By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon
The Council of Foursquare Men (CFM) in Foursquare Gospel Church Wuse, Abuja took a positive step towards unity on Saturday, September 28th, 2024. They hosted a gathering to discuss new ways to involve all men in the church’s activities. It’s inspiring to see groups like this working to bring people together, especially in a world where it can feel like we are always pulling apart.
Elder Joseph Okunriboye, drawing inspiration from Nehemiah 2:17-18, spearheaded a powerful gathering under the theme “Let Us Rise Up & Build Together.” This event was a rallying cry for men to embrace the spirit of the Nehemiah Generation, individuals committed to God’s service, rebuilding community and faith through unwavering unity and dedication.
Pastor Adebayo Azeez, in his compelling sermon, outlined the essence of the Nehemiah Generation, defining traits, inspired by the biblical narratives of Nehemiah 1:5-11 and Nehemiah 2:1-2. This generation isn’t simply blessed, but embodies faith and integrity, fearing God and demonstrating deep care for others.
They rise above adversity, working together to accomplish God’s purpose, as exemplified in Nehemiah chapters 3 and 4. The Nehemiah Generation is marked by its commitment to building and leading, driving progress for their communities.
Pastor Azeez emphasized that, the path to a strong community begins with personal growth. This requires introspection, self-reflection, and continuous self-improvement. As 1 Corinthians 10:12 and 2 Corinthians 13:5 remind us, vigilance and discipline are vital to avoid backsliding.
Self-building involves cultivating a spirit of accommodation, forgiveness, and collaboration, leading to personal growth that benefits the entire community.
Building the Fellowship
A strong fellowship is pivotal to the growth of the church. The quality of fellowship is inherently linked to its members’ spiritual health. Drawing from Luke 22:32 and John 13:34-35, the emphasis is on strengthening the weaker members and cultivating genuine love within the body of Christ.
This effort avoids pitfalls such as lip-service, tribalism, ego, and backbiting. True integration within the fellowship is essential for promoting unity and purpose, allowing the church to flourish in its mission.
Building the Church
A vibrant fellowship is the lifeblood of a thriving church. The health of the fellowship is directly tied to the spiritual well-being of its members. Inspired by Luke 22:32 and John 13:34-35, we are called to strengthen the weaker among us and cultivate authentic love within the body of Christ.
This requires moving beyond superficial relationships, avoiding pitfalls like empty words, tribalism, ego, and gossip. Genuine integration within the fellowship is key to fostering unity and purpose, allowing the church to fully embrace its mission.
The Call to Action
The call to “Rise Up & Build Together” isn’t just a slogan, it’s a mission for our time. Pastor Adebayo Azeez challenges men everywhere to awaken their inner Nehemiah to become moral leaders, active builders, and selfless servants.
In unity, we find the strength to overcome obstacles, rebuild our communities, and cultivate a vibrant fellowship. As individuals and as a collective, let’s answer this call and embark on the transformative journey of building together.
The Nehemiah Generation stands poised to face the challenges of our world united in purpose, fueled by faith, and dedicated to principles that foster lasting growth and spiritual health. It’s time to rise, to build, and to embrace the spirit of collaboration as we strive to create a community that reflects God’s love and grace.
