Pastor Enoch Adeboye @80: Celebrating A Quintessential Christian Leader

By Ottoabasi Abasiekong

“True greatness, true leadership, is found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you.” – J. Oswald Sanders

Today is another significant date in history as Nigeria, Africa and the entire world celebrates Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

This celebration is a thanksgiving for clocking the age of 80 years and becoming an Octogenarian.

From the dream of becoming Nigeria’s youngest Vice-Chancellor to a higher calling of leading what is now arguably the fastest growing Pentecostal church in the world, Pastor Adeboye’s life can be described as that of dedication, sacrifice and commitment to the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

His humble beginning in Ifewara, Osun state reminds us that God can use anyone that is willing and obedient, irrespective of the background.

This article highlights 8 qualities he has displayed as an exemplary Christian leader, that has made impact on the lives of millions of people across the world.

The Uncompromising Message of Salvation and Holiness
The Redeemed Christian Church of God recently marked 70 years since its inception and is today in over 180 countries in the world. Since he took over from the founder Pa Josiah Akindayomi in 1981, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has sustained the message of salvation through Jesus Christ and “Holiness” without which no man can see the Lord.

Even at a time where the wave of prosperity messages seemed to have gathered momentum, Adeboye has been focused on the call and ministry maintaining one of the key mandates of the RCCG Church which is making heaven.

Passion for Evangelism
As the world goes through perilous times, it has continued to spur Pastor Adeboye’s drive for evangelism knowing that the end of the age is drawing near. This was manifest even in the build-up to his 80th birthday as the RCCG alongside other notable ministers of the gospel organized the “Light Up” crusade touring all the geo-political zones in the country.

This has been a top priority for Pastor Adeboye that at every opportunity to minister whether in the United Nations, Presidential Villa, or a Village he will always close his message with an altar call for sinners to repent and give their lives to Jesus Christ.

A Big Support for The Church in Nigeria
Pastor Adeboye has come to the full understanding that it takes a territorial church, not a denomination to transform and effect change in a nation. This is why the RCCG is a member of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. He attends their meetings and aligns with key decisions taken for the advancement of the kingdom of God in the country.

Encouraging Other Christian Leaders
One of the amazing qualities of Pastor Adeboye is the fact that he encourages other Christian leaders, supporting them and praying for the growth and expansion of their ministries.

This is why he has worked with several anointed ministers of the gospel like Pastor William Kumuyi(Deeper Life Church), Bishop Mike Okonkwo(The Redeemed Evangelism Mission), Bishop T.D Jakes (The Potters House), Pastor John Hagee (Cornerstone Church), Dr. Mensah Otabil (International Central Gospel Church, Ghana), Prophet S.K Abiara (Christ Apostolic Church), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor ( Word of Life Bible Church), Pastor Benny Hinn( Benny Hinn Ministries) Pastor Felix Omobude(Gospel Light International Ministries), Rev. Moses Aransiola (Gethsemane Prayer Ministries International) Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo(Kingsway International Christian Centre), Apostle Emmanuel Kure (Throne Room Ministries), Brother Gbile Akanni(Living Seed Ministry )  Pastor Paul Adefarasin (House on the Rock), Pastor Poju Oyemade (Covenant Christian Centre), and Pastor Taiwo Odukoya (Fountain of Life Ministry).

He has also raised great ministers of the gospel and provided opportunities for others to expand their ministries and they include; Bishop David Oyedepo(Living Faith Church), Bishop Wale Oke (Sword of the Spirit Ministries)Pastor Tunde Bakare (The Citadel Church), Pastor Tony Rapu(This Present House Church), Pastor Johnson Suleiman (Omega Ministries), Pastor Ituah Ighodalo (Trinity Church ), Prophet Isa El-Buba(Evangelical Outreach Ministries), Pastor J.F Odesola (RCCG), Pastor J.T Kalejaiye (RCCG), Pastor Kunle Ajayi (RCCG), Pastor Idowu Iluyomade(RCCG), and Pastor Charles Kpandei (RCCG) amongst others.

Leading Market Place Ministers
One area that the RCCG has made impact in Nigeria and across the world is in the area of governance and the financial market, with the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

Some of the notable market place ministers are the Vice-President of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, Mr. Ben Akabueze, DG Federal Budget Office,  Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole, Special Assistant to the President on Ease of Doing Business, Mr. Alex Okoh, DG, Bureau of Public Enterprise, Mr. Kayode Pitan, Managing Director, Bank of Industry, and Dr. Bayo Olugbemi, President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

A Great Patriot
What makes a nation great is the kind of patriots it has who are unflinching, full of convictions and resolute on working for the stability and prosperity of the citizens.

As the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG Pastor Adeboye is one of the outstanding patriots of Nigeria.

This is manifest in his encouragement of the Church to participate in socio-political activities that shapes the nation like elections.

He once shared a revelation he had that “A time will come when people across the world will value the green passport of Nigeria” at the moment it seems to be only American, Canadian and European visas that are being sought after.

In 2020, he supported the peaceful protests by youths in the country seeking an end to the wave of police brutality under the hashtag #ENDSARS.

He also called for a proper restructuring of Nigeria which will entail issues like fiscal federalism and also require a proper review of the nation’s 1999 constitution which is ongoing at the moment.

Pastor Adeboye has remained committed to the growth and stability of Nigeria, leading intercessions for the peace of the country.

A Prophet
Pastor Adeboye is also a notable Prophetic voice in the nation and has been consistent in declaring the counsel of God as it concerns social, political, and economic issues in the world.

In 2011, he warned that there will civil wars and unrest in parts of the world, and that was the year the Arab spring that characterized political uprising occurred in Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya.

For 2020, he said there will be changes in government across various nations in the world, some will be peaceful while others will not be seamless as expected. The year witnessed political upsets in Israel, Zambia, and the United States of America.

This year he declared that the issue of migration will take a new turn and two monstrous storms, from the Atlantic and the Pacific will have deadly effects on the geophysical structure if not weakened. In January a tsunami warning was issued in the Pacific axis of Japan, Fiji, Tonga(which witnessed a massive volcanic eruption), and other parts of Oceania.

According to the International Organization of Migration, IOM, the current Russia-Ukraine conflict could trigger a new wave of the migration crisis that with affect Poland and other Central European nations.

Leading Strategic CSR Initiatives
Through “His Love Foundation” Pastor Enoch Adeboye, his wife Pastor(Mrs.) Folu Adeboye and the RCCG  have impacted millions of people across the world, in areas like Education, Healthcare, Rehabilitation, Hunger eradication, Prison support, and Social enterprise.

Happy Birthday Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye
For a man who has yielded himself to the purpose of God for his life, and aggressively advanced the kingdom mandate despite challenges and persecutions, we say a big happy 80th birthday.

To a quintessential Christian leader, Pastor, Loving Father, Supportive/Caring husband, Role model, Spiritual Coach/Mentor, Elder Statesman, and Great Patriot we say more fruitful years ahead, and may you finish strong in the Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen

Let Somebody Shout Hallelujah!!!