By Dr. Afolabi olajuwon
The atmosphere at on Sunday, May 17, 2026, reflected a profound blend of worship, reflection, and spiritual awakening as congregants gathered for the church’s Family Month Service themed “Godly Homes, Godly Nation.” Drawing from the biblical text of Joshua 24:15-25, the service emphasized the enduring truth that the destiny of every nation is deeply connected to the moral and spiritual foundations of its homes.
The service commenced with an uplifting praise and worship session led by the Itodo family, whose spirited ministration created an atmosphere of unity, thanksgiving, and reverence. Their presentation stirred the congregation into deep devotion, setting the spiritual tone for a service dedicated to family values, Christian discipleship, and nation-building.
Guest ministers, and , delivered thought-provoking teachings centred on marriage, family relationships, and the role of godly homes in shaping society.
Speaking during a session on family and marriage, Pastor Mrs. Emeje reflected on lessons from the couples’ night-out programme held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the . She described marriage as one of life’s most transformative relationships and stressed that the strength of a home depends largely on the quality of relationship between husband and wife.
According to her, “the strongest relationship in the home is the marital relationship,” noting that without healthy relationships, it becomes difficult to establish a godly home. Drawing from the biblical principle in Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” , she explained that unity, friendship, and shared purpose remain indispensable pillars of successful marriages.
She encouraged couples to intentionally cultivate togetherness through shared activities such as travelling, eating together, celebrating milestones, and supporting one another through victories and setbacks alike. “Your home is the first congregation and the first church,” she said, emphasizing that family life is the earliest environment where faith, character, and values are formed.
Pastor Mrs. Emeje further observed that teamwork and spiritual companionship create resilient families capable of weathering life’s uncertainties. Her message echoed the ancient wisdom that “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken,” a reminder from Scripture that homes anchored in unity and divine guidance possess enduring strength.
Delivering the main sermon, Pastor Sunday Emeje challenged Christians to treat marriage with seriousness and sacred responsibility. Referencing Proverbs 18:22 “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the Lord”, he described marriage not as a burden, but as a divine blessing and a platform for raising future leaders.
“A nation,” he declared, “is a reflection of what comes from the home.” He warned that homes built without spiritual maturity and moral discipline inevitably weaken the social fabric of society. According to him, “you cannot marry an unrefined mind and expect to build a refined home,” stressing the need for wisdom, patience, and godly character in marital relationships.
Pastor Emeje urged families to make their homes places of joy, peace, and emotional security. “Make home an exciting place; make happiness begin from home,” he admonished. His message resonated strongly with congregants amid growing global concerns over family instability, social fragmentation, and declining moral values.
Central to his sermon were what he described as the “Three Principles That Make Homes Stronger”, the Personal Altar, the Couples’ Altar, and the Family Altar. He explained that personal devotion to God forms the spiritual foundation of individuals, while couples praying together strengthen emotional intimacy and spiritual unity. The family altar, he noted, builds generational faith and moral discipline among children.
“A prayerless home lacks power,” he declared, drawing references from the priestly traditions in to emphasize the importance of consecration, worship, and spiritual order within the household.
Pastor Emeje also challenged several misconceptions surrounding marriage. “Marriage is not a cross; it is not a war zone,” he said firmly. “Marriage is not for competition, but for complementing one another.” His remarks highlighted the biblical principle of mutual support and sacrificial love as the cornerstone of successful Christian homes.
The minister further emphasized that godly homes are built on enduring core values such as sacrifice, commitment, faith, and perseverance. He reminded worshippers that faith often requires courage and trust in God, declaring that “your faith must be bigger than your fear if you are to receive miracles.”
Parents were encouraged to intentionally train their children in Christian virtues, moral discipline, and reverence for God. According to the ministers, values transmitted within the family ultimately shape communities and influence national development. The teaching reflected the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 22:6, which admonishes parents to train children in the right way so they remain grounded throughout life.
The service concluded with fervent prayers for families, homes, and the nation, as worshippers interceded for peace, unity, moral restoration, and divine guidance for Nigeria.
The gathering reinforced a central message deeply rooted in Scripture and history: strong nations are not first built in political chambers or economic institutions, but in homes where faith, wisdom, love, and discipline are faithfully nurtured. As the old proverb says, “When the roots are deep, the tree fears no wind.” The service served as a compelling reminder that the future of society rests largely on the strength and godliness of the family institution.
Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a freelance writer and Christian educator based in Abuja, Nigeria, with a passion for documenting faith-based initiatives and their impact on communities.
