From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Executive Secretary, National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev. Tor Ujah, has stressed the need for church leaders to continually develop their theological and intellectual capacity to remain relevant in the 21st century world.
He observed that absence of such educational, spiritual and intellectual development was responsible for the abuse and misinterpretation of Bible, resulting in misleading followers who have enormous trust and respect for their leaders.
The NCPC boss who hosted some clergymen from his home state, Benue, at the weekend frowned at the level of ignorance and intellectual backwardness of the gospel ministers particularly those in the rural areas as evident in, not only their individual lives but that of their followers.
He said: “Many of our church leaders are apparently wallowing in abject poverty due to ignorance. Unfortunately, that was contrary to the plan of God for His people.
“Shortage of education limits a person to a selected group which is contrary to Jesus concept of the gospel that asked us to reach the entire world with the gospel. Education is the best vehicle to make that successful.
“As a result, it has become imperative for gospel ministers to continually give themselves to added preparation through quality education and self development programmes. That should also be extended to their younger ones to avoid a future generation that would misinterpret the Holy Book and mislead the people.