The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has said that theological education is necessary for pastors if they do not want to preach and propagate wrong Christian doctrines.
Adeboye spoke on Tuesday during the dedication and commissioning of the new administrative building and chapel of the Redeemed Christian Bible College at its main campus in Redemption Camp, Mowe, Ogun State.
The reverred man of God stressed the need for pastors, especially the young aspiring ones, to be mentored before they climb the pulpit to preach and teach the words of God.
Adeboye, who was represented at the event by the National Overseer Emeritus, RCCG, Pastor Joseph Obayemi, stressed that theological education is necessary for training and guiding up-coming pastors against wrong doctrines.
Explaining that the new administrative building of the college was a reflection of the glory of God, he said: “Theological education, such as ours is very vital to our society, especially in this end time when there are a lot of heresies and wong doctrines in our society.
“This happens when many pastors, who have no mentor, will just climb the pulpit and say so many wrong things.
“Unfortunately, because of their charisma and youthful exuberance, many will continue to follow them. But school like this (the Redeemed Christian Bible College) can serve as a training ground for them.
“If they come for the training, we will teach them that there is difference between being charismatic, being divinely anointed or being spiritually-matured pastors and teachers of God’s words.
“Theological education open our eyes to see more rudiments of Christianity and not just anybody mounting the pulpit to preach.
“So, theological education is very necessary for our time today and it will continue to be useful at all times.”
Also speaking at the event, RCCG Continental Overseer, Pastor Ezekiel Odeyemi, said the college was an integral part of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
According to Odeyemi, the college was crucial to the progress of the church and in maintaining the integrity of the doctrine of the gospel.
His words: “The Redeemed Christian Bible College is an integral part of the RCCG. An expanding organisation like the RCCG requires trained hands and so the college is crucial to our progress and to maintain the integrity of the doctrine and the gospel.
“And that is the reason occasion like this makes us happy and also a proof that the college is making progress. So, we are proud of the people put in charge because they have not dissapointed us.”
In his welcome speech, the College Provost, Babatunde Aderemi Adedibu, who is a Professor of Church History and Missiology, said the motivation behind the new building was the resolution of the Board of Governors to reposition the college to an affiliate of two universities in Nigeria recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He explained that the construction of the building, which started on October 19, 2017, was conceived to serve the immediate and future needs of the college.
Adedibu thanked Pastor Adeboye and his wife, Foluke, for their financial, moral and spiritual support to the college.
Provost, Redeemed Christian Bible College, Prof. Babatunde Adedibu
SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE PROVOST, PASTOR PROF. BABATUNDE ADEDIBU DURING THE DEDICATION OF THE NEW ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING AND CHAPEL OF THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN BIBLE COLLEGE ON THE 4TH JULY, 2023.
The General Overseer represented by Continental Overseer Emeritus, Pastor J.O. Obayemi and National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, Retired Members of Governing Council, Governing Council Members, Special Assistant to the General Overseer, Administration and Personnel, Assistant Continental Overseer, Senior Pastors, Principal Officers of the Redeemed Christian Bible College, Members of Staff of the Redeemed Christian Bible College, ladies and gentlemen.
We are exceptionally grateful for today in the history of our College and for the opportunity to dedicate the new Administrative Building of the College.
The motivation for the new building is the resolution of the Board of Governors to reposition the College as an affiliate of two recognized Universities in Nigeria by National Universities Commission (NUC). The building was conceived to serve immediate and future needs of the College.
The building commenced on the 19th of October, 2017. The soil turning was led by Pastor J.F. Odesola, a member of the Governing Council and National Officer in Charge of Administration & Personnel, Continental Overseer, Middle East, in the presence of the Executive Vice Chairman, Board of Governors, and the Assistant General Overseer (Education & Training), Pastor E.A. Odeyemi and Regional Pastors of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
The building was designed by Dew Height Concepts which was ratified by the Board of Governors to maximize available land and future growth of the College. The building was constructed using direct labour. Sense Ventures (Pastor Bosun Akintobi) was the Supervisor.
The ultra-modern Chapel’s foundation was laid by Pastor D.A. Ilori in 2013 under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Josiah Bolarinwa, the immediate past Provost of the Redeemed Christian Bible College. The work was given impetus in 2017 till date. The 2,500 seater worship centre boasts of a gallery, worship space, offices and underground meeting rooms.
We wish to express our appreciation to the General Overseer, Pastor E.A. Adeboye and the Mother-in-Israel, Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye, for their financial, moral and spiritual support. Likewise, we appreciate the support of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Homeland Mission, Emeritus, Pastor J.O. Obayemi and several individuals and professionals.
