Shepherds reaffirm their calling — the 2026 EYN Ministers’ Council Conference combined spiritual renewal with landmark decisions shaping the future of pastoral ministry.
EYN Headquarters, Kwarhi, Adamawa State —
- Shepherds reaffirm their calling — the 2026 EYN Ministers’ Council Conference combined spiritual renewal with landmark decisions shaping the future of pastoral ministry.
- A Call Back to Identity in Christ
- International Message: Identity That Cannot Change
- A Remarkable First Conference for the Council Secretary
- Presidential Charge: Pressing Toward the Mark
- Major Outcomes of the Conference
- Key Outcome of the Conference
- Worship, Fellowship, and Ministry Reflection
- A Conference of Renewal and Direction
From February 10 to 13, 2026, hundreds of pastors gathered for the Annual Ministers’ Council Conference of EYN – Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, a defining event marked by deep spiritual reflection, leadership renewal, and far-reaching policy decisions.
Centered on the theme “Pastor’s Identity in Christ” (1 Peter 2:9–10), the conference reinforced the spiritual foundation of pastoral ministry while addressing practical challenges facing the church.
A Call Back to Identity in Christ
The spiritual tone of the conference was set by Guest Preacher Rev. Joshua Sini Tili, who emphasized that a pastor’s true identity is rooted not in title, status, or recognition, but in Christ.
He urged ministers to live out holiness, humility, and sacrificial service, reminding them that pastoral leadership must reflect Christ’s character above all else.
International Message: Identity That Cannot Change
An evening service on Tuesday featured an international sermon by Evang. Ralp Kapp Alfred, Vice Chairman Basel Mission German Branch from Germany.
Speaking from Romans 8:14–17, Jeremiah 1:4–8, and 1 Corinthians 4:7–10, he stressed the unchangeable identity of pastors in Christ.
He noted that despite displacement, persecution, burnt worship centers, and suffering within Christian communities, many continue to answer the call to ministry because their identity is anchored in Christ.
“Our identity is not in what we do, but in who we are in Christ,” he said. “Before God calls us pastors, He calls us His children.”
He further explained that pastors have nothing to boast of except being children of God and challenged them to demonstrate this identity through love and hospitality.
Illustrating this, he shared how Afghan immigrants in Germany were deeply moved when Christians welcomed them warmly, despite being rejected elsewhere by people of their own religion.
A Remarkable First Conference for the Council Secretary
The conference also marked the first Annual Ministers’ Council gathering coordinated by Secretary Rev. Eli Samuel since his election last year.
Participants described the conference as highly organized, impactful, and spiritually enriching, reflecting strong leadership and effective coordination.
Presidential Charge: Pressing Toward the Mark
In his keynote address, EYN President Rev. Daniel Y. C. Mbaya, PhD urged pastors to remain steadfast despite ministry challenges.
He praised ministers for their sacrifices, acknowledging the emotional burdens, leadership pressures, and personal hardships they endure in serving God and the church.
He reaffirmed the church’s vision:
“A united living Church, deeply rooted in the Word of God, spiritually, numerically, and materially prosperous.”
The President also addressed national security concerns, attacks on Christian communities, economic hardships, and the need for pastors to remain peace builders while being security conscious.
Major Outcomes of the Conference
The gathering recorded significant ministerial milestones:
- 51 newly ordained pastors were welcomed
- 15 pastors were ratified for probationary ordination
- 15 pastors were approved for full ordination
These developments were widely celebrated as signs of continued leadership growth within the church.
Key Outcome of the Conference
Decentralizing Funeral Responsibilities
A major decision shifted responsibility for funeral services of Ordained Pastors both active and retired to District Church Councils.
However, exceptions were made. Funeral services for:
- DCC Secretaries
- Former National leaders
- Current National leaders
will continue to be handled by the EYN President in accordance with church protocol.
Other Landmark Decisions
Abolition of Funeral Uniform:
A recently introduced burial uniform which was by the council during the last conference, was scrapped due to controversy and limited clerical function.
Mandatory Pastoral Development:
Pastors must now undertake at least one refresher training annually to strengthen ministry capacity.
Zero Tolerance for Human Trafficking:
The church reaffirmed its stance to hand offenders over for prosecution and enforce disciplinary measures after the offender has face justice from the Federal Government.
Promotion of Small Worship Centers:
The church resolved to encourage smaller worship gatherings to reduce travel burdens, strengthen membership retention, and support church expansion.
Worship, Fellowship, and Ministry Reflection
The conference featured vibrant worship, including performances by choirs and youth bands, health outreach activities, evangelistic presentations, and prayer sessions.
Reports presented also highlighted pastoral training programs, retirement services, and ongoing challenges such as delayed retirement contributions and security threats affecting church communities.
A Conference of Renewal and Direction
As the conference concluded, participants expressed a strong sense of unity, renewed purpose, and commitment to their calling.
Leaders emphasized that the gathering was not merely an annual meeting but a defining moment reaffirming a central truth:
Before being pastors, ministers are first and foremost children of God — and it is this identity that sustains their calling and shapes the future of the church.
