EYN 78th Majalisa Resolutions and highlights: “A Living Church in a Decaying World”

Kwarhi, April 2025 – With the powerful theme “A Living Church in a Decaying World” drawn from Philippians 2:8, the 78th Majalisa of the EYN- Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, concluded with renewed spiritual energy, critical resolutions, and a collective determination to live out the gospel in a fractured and complex world. Amid societal decline and national challenges, the Church reaffirmed its divine calling to be a beacon of hope, peace, and transformation.

Presided over by the EYN President, Rev. Daniel Y. C. Mbaya, PhD, with the EYN General Secretary Rev. James K. Musa leading the program of event, the Majalisa gathered ministers, delegates, and members from across Nigeria and beyond to discern God’s direction for the Church. In a session marked by worship, wisdom, and weighty decisions, the message was clear: now is the time for the Church to rise and shine with the light of Christ.

In his soul-stirring sermon, Rev. Samuel D. Dali, PhD, EYN Former President and Guest Preacher at the synod, charged the Church to emulate the unwavering dedication of Apostle Paul, who described his life as a race to be finished no matter the cost. Paul’s perseverance through persecution, imprisonment, shipwreck, hunger, and danger was a powerful reminder that living out the gospel requires endurance, sacrifice, and faithfulness—even unto death.

Rev. Dali declared, “Determined to finish the race is a metaphor Paul used to describe the Christian life journey. It represents the struggles and challenges we face in living a faithful life, which requires perseverance through trials and temptations in a decaying world.”

He urged the Church to avoid sin, serve God’s people with joy, study the Word prayerfully, and walk in unity—reminding the faithful that what lies ahead is far greater than the trials behind.

Rev. Dali also addressed the Church’s role in a decaying world, stressing that the contemporary Church in Nigeria must rise to the challenge of engaging its community by promoting peace, advocating for justice, focusing on spiritual formation, and wisely utilizing technology. Social media, while presenting challenges, was identified as a powerful tool for evangelism, relationship-building, and gospel outreach. The Church, he said, must embrace its dual responsibility of spiritual leadership and social impact—championing causes like justice, education, health, and peace to fulfill its divine calling and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Key Resolutions from the 78th Majalisa: Building a Stronger EYN

The Majalisa wasn’t just a spiritual milestone—it was also a platform for structural and administrative renewal. Below are key takeaways from the major resolutions:

1. Financial and Administrative Decisions

• Demerger of LCCs: All Local Church Councils (LCCs) merged last year are to be demerged—except LCC Ngurore, which remains merged.
• 2025 Budget: A total of ₦2,825,307,699.00 was approved for the 2025 fiscal year.
• John Guli Bible College: The 2023 salary shortfall will be addressed, ensuring the welfare of theological staff.

2. Education and Development

• Brethren University: The University Establishment Committee has made encouraging progress. Every member is encouraged to support the vision through a ₦1,000 monthly contribution (₦12,000 yearly) for the university and evangelism efforts.
• School Reforms: CSS Management has been overhauled; all other EYN schools must improve or face similar restructuring measures.

3. Banking and Finance

• Brethren Micro Finance Bank: Audits for 2021 and 2022 are being finalized by the Central Bank. Once approved, shareholders will begin to enjoy dividends, signaling growing financial stability. Also, the bank moved for establishing branches in strategic areas across the nation to gain more patronage and satisfy customers.

4. Emergency Response and Community Development

• Disaster Committees: Every church is to establish a 5- or 7-man Emergency Response Committee to provide timely aid during crises.
• Fundraising Drive: As noted, all members will contribute monthly to support Brethren University and mission work.

5. Leadership and Governance

• Legal Adviser: Barrister Ishaku Hyalaba has been appointed as Legal Adviser II for a three-year term.
• External Auditor: Mr. Bukar Ali Malgwi‘s tenure has been renewed for a final three-year term.
• National Spiritual Adviser: Rev. Ezra Dawui was re-elected for a second and final tenure.
• Board of Trustees: Rev. Anthony Addua Ndamsai was elected to replace the late Rev. Ishaku Dalili on the Board of Trustees.

6. Other Noteworthy Resolutions

• LCBS Autonomy: The Leadership Committee for Bible School (LCBS) has been granted partial autonomy to improve its operations and spiritual output.
• Youth Convention: A National Youth Convention is scheduled; dates and modalities will be communicated soon.
• Autonomy Approvals: 34 LCBs and 6 DCCs were granted autonomy. One name changed and six migrations were also approved.

Throughout the Majalisa, the atmosphere was charged with hope, unity, and revival. As Rev. Mbaya brought the session to a close, he expressed profound gratitude to all ministers, delegates, and members whose dedication and faithfulness made the 78th Majalisa a resounding success. He reminded the Church that EYN is not just surviving but thriving, standing as a beacon of light in the midst of national darkness.

“Let us walk in gratitude, let us run our race with perseverance, and let us finish well,” he declared.

Other highlights of the 78^th Majalisa include the Majalisa was marked by several highlights, including the dedication of three modern principal officers’ quarters for the EYN President, Vice President, and General Secretary, Workshop for all drivers who attended the 78TH Majalisa. The church also hosted two fraternal visitors, Rev. Dr. Jennifer Hostler, Executive Director, Global Mission, USA, Sis. Sharon Flatten, Asst. Recruitment & Student Dev. Bethany and Rev. Dr. Rebecca D. Dali, along with some major Nigerian political stakeholders, who brought words of encouragement and fellowship.

With powerful resolutions passed, strong leadership affirmed, and the Spirit of God moving mightily among the people, the 78th Majalisa of EYN may be remembered as a defining moment—a point where the Church not only looked inward but stepped boldly outward to fulfill its mission in a broken world.

78th MAJALISA: EYN President Delivers Visionary Address at 78th Annual Majalisa, Reaffirms Unity, Growth, and Advocacy Amidst National Challenges