IWO, Nigeria — The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Shola Idowu, has declared that young people are not merely the future of the Church but its present-day leaders, urging them to embrace their responsibility and remain firmly rooted in their Baptist heritage.
He made the remarks while addressing thousands of participants at the opening session of the 52nd Annual Session of the Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference (NBCYC), held at Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State.
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Delivering his first major public address to the youth constituency since assuming office as President of the Convention, Rev. Idowu encouraged the young people not to be discouraged by opposition or resistance from older generations within the Church. Instead, he challenged them to see themselves as active partners in advancing God’s Kingdom.
“More than ever before, you should know that we are making a strong statement that this denomination belongs to you. Youths are not the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today,” he declared.
He added,
“You cannot say you are leaving because the Church belongs to you. The Nigerian Baptist Convention belongs to you. The Church belongs to you. Tell anyone who cares to listen.”
To reinforce his message, the Convention President recounted his own journey into ministry, explaining that he assumed significant leadership responsibilities while still a young man.
“I was a Youth Pastor at the age of 18 in a very large church on Lagos Island. Nobody can tell us that youths are leaders of tomorrow. I began pastoral ministry at the age of 21. How then can anyone say that youths are leaders of tomorrow?” he asked.
Rev. Idowu further urged the youths to remain committed to the Convention despite any challenges or discouragement they might face.
“Do not allow anybody to push you out of our Church. If they ask who your Father is, tell them Jesus is your Father, and He is greater than anyone. He is greater than the Board of Trustees, greater than the Board of Deacons, and greater than the pastors. When a pastor says he is in charge, remind him that God is ultimately in charge.”
He assured the gathering that the leadership of the Nigerian Baptist Convention is committed to creating opportunities that will enable young people to flourish spiritually, intellectually, professionally, and economically.
Speaking on the theme, the President inferred from Philippians 4:13 highlighting the foundation of Paul’s life on the person, purpose, promises and power of Jesus Christ.
He also encouraged participants to be intentional about the influences they allow into their lives, stressing that what people learn, receive, hear, and watch ultimately shapes their thinking and actions because the mind is the control centre of human behaviour.
A major highlight of the opening session was the decoration of Rev. Dr. Shola Idowu as the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference, symbolizing his commitment to youth ministry and leadership development within the Convention.
The 52nd Annual Session of the NBCYC has brought together thousands of Baptist youths from across Nigeria and beyond for a week of spiritual revival, leadership development, fellowship, and empowerment programmes aimed at equipping a new generation of Christian leaders to serve the Church and society.
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