Bishop Ande calls for unity, shared responsibility and stronger mission as new conference takes shape in Mutum Biyu
The United Methodist Church in Nigeria has marked what leaders describe as a new chapter in the church’s mission with the inauguration of the South West Nigeria Annual Conference at Mutum Biyu, Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The inauguration, which followed a successful induction service, was presided over by the Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church Nigeria, Senegal and Cameroon Episcopal Area, Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel.
Addressing clergy and laity at the ceremony, Bishop Ande described the newly established conference as a fertile ground for mission, evangelism and sustainable church growth, expressing confidence that its future prospects are “promising and bright.”
The conference, headquartered in Mutum Biyu, is expected to strengthen the church’s missionary presence and enable it to respond more effectively to the spiritual and social needs of communities within its area of responsibility.
‘This Is Our Church’
At the heart of the inauguration service was Bishop Ande’s message on unity and collective responsibility.
Preaching from Psalm 137:4 under the theme “Behold, I Am Doing a New Thing,” the Bishop used the story of a Ghanaian hunter named Kofi to illustrate the danger of personal ownership within a collective institution.
In the story, Kofi kills a large elephant but later discovers that he cannot transport it alone. When members of his community initially help him push the elephant, he repeatedly claims it as “my elephant.”
The community eventually stops helping him, prompting Kofi to recognize his mistake. He apologizes, and the people resume the task, this time declaring together: “Our elephant!”
Bishop Ande used the story to challenge members of the United Methodist Church to move away from the mentality of “my church” toward “our church.”
«“The church is not for one person. It is for all of us.”»
He urged clergy and laity to work together regardless of tribe, social class, position or status, warning that personal interests, fragile relationships and division could weaken the Church’s witness and hinder its mission.
A New Formation, A Shared Mission
The inauguration comes against the backdrop of a significant period of change within the United Methodist Church in Nigeria.
For a church that experienced deep divisions and institutional changes over the past years, the emergence of the South West Nigeria Annual Conference represents another important stage in its continuing reorganization and mission development.
The new conference now carries the responsibility of building a structure founded on collaboration, evangelism, unity and sustainable growth.
Bishop Ande therefore charged the newly appointed conference leadership to embrace proactive and committed leadership, collaborate for the development of the conference and pursue a strong mission and evangelism agenda capable of producing lasting results.
Beyond What We Have
The Bishop also called on members to look beyond temporary possessions, positions and worldly achievements.
He reminded the congregation that earthly possessions are temporary, while the things of God and the hope of eternity have lasting value.
For the United Methodist Church, the inauguration is therefore more than the creation of another administrative structure. It is being presented as an opportunity to redefine the Church around a common purpose.
TWISDICINFO INSIGHT: The inauguration of the South West Nigeria Annual Conference signals a significant development in the continuing story of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria.
After years marked by division, debate and institutional realignment, the emergence of a new conference presents an opportunity to rebuild around mission, unity and collective responsibility.
The message from Bishop Ande is clear: the future of the Church cannot be built around individual ownership or competing interests.
It must be “our elephant.”
Our mission.
Our Church.
Our responsibility.
Our future.
The South West Nigeria Annual Conference has now begun its journey — and its success will ultimately depend on how well its clergy, laity and communities work together to build the new chapter.