy human and material resources to support student fellowships in the CCC.

CCB: What advise do you have for Celestians, who are students in tertiary institutions?

They must be good ambassadors of the church and strive to improve on the contributions of the generation's before them. They must understand that, if they get it right, it is in their time that Celestial Church would cleanse the world.


CCB: The church would be 70 this year, what areas would you like to point to the planning committee inaugurated by Rev EMF Oshoffa to work upon?

The committee should look into ways of instilling discipline into the day to day running of the church. So many things need to be regulated viz establishment of parishes, appointment and posting of Shepherds, adherence to the rules and tenets of the church, remuneration of Shepherds and other church workers, proper control of church finances, et al.

CCB: Thank you