Effective leadership is integral to navigating crises and fostering unity within the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC). As we delve deeper into the qualities and attributes that contribute to impactful leadership, it becomes evident that a combination of humility, integrity, empathy, visionary thinking, effective communication, conflict resolution skills, spiritual maturity, inspirational leadership, adaptability, and community engagement are essential for guiding the congregation towards revival and unity. By incorporating these qualities into their leadership approach, individuals within the CAC can inspire positive change, promote spiritual growth, and cultivate a sense of community that aligns with the teachings of Christ.

CAC Nigeria and Overseas has had its fair share of internal conflicts, but as we reflect on the lessons of Easter, there is hope for healing and reconciliation through unity and revival. The story of Easter, with its themes of resurrection, renewal, and unity, provides a powerful framework for the church to address its internal divisions and move forward in a spirit of love and harmony.

One key aspect of Easter is forgiveness and reconciliation, which is central to the teachings of Jesus Christ. As outlined in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This call to forgive past grievances and work towards reconciliation is essential in fostering a sense of unity within the CAC.

Moreover, the celebration of Easter emphasises unity in diversity, as seen in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This scripture highlights the importance of embracing diversity within the church and striving towards a unified community that transcends differences. By promoting inclusivity and understanding among members, the CAC can create a stronger sense of unity that reflects the diverse and inclusive vision of the Easter story.

Furthermore, the concept of revival, central to Easter, is beautifully captured in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” This scripture emphasises the power of prayer and worship in bringing about spiritual renewal and collective healing within the church. Through organising revival meetings, prayer sessions, and worship services that focus on seeking God’s face and turning from past transgressions, the CAC can experience a true revival that will reignite the passion for unity and service among its members.

Overrall, by drawing on these scriptural teachings and the principles of Easter, the CAC can navigate its internal challenges with grace, compassion, and a sense of purpose. Through forgiveness, unity in diversity, and revival through prayer and worship, the church can work towards a truly unified and spiritually renewed community that embodies the true essence of Easter.

How can CAC Nigeria and Overseas crisis be resolved through the lessons of Easter? By embracing forgiveness and reconciliation, promoting unity in diversity, and seeking revival through prayer and worship, the church can move towards healing and unity. Have these principles been implemented in your local church community, and if so, what were the results?

Expanding on the strategies to resolve the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) crisis through the lessons of Easter, a deeper exploration can be conducted through Scriptural exegesis. Organizing forgiveness workshops, inspired by teachings like Colossians 3:13 (“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you”), can facilitate healing and reconciliation among members. Unity services and events, drawing from verses like Romans 15:5 (“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had”), can promote togetherness and understanding within the church community.

Revival meetings, guided by passages such as Acts 3:19-20 (“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord”), can ignite a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to unity. Delving into scriptural study groups, with a focus on verses like 1 Corinthians 1:10 (“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought”), can offer guidance on applying the teachings of unity and revival to the current context.

Furthermore, enacting community outreach programs informed by passages like Galatians 6:10 (“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers”), can strengthen relationships within the CAC and with the broader community. By incorporating these actions rooted in Scriptural teachings, the CAC can journey towards a unified and rejuvenated state, embodying the essence of Easter. Which of these strategies resonates most with you in your community?

I wonder how other churches have managed to overcome crises by embracing revival and unity. Drawing inspiration from the revival stories at Asbury University, the early church in Acts 1 and 2, and Jonah’s preaching in Nineveh, the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) can find guidance in biblical exegesis to navigate through its current crisis.

In Asbury University’s revival, humility and unity played a pivotal role, reflecting the teachings of Philippians 2:3-4 which urges believers to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility to consider others better than themselves. Likewise, the early church’s revival in Acts focused on prayer, repentance, and community, mirroring the importance of unity in Psalms 133:1 which states, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Furthermore, the story of Nineveh’s revival in the book of Jonah illustrates the power of genuine repentance and turning to God, echoing the message of James 4:8 which encourages believers to draw near to God and He will draw near to them.

By incorporating these biblical principles of humility, unity, repentance, prayer, and community into practical initiatives such as forgiveness workshops, unity services, and community outreach programs, the CAC can honour the teachings of scripture and move towards a renewed sense of revival and unity within the congregation. Just as these biblical examples show that crises can be overcome through faith and reliance on God, the CAC can find solace and guidance in the timeless wisdom of the Holy Scriptures to navigate through its current challenges.

Essentially CAC Nigeria and Overseas can glean abundant wisdom from the notable examples of other churches that have successfully navigated crises through revival and unity. In reflecting upon these significant lessons, the CAC can implement the following Scriptural exegesis in its approach towards resolving its current challenges:

1. Humility and Surrender

Drawing inspiration from the Asbury University Revival, CAC can emphasise the importance of humility and surrender to Jesus Christ, as advocated in Philippians 2:5-8. By encouraging members to focus on worship and prayer while setting aside differences in denominations or worship styles, the church can foster a greater sense of unity.

2. Community and Shared Resources

Following the example of the Early Church Revival in Acts 2:44-47, CAC can promote a culture of community and resource sharing amongst its members. Organising communal activities and support systems will strengthen the church and foster a deeper sense of unity.

