A former Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State, Pastor Benjamen Akanmu has cautioned Christian bodies to shelve the practice of individualism in order to achieve set goals.
This was as the clergy called for unity and collective responsibility among Christian organizations to foster peace and progress within the body of Christ in the state and the nation at large.
Pastor Akanmu, the Regional Superintendent, Odubanjo Region of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, gave the warning while playing host to the executive members of Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists , Oyo State Chapter, led by the Chairman, Lekan Shobowale in his home.
The notable Cleric who bemoaned the level of disunity among body of Christian faiths, explained that Christian denominations were to serve complementary purposes and not to outsmart one another in the scheme of things.
The preacher also expressed concerns over the growing trend of individualism among Christian denominations. He warned that such attitude undermines the collective strength, moral and spiritual influence of the Christian community on its people.
He stressed that Christianity thrives on fellowship, deep collaboration, and shared responsibility in the vineyard of the gospel adding that when individual interests are prioritized over collective mission, the body of Christ is weakened to fully achieve its full potential and mandate.
The former CAN Chairman who made several inferences to the Holy Bible urged leaders of various denominations and ministries to prioritize unity and embrace interdenominational cooperation. He emphasized the importance of working together regardless of denominational differences.
He urged the CAN leadership and other Christian bodies to work in unity according to the purpose of the gospel of Christ while embracing the principles of fairness, justice and equity so as to collectively execute the missionary assignment which formed the basis of their existence.
“Individualism is really causing a huge setback in Christiandom, and this is what is slowing down the progress of Christianity in Nigeria. Let’s all unite and fight as one body so as to retain our relevance in the scheme of things , otherwise we will be neglected.” He said.
Earlier, the NACJ, Oyo State Chairman, Mr Lekan Shobowale had appreciated the fatherly role , pastor Akanmu played as Grand Patron of the association and his guidance in all its activities till the new year, praying God for more auction to function.
Shobowale, solicited his continued support to NACJ in all its planned programmes for the new year 2025 and promised the association’s commitment to propagating the gospel in its reportage of Christian activities and events.