The Archbishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Port Harcourt Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Effiong A. Esedeke, has issued a powerful call to action for men to adopt a mindset of long-term responsibility and spiritual leadership.
Addressing participants at the biennial Archdiocesan Men’s Fellowship retreat held at the Oyigbo Circuit, Asa Diocese, on Saturday, the Archbishop warned against the dangers of present-day extravagance at the expense of future security.
Invest Wisely, Live Responsibly
Archbishop Esedeke urged men to be intentional about their retirement planning. He cautioned against the common trend of living beyond one’s means during productive years and expecting to rely solely on children for support in old age.
"Make deliberate investments for your sunset years," he charged. "Do not squander the strength of your youth only to become a burden to the very people you labored to raise."
The Blueprint for Christian Manhood
The retreat, centered on the theme of Responsible Christian Manhood, outlined the core pillars expected of modern men in the family and the wider community:
Spiritual Leadership: Men must serve as the "spiritual priests" of their homes, leading by example in prayer and devotion.
Stewardship: Beyond providing material needs, men must act as protectors of their families and faithful stewards in their workplaces and communities.
Integrity and Holiness: As "evangelists and prayer warriors," men were encouraged to remain calm in times of crisis and steadfast in their obedience to God.
"If you continue to work diligently, support the Church, and stand in the gap for society," the Archbishop assured, "God Almighty will fight your battles."
A Call for Innovation in Fellowship
The event also saw a challenge from the Bishop of Ndoki/Asa Diocese, Rt. Rev. Okechukwu Ogba, who was represented by the Synod Secretary, Very Rev. Israel Ekeh Nwachukwu. He noted that when men embrace their responsibilities, "positive transformation follows" within the church and society.
He urged the Men’s Fellowship to break away from stagnant traditions and adopt "dynamic and innovative approaches" to attract more members and revitalize evangelism and Bible study initiatives.
A Renewed Commitment
The President of the Port Harcourt Archdiocesan Men’s Fellowship, Elder Opriye Mission Gabriel, concluded the retreat by thanking the leadership and the host diocese. He rallied the members to remain zealous in their faith, emphasizing that the retreat served as a vital spiritual recharge.
The gathering, which featured intense Bible study sessions, hymns, and prayer, left the attendees with a clear mandate: to be men who build not just for today, but for a secure and godly future.
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