3. Genuine Repentance

Drawing from the story of Nineveh’s Revival in Jonah 3:10, CAC can emphasise the significance of genuine repentance and turning to God for transformative change. Organising repentance and fasting events can encourage spiritual renewal and realignment with God’s will.

4. Focus on Jesus

In line with the teaching of Colossians 3:17, CAC can centre its activities and messages around Jesus Christ, fostering unity and aligning the congregation with the teachings of the Scriptures.

5. Prayer and Worship

Building on the practices of Asbury University and the Early Church, regular prayer and worship sessions, as emphasised in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, can ignite spiritual passion and unity within CAC. Scheduled prayer meetings and worship services will play a vital role in nurturing a sense of revival amongst the congregation.

6. Open Communication

Borrowing from the practices of local church initiatives, transparent communication and open dialogues, following the wisdom of Proverbs 15:22, can help resolve conflicts within CAC. Establishing clear communication channels and holding regular meetings will provide opportunities to address concerns and suggestions effectively.

7. Community Engagement

Drawing upon the engagement strategies of local church initiatives, CAC can enhance community relations through outreach programs, echoing the teachings of Matthew 5:16. By launching community service projects and collaborating with local organisations, the church can build stronger relationships with the broader community.

8. Leadership by Example

Reflecting on the example set by leaders in the Early Church Revival in Acts 6:3-4, CAC’s leaders can inspire unity through humility, forgiveness, and exemplary conduct. Investing in leadership training and encouraging leaders to lead by example will contribute to fostering a spirit of revival and unity within the church.

By incorporating these lessons into its strategies for addressing the current crisis, CAC Nigeria and Overseas can make significant strides towards revival and unity. Through a holistic approach that integrates humility, community building, repentance, a focus on Christ, prayer and worship, open communication, community engagement, and leadership by example, CAC can navigate through its challenges and emerge stronger and more united. Which of these lessons do you believe will have the greatest impact on CAC’s journey towards revival and unity?

Additionally, effective leadership in CAC Nigeria and Overseas is paramount in resolving crises, fostering revival, and nurturing unity within the congregation. Here are key aspects of leadership’s role, underpinned by assertiveness and Scriptural exegesis:

1. Vision and Direction

– Setting a Clear Vision: Proverbs 29:18 states, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Leaders must articulate a compelling vision for unity and revival in CAC, motivating members towards shared objectives.

– Strategic Planning: Just as in Proverbs 21:5 which advises, “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,” leaders must develop and execute strategic plans that address the crisis and pave the way for spiritual renewal within the church.

2. Leading by Example

– Demonstrating Humility and Forgiveness: Philippians 2:3 calls for humility, stating, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Leaders must exemplify humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation in their conduct.

– Active Participation: 1 Timothy 4:12 encourages, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” Leaders should actively participate in prayer meetings, worship services, and community activities, setting a positive example for the congregation to follow.

3. Effective Communication

– Transparent Communication: Proverbs 11:14 advises, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” Leaders must maintain transparent communication channels within CAC, ensuring members are informed and engaged in decision-making processes.

– Listening and Addressing Concerns: James 1:19 instructs, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Leaders should attentively listen to members’ concerns and address them with empathy and understanding.

4. Conflict Resolution

– Mediation and Counseling: Matthew 5:9 reminds, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Leaders in CAC should offer mediation services and counseling to resolve conflicts within the congregation and promote healing.

– Creating Safe Spaces: Proverbs 20:3 emphasises, “Avoiding a fight is a mark of honour; only fools insist on quarrelling.” Leaders must establish safe spaces within the church where members feel comfortable expressing grievances and working toward reconciliation.

5. Empowering Others

– Leadership Training: 2 Timothy 2:2 states, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” Leaders should invest in leadership training to equip members with the skills necessary for conflict resolution, effective communication, and community building.

– Delegating Responsibilities: Exodus 18:21 encourages delegation, stating, “But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” By empowering others through delegation, CAC can foster a sense of ownership and involvement among its members.

6. Spiritual Guidance

– Scriptural Teaching: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Leaders in CAC should provide spiritual guidance through scriptural teachings on unity, forgiveness, and revival.

– Prayer and Worship: Colossians 3:16 reminds, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Leading prayer sessions and worship services centred on spiritual renewal and collective healing can nurture a deep sense of revival within the congregation.

7. Community Engagement

– Outreach Programs: Matthew 5:16 states, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Leaders in CAC should initiate and support community outreach programs that strengthen relationships within the church and external community.

– Collaborations: Philippians 1:27 encourages collaboration, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” By collaborating with local organisations to address community needs, CAC can promote unity and solidarity in its outreach efforts.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation

– Assessing Progress: Proverbs 20:18 guides, “Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.” Leaders must regularly assess the progress of initiatives aimed at resolving the crisis and fostering unity in CAC.

– Adjusting Strategies: Proverbs 15:22 advises, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Leaders should remain flexible and receptive to feedback, adjusting strategies based on changing circumstances and the needs of the congregation.

