By Afolabi Olajuwon
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church at the Wuse District Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, hosted a vibrant celebration of family, emphasizing the critical role of communication in fostering strong family bonds. This event was part of a broader month-long initiative across Nigeria, focusing on family unity and spiritual growth within Foursquare Gospel Churches.
Worship and Praise Session
The celebration began with a dynamic praise and worship session led by the Adison family. Their soulful harmonies created an atmosphere of unity and spiritual readiness, setting the tone for the day’s teachings and activities. The congregation was enveloped in a shared sense of devotion, preparing hearts and minds for the central theme of the event.
Central Theme: Effective Communication As A Tool for Strong Family Bonds
The theme, “Effective communication as a tool for strong family bond,” served as the foundation for the day’s teachings. Pastor and Dr. (Mrs.) Babatunde Oresanya underscored the importance of communication in building understanding, emotional connections, conflict resolution, and trust within families.
First Segment: Defining Family Communication
Pastor Tunde Oresanya led the first segment, exploring the definition and essentials of family communication. He highlighted the exchange of information, expression of feelings, and the importance of active listening and understanding. Pastor Oresanya emphasized that communication acts as a bridge from confusion to clarity, laying the groundwork for harmonious family interactions.
Second Segment: Barriers to Communication
Dr. Mrs. Shola Oresanya addressed the barriers that hinder effective communication within families. She identified common obstacles such as misunderstandings, assumptions, emotional barriers, and external distractions. Practical insights were shared to help families overcome these challenges, fostering healthier and more open communication.
Pastor Babatunde Oresanya further elaborated on essential elements of effective communication:
Active engagement
Honesty and transparency
Importance of regular family meetings
Sharing experiences to create lasting memories
Establishing supportive environments and empathy
Third Segment: Breakout Sessions
The congregation participated in breakout sessions tailored to specific family dynamics, categorized by marital duration and family status. These sessions were facilitated by experienced church leaders:
1. 1-5 Years of Marriage: Coordinated by Pastor & Mrs. Adebayo Azeez
2. 6-10 Years of Marriage: Led by Elder & Mrs. Asagbra
3. 11-20 Years of Marriage: Guided by Elder & Mrs. Nwabueze
4. 21 Years & Above of Marriage: Facilitated by Rev. & Deaconess Adebisi
5. Single Parents, Widows, & Widowers: Coordinated by Elder & Mrs. Olorunsogo
6. Youth & Singles: Managed by Pastor & Mrs. Oresanya
Each group engaged in-depth discussions, incorporating biblical teachings and practical applications to address unique family challenges and opportunities.
Conclusion and Reflections
The event concluded with representatives from each breakout group summarizing their discussions for the congregation. Key takeaways emphasized the creation of strong Christian family homes grounded in effective communication, shared values, and mutual support.
This celebration not only strengthened individual family ties but also fostered a sense of community within the congregation. By highlighting the importance of communication, the event reinforced the role of open dialogue in building resilient and harmonious family structures.
The Foursquare Gospel Church’s initiative serves as a model for addressing family dynamics through faith-based teachings, offering practical tools for families to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Institute of Management Consultants, Chronicle Business School, Abuja, Researcher and resource person at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.
