By Obianuju Azukaego
The Bishop of Amichi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Ephraim Okechukwu Ikeakor, has urged clergy to remain faithful, effective, and committed to God’s mission, stressing that true ministerial success is measured by faithfulness rather than popularity or eloquence.
He gave the charge while delivering a lecture titled “Effectiveness and Efficiency in Ministry” on July 9 at the maiden Province of the Niger Clergy Conference, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka.
The conference, held under the leadership of the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, the Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, brought together bishops and clergy from across the Province.
Bishop Ikeakor described priestly ministry as a divine calling that demands holiness, integrity, and faithfulness. He noted that effective ministry is reflected in God-glorifying results rather than outward achievements or busy schedules.
He also outlined the “Seven Ps of Effective Ministry”, the person, purpose, principles, pattern, pursuit, practice, and pitfalls of ministry and cautioned clergy against building their ministry on faulty foundations, pursuing personal ambitions instead of God’s purpose, placing charisma above character, and undermining spiritual authority.
Also speaking at the conference, the Bishop of Ogbaru Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Prosper Amah, delivered a lecture titled “Mission: Now or Never,” in which he called on clergy to renew their commitment to evangelism and the Great Commission.
He warned against complacency in the face of growing secularism, moral decline, and spiritual apathy, urging ministers to embrace the urgency of reaching more people with the gospel.
Obianuju Azukaego is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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Last modified: July 11, 2026
