EYN Church Autonomy: LCB Kirchinga Officially Becomes Local Church Council

EYN Church Autonomy was celebrated on Sunday, July 26, 2026, as EYN – Church of the Brethren in Nigeria officially granted Local Church Council (LCC) status to LCB Kirchinga, formerly under EYN LCC Gulak, DCC Gulak. The autonomy ceremony was officiated by the EYN Vice President, Rev. Nuhu Mutah Abba, marking another significant step in the church’s commitment to strengthening local congregations and expanding its mission across Nigeria.

The elevation of LCB Kirchinga to Local Church Council status represents an important milestone in the growth and development of the congregation. Within EYN, church autonomy recognises that a congregation has attained the spiritual, administrative, and leadership capacity required to function independently while continuing to support the wider mission of the church.

The establishment of LCC Kirchinga also reflects EYN’s ongoing commitment to strengthening church governance and empowering congregations to serve their communities more effectively.

The ceremony brought together church leaders, members, and guests in celebration of the congregation’s new status as an independent Local Church Council.

Delivering the sermon, Rev. Ambs. Timta L. Musa urged members of the newly established LCC to remain united as they embraced their new responsibilities.

He encouraged the congregation to place their trust in God for wisdom, strength, and faithfulness as they carried out the work of the church. Acknowledging the security challenges the community has experienced over the years, he urged members not to lose hope but to remain steadfast in prayer and service, expressing confidence that God would one day turn their difficult experiences into testimonies.

Addressing the congregation, EYN Vice President Rev. Nuhu Mutah Abba congratulated members on attaining Local Church Council status and encouraged them to work diligently while remaining faithful to the commitments they had made before God.

He reminded the congregation that greater responsibility accompanies church autonomy and urged both leaders and members to demonstrate integrity, unity, and dedication in all aspects of ministry.

Rev. Nuhu Mutah Abba also encouraged the church to remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasising that their service was ultimately to God rather than to human beings. He called on the congregation to prioritise evangelism, discipleship, responsible leadership, and service to the wider community.

Referring to the church’s history, he encouraged members to maintain peaceful relationships with their traditional leaders and security personnel. He noted that the land on which the church stands was originally purchased by a police sergeant who served as the first leader of the congregation before the church later acquired the property, describing the history as an example of the value of cooperation and mutual respect within the community.

He further assured members that God would sustain them through trials and temptations as they continued to serve Him faithfully.

Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized that attaining Local Church Council status is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Church leaders encouraged members to:

• Remain united in Christ.
• Trust God during periods of insecurity and hardship.
• Promote evangelism and discipleship.
• Demonstrate integrity and faithful leadership.
• Support peaceful coexistence with community and traditional leaders.
• Continue advancing the mission of EYN through service and Christian witness.

Members of the newly established LCC Kirchinga expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to the leadership of EYN for granting the congregation autonomy.

Many described the occasion as the fulfilment of years of faithful service, spiritual growth, and commitment within the EYN family.

The ceremony concluded with thanksgiving, prayers, and joyful celebrations as members formally received recognition as an independent Local Church Council.

The establishment of LCC Kirchinga is expected to strengthen local church administration, improve decision-making, and create greater opportunities for evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, and community outreach.

The autonomy also reinforces EYN’s broader vision of equipping congregations to respond effectively to the spiritual and social needs of their communities while expanding the church’s ministry throughout Nigeria.

The successful granting of autonomy to LCC Kirchinga marks another milestone in the growth of EYN – Church of the Brethren in Nigeria. As the congregation begins a new chapter of independent ministry, church leaders expressed confidence that faithful leadership, unity, and dependence on God will enable the new Local Church Council to fulfil its mission despite the challenges facing its community.

With renewed responsibility and the support of the wider EYN family, LCC Kirchinga is expected to play an increasingly significant role in evangelism, discipleship, and community transformation in the years ahead.