The Royal Episcopal Evangelical Communion has celebrated its 22nd Annual Synod with a call on Christians to embrace evangelism as a vital tool for church growth, peace and national development.
The synod, held last week, featured the theme, “Evangelism Is the Panacea to Church Growth,” which highlighted the importance of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in strengthening the church and promoting positive values in society.
Speaking at the event, the Presiding Bishop of the Communion, His Lordship, Bishop F.O Nwaodu, who preached from the Book of Matthew 28:19–20, described evangelism not merely as a church programme but as a way of life that is essential to the growth and development of the church, particularly Orthodox churches.
According to him, evangelism should be an everyday responsibility of Christians rather than an activity reserved for special occasions, stressing that the church can grow stronger when its members actively spread the message of Christ.
Bishop Nwaodu further explained that the annual synod provides an opportunity for the church’s governing board, senior officers and other members to come together to deliberate on issues affecting the church, the state and the nation at large.
He commended the delegates and other guests for their support and contributions to the activities of the Communion, urging them to remain committed to the work of God and take the gospel to people in their various communities.
Bishop Nwaodu also called on Christians to intensify evangelism and promote values that encourage peace, unity and responsible conduct, particularly as the country approaches another election.
He expressed concern over negative practices such as the pull him down syndrome, ballot box snatching, political thuggery and banditry, urging church members to spread the message of Christ as a way of encouraging peaceful coexistence and discouraging actions capable of threatening the peace and stability of the nation.
The bishop urged Christians to demonstrate the teachings of Jesus Christ through their words and actions, stressing the importance of promoting peace and tolerance during the election period.
He noted that the need to promote peace, love, tolerance and responsible citizenship had become more urgent as the country approaches another election period.
Bishop Nwaodu therefore urged Christians to use evangelism as a means of transforming lives, fostering peaceful coexistence and encouraging responsible conduct among citizens.
He maintained that a church committed to spreading the gospel and upholding the teachings of Jesus Christ would not only experience spiritual growth but also contribute meaningfully to the peace and development of society.
