1. Sir, could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your journey in Celestial Church of Christ, including how you became the Shepherd-in-Charge of CCC Goshenland Cathedral, Akobo, Ibadan?
VSE Akinpade- My journey in Celestial Church of Christ has been one of faith, commitment and dedication to the service of God. Being entrusted with the responsibility of shepherding God’s people is a privilege that I do not take for granted. The assignment of a shepherd goes beyond occupying a leadership position; it involves spiritual guidance, sacrifice, discipline and the responsibility of nurturing souls in the way of the Lord Jesus Christ. At CCC Goshenland Cathedral, Akobo, Ibadan our priority is to promote sound Christian values, encourage spiritual growth and ensure that members remain committed to the doctrines and spiritual heritage of Celestial Church of Christ.
2. CCC Goshenland Cathedral, Akobo, Ibadan is celebrating its 7th Adult Harvest with the theme “Prepared Blessings” (Deuteronomy 6:10–11). What inspired the choice of this theme, and what spiritual message does it convey?
VSE Akinpade- The theme, Prepared Blessings, is drawn from Deuteronomy 6:10–11, where God reminded the children of Israel of the good things He had prepared for them. It is a reminder that God is able to prepare blessings beyond human imagination. However, believers must remain faithful, obedient and spiritually conscious to enjoy the promises of God. We want our members to understand that blessings are not limited to material possessions. Good health, peace, salvation, divine protection, spiritual elevation and the ability to serve God are also important blessings. Our prayer is that everyone who identifies with this year’s harvest will experience God’s goodness.
3. Looking back at the seven years of the Parish Adult Harvest celebrations, what would you identify as the major achievements and testimonies of God’s faithfulness?
VSE Akinpade- This year harvest is a significant milestone for us, and we return all the glory to Almighty God. Every harvest celebration represents another opportunity to appreciate God’s faithfulness and acknowledge His provisions. Over the years, the harvest has provided an avenue for thanksgiving, fellowship, spiritual renewal and the strengthening of relationships among members and friends of the church. We have also continued to recognise the importance of bringing people together through worship, evangelism and community-oriented activities. Our greatest testimony is that God has continued to sustain His church and give us reasons to celebrate His goodness.
4. What are the spiritual vision, administrative philosophy and leadership priorities guiding your administration at CCC Goshenland Cathedral, Akobo, Ibadan?
VSE Akinpade- Our vision is to build a spiritually vibrant church where Christ remains at the centre of everything we do. We believe that the church should not only be a place where people gather for worship but also an environment where lives are transformed through the Word of God, prayer, discipline and Christian fellowship. Our administration places importance on unity, transparency, commitment and collective responsibility. We also believe that every department and individual has a role to play in the growth of the church. Our desire is to raise committed Christians who will represent the values of Celestial Church of Christ wherever they find themselves.
5. The harvest programme includes evangelism, visitation to orphanages, ministry to the needy, musical activities and other spiritual engagements. What informed these initiatives?
VSE Akinapde- The church has a responsibility beyond its four walls. Christianity must be demonstrated through practical expressions of love, compassion and service to humanity. This informed the inclusion of activities such as ministry to the needy and visitation to orphanages in our harvest programme. We also recognise the importance of music, praise and evangelism in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through these activities, we want people to understand that thanksgiving is not only about bringing material offerings to God but also about touching lives, showing kindness and extending the love of Christ to those who need encouragement. A church that celebrates God’s blessings must also become a blessing to others.
6. What challenges have you encountered in shepherding the cathedral, and what plans do you have for its spiritual development, infrastructural growth and the involvement of younger generations?
VSE Akinpade- Like every growing religious institution, there are responsibilities and challenges that require constant attention, prayer and collective commitment. Shepherding involves managing spiritual expectations, encouraging members and ensuring that the church continues to move forward in its divine assignment. Our focus is to strengthen the spiritual lives of members, improve participation in church activities and encourage younger generations to take their rightful place in the service of God. We also recognise the importance of infrastructural development and the need to create an environment that supports effective worship and other church activities. We believe that with God’s guidance, unity among members and collective efforts, CCC Goshenland Cathedral, Akobo, Ibadan will continue to make meaningful progress.
7. Finally, what is your message to Celestial Church of Christ members, friends and well-wishers, and what should they expect as CCC Goshenland Cathedral, Akobo, Ibadan celebrates its 7th Adult Harvest Thanksgiving on Sunday, 15th November 2026?
VSE Akinpade- My message to everyone is that we should never take God’s goodness for granted. Thanksgiving is an expression of gratitude to God for His faithfulness, protection and provisions. I warmly invite members of Celestial Church of Christ, other Christian denominations, friends and well-wishers to join us in celebrating this year’s Adult Harvest with the theme Prepared Blessings. We have put together activities leading to the grand thanksgiving service, including spiritual programmes, evening of praise and other engagements. The grand celebration will take place on Sunday, 15th November 2026, at 10:00 a.m. prompt, at Goshenland Cathedral, Plot 7, Block 20, Kolapo Ishola GRA, Along General Gas Akobo, Ibadan. I pray that everyone who attends will have a memorable encounter with God and return home with testimonies of His goodness. May the blessings of God be upon every family.
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