EYN Church Autonomy 2026: EYN Launches Historic Expansion with Four New Local Church Councils
The EYN Church Autonomy 2026 programme has commenced with the inauguration of four new Local Church Councils (LCCs), marking the beginning of a major expansion effort by EYN – Church of the Brethren in Nigeria.
The autonomy ceremonies took place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, in different parts of the church, with church leaders, members, and community representatives gathering to witness the elevation of the congregations to autonomous status.
The development adds to a series of growth milestones recently reported by EYN News and reflects the church’s continued commitment to expanding its ministry and outreach.
The newly inaugurated councils are LCC Ngumshum and LCC Wabara, under DCC Marama, while LCC Milikey and LCC Karashikude emerged under DCC Futu. Their elevation forms part of a wider church growth initiative that will see the creation of 32 Local Church Councils and three new District Church Councils (DCCs) during the 2026 autonomy season.
EYN Church Autonomy 2026 Begins Across Multiple Districts
Leading the autonomy service at Marama, Ngumshum and Wabara was EYN President, Rev. Daniel Y. C. Mbaya, PhD, accompanied by the EYN General Secretary.
The President congratulated members of the new councils and commended their commitment to church growth, discipleship, and community service. He encouraged the congregations to embrace their new responsibilities and continue advancing the mission of the church.
The autonomy exercise reflects years of growth and preparation by the congregations, which met the church’s requirements for independent administration and ministry development.
At DCC Futu, the EYN Vice President, Rev. Nuhu Mutah Abba, led the inauguration of LCC Milikey and LCC Karashikude. He was accompanied by the EYN Administrative Secretary and other directors from the church headquarters.
Church leaders urged members of the newly autonomous councils to remain committed to biblical teaching, evangelism, and effective leadership as they begin a new chapter in their ministry.
A Significant Milestone in Church Growth
The EYN Church Autonomy 2026 programme represents one of the largest expansion efforts undertaken by the church in recent years.
Autonomy grants Local Church Councils greater responsibility for administration, ministry coordination, mission outreach, and community engagement. Church leaders say the development is intended to strengthen local leadership structures while enhancing the church’s capacity to serve members and surrounding communities.
For many members, the ceremonies were a celebration of years of dedication, sacrifice, and spiritual growth. The events were marked by thanksgiving, worship, and renewed commitment to the work of the church.
Strengthening Mission and Community Impact
The creation of additional Local Church Councils is expected to improve grassroots ministry, support evangelism efforts, and bring church administration closer to local congregations.
Church officials believe the expansion will create opportunities for stronger community engagement, improved pastoral care, and more effective implementation of EYN’s vision across its districts. The initiative also aligns with the wider mission and values shared across the global Church of the Brethren family, which continues to support evangelism, discipleship, peacebuilding, and humanitarian service worldwide.
Looking Ahead
With four Local Church Councils already inaugurated, attention now turns to the remaining congregations scheduled for autonomy under the 2026 programme.
As EYN continues to expand its ministry footprint, church leaders say the initiative reflects the church’s commitment to building strong congregations, developing local leadership, and advancing the Gospel in communities across Nigeria and beyond.
The successful inauguration of Ngumshum, Wabara, Milikey, and Karashikude marks the first step in what is expected to be a landmark year of growth for EYN – Church of the Brethren in Nigeria.