Intriguingly, effective leadership founded on the principles of vision, humility, communication, conflict resolution, empowerment, spiritual guidance, community engagement, and monitoring can propel CAC Nigeria and Overseas towards a state of unity and revival. Through the dedicated efforts of its leaders, CAC can navigate through crises and promote a renewed sense of purpose and fellowship within the congregation, in alignment with the teachings of the Scriptures. How do you envisage these leadership aspects making a positive impact within the Christ Apostolic Church community?

Of course, effective leaders in CAC Nigeria and Overseas should embody a multitude of key qualities in order to successfully navigate crises and foster unity and revival within the congregation. Here is a robust explanation of these qualities with Scriptural exegesis:

1. Humility

– Acknowledging Mistakes: Proverbs 28:13 states, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Effective leaders must be willing to acknowledge their mistakes and seek forgiveness, fostering an environment of humility and accountability within the church.

– Serving Others: In Matthew 23:11-12, Jesus teaches, “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Leaders in the CAC should prioritize serving others with a humble and selfless heart, putting the needs of the congregation above their own.

2. Integrity

– Honesty and Transparency: Proverbs 11:3 emphasises the importance of honesty, stating, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” Leaders must maintain honesty and transparency in all their actions and communications, upholding the values of integrity and building trust within the church.

– Ethical Conduct: Titus 2:7-8 encourages ethical conduct, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.” Leaders should uphold high ethical standards and serve as role models for others to follow.

3. Empathy

– Understanding and Compassion: Colossians 3:12 urges believers to, “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Leaders need to demonstrate understanding and compassion towards the concerns and emotions of their members, showing empathy in their interactions.

– Active Listening: James 1:19 directs, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Leaders should engage in active listening, attentively hearing and empathetically responding to the needs and grievances of the congregation.

4. Visionary Thinking

– Clear Vision: Proverbs 29:18 proclaims, “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” Leaders must articulate a clear and inspiring vision for the future of the church, guiding members towards unity and revival.

– Strategic Planning: Proverbs 24:3-4 advises, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Leaders should develop and implement strategic plans informed by wisdom and understanding to realise the vision of unity and revival in the CAC.

5. Effective Communication

– Clear Communication: Ephesians 4:29 instructs, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Leaders must communicate clearly and effectively with all members, fostering an environment of understanding and mutual respect.

– Open Dialogue: Proverbs 18:13 reminds, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” Leaders should encourage open dialogue and honest communication within the church, creating a space where every member feels heard and valued.

6. Conflict Resolution Skills

– Mediation: Matthew 5:9 extols peace-making, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Leaders should possess the skills necessary to mediate conflicts and facilitate reconciliation, promoting harmony and unity within the congregation.

– Problem-Solving: Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Leaders should proactively address issues and seek solutions with wisdom and faith in God’s guidance.

7. Spiritual Maturity

– Deep Faith: Hebrews 11:6 declares, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Leaders must demonstrate a deep and mature faith in God, serving as beacons of spiritual inspiration to the congregation.

– Scriptural Knowledge: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Leaders should possess a strong knowledge of the scriptures, guiding others spiritually and imparting wisdom derived from the Word of God.

8. Inspirational Leadership

– Motivating Others: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Leaders should inspire and motivate members of the CAC to work towards unity and revival through encouragement and support.

– Leading by Example: 1 Corinthians 11:1 implores, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Leaders should lead by example, embodying the values of humility, integrity, and dedication to inspire and uplift the congregation.

9. Adaptability

– Flexibility: Ecclesiastes 3:1 teaches, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Leaders must be adaptable and flexible in their approach to leadership, responding effectively to changing circumstances and emerging challenges.

– Innovative Thinking: Isaiah 43:19 proclaims, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Leaders should embrace innovative approaches and creative solutions to resolve crises and foster unity within the church.

10. Community Engagement

– Building Relationships: Romans 12:4-5 highlights the importance of community, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Leaders should actively engage with the community, building strong relationships based on love and mutual support.

– Collaborative Spirit: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 advocates collaboration, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Leaders in the CAC should encourage collaboration and teamwork within the church, as well as foster partnerships with external organizations to strengthen community bonds.

By embodying these core qualities, leaders in the Christ Apostolic Church can effectively steer the congregation through crises, promote unity, and usher in a revival of faith and fellowship. Which of these qualities do you believe are most essential for the leaders of your local church to cultivate and embody as they guide the congregation towards unity and revival?

In conclusion, the role of leadership in the Christ Apostolic Church cannot be overstated when it comes to navigating crises and fostering revival and unity. By embodying qualities such as humility, integrity, empathy, visionary thinking, effective communication, conflict resolution skills, spiritual maturity, inspirational leadership, adaptability, and community engagement, leaders within the CAC can guide the congregation towards a renewed sense of purpose and fellowship. As we reflect on the importance of these qualities in effective leadership, let us strive to cultivate these attributes within ourselves and support our leaders in their efforts to shepherd the church towards a brighter and more united future.

Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, a Pastor, Professor, Journalist, Protestant Theologian, and General Evangelist of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, writes from Igbajo-Ijesa, Osun State, Nigeria