Methodist Church Nigeria Champions Truthful Leadership and Digital Faith Messaging

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By Uruakpa Onyemaechi Charles

In an era clouded by misinformation, digital noise, and cultural shifts, the Church must rise above the fray—championing truth, clarity, and compassion. The Methodist Church Nigeria, especially through its Dioceses of Umuahia and Owerri, is taking a bold stance in promoting effective communication as a divine tool for leadership, evangelism, and community transformation.

Through exclusive media chats with respected Church leaders, educators, and scholars, a spotlight has been cast on the urgent need for truth-driven and digitally aware leadership in both sacred and secular spheres.

His Grace, Most Rev. (Dr.) Chibuzo Raphael Opoko

Archbishop, Archdiocese of Umuahia

“In a time where information is instant but not always truthful, we are called to be ministers of clarity, compassion, and truth.”

Archbishop Opoko emphasized the Church's prophetic voice in the media space, declaring that "communication must be a ministry, not just a tool." He advocated for messages that transform lives, shape minds, and guide society toward righteousness.

He challenged ministers and communicators to treat communication as a divine calling—a channel to propagate peace, hope, and understanding in a digital world increasingly shaped by disinformation.

🎓 Very Rev. Dr. Kingsley Raphael Nwaike

Acting Rector, Methodist Theological Institute, Umuahia

Dr. Nwaike underscored the indispensable role of theological training in preparing ministers to communicate with power and relevance in a rapidly evolving world.

“A minister who cannot communicate cannot lead. Communication is part of our theological witness—our ability to teach, correct, and inspire through the Word and action.”

He stressed the importance of combining biblical literacy with digital fluency, noting that:

“If our future ministers can decode scripture but cannot navigate digital channels, our gospel will remain limited to Sunday pulpits.”

🏫 The Rev. Sampson Nduka Agbo JP

Principal, Methodist High School, Ikenegbu, Owerri

The Rev. Agbo brought a compelling educational lens to the conversation, highlighting the role of faith-based schools in raising communication-conscious leaders.

“Education must go beyond books to values and voice. Students must learn not only to write essays but to express truth, hope, and service through digital media and public speaking.”

He called on churches to invest in Christian media literacy programs to shape the character of young minds and counter negative online influences.

🕊️ Very Rev. J.O.C. Dimgba

Presbyter, Wesley Methodist Church, Ikenegbu, Owerri

In a passionate submission, Very Rev. Dimgba declared:

“Effective communication is crucial for successful leadership—whether in religious, political, or organizational contexts. It builds unity of purpose, provides direction, and drives vision.”

He added:

“In the Church, it smoothens the chain of command and brings balance to our organogram. As we say in Igbo, ‘Akpakpa arahu n'ṭte’—when the message is clear, the bond is strong.”

✝️ The Rev. Kingsley Olung

Chaplain to Bishop Geoffrey U. Kanu JP

The Rev. Olung reflected on the importance of clarity in pastoral work:

“A shepherd must not only hear from God but also articulate the vision in ways the flock can follow. Communication in ministry is about intimacy and influence.”

💻 Mr. Walter Okpara

Communication Expert, Orlu, Imo State

Mr. Okpara offered a compelling tech-forward insight:

“We need to leverage ICT to expand evangelism, improve Church management, and train our youths. The world has gone digital. Our mission field is now online.”

🗣️ Very Rev. C. Agiriga JP

Very Rev. Agiriga made a powerful call for strategic digital engagement:

• Establish communication departments in churches
• Train media-savvy ministers
• Create youth-focused storytelling and digital campaigns

“In a time of misinformation and division, the Church must remain a beacon of truth, love, and clarity.”

🎓 Dr. Precious Akobundu

Lecturer, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri

Dr. Akobundu emphasized that educators and spiritual leaders must collaborate to teach students not just what to think, but how to communicate values effectively in a modern world.

🔔 Final Reflections

From the pulpit to the podcast, and from classrooms to church apps, the message is unmistakable:

The Methodist Church Nigeria believes that we must speak not just to be heard, but to be understood, to inspire, and to lead.

In the digital age, communication is ministry. Truthful messaging is leadership. And every Christian communicator is a missionary.