Let Us Keep Our Eyes on the Prize
Dear Members of the CCC UK Diocese Management Committee,
Grace and peace be unto you.
As you are approaching three months of your six-month stewardship mandate, I write to sincerely commend you for the measurable progress made in stabilising and restructuring our Diocese. For over sixteen years, the system struggled without clarity of direction, cohesion, or universally accepted governance. Today, we are witnessing the emergence of an organised and structured framework that is broadly embraced by shepherds, church workers, and stakeholders across the United Kingdom.
What was once characterised by uncertainty and fragmentation is gradually being transformed into an environment of reconciliation, collaboration, and renewed unity. This cultural shift reflects intentional leadership and disciplined governance. For this, you deserve sincere appreciation.
As we acknowledge progress, we must not forget how we arrived at this point. The emergence of the seven wise men appointed to temporarily oversee the Diocese was born out of necessity and urgency. Their mandate was to restore order, credibility, and direction to a system that had drifted for too long. That responsibility remains sacred and must continue to guide every decision.
We now look forward with anticipation to your recommendation concerning who will serve as the next Head of Diocese (HOD). This is a defining moment. It is here that we must truly keep our eyes on the prize and guard against distraction, sentiment, undue influence, or manipulation of any kind.
The recommendation to the Pastor must reflect integrity, fairness, transparency, and justice. The process must be open, and stakeholders must be appropriately carried along to ensure confidence in the outcome. Only through procedural clarity will trust be fully restored, allowing the seven wise men to complete their mandate with honour and their integrity intact.
I also write to convey the expectations of our youth. The younger generation is watching closely. They desire a Diocese grounded in spiritual authenticity, moral credibility, accountability, and structured mentorship. We must intentionally reorganise and strengthen the Youth Ministry so that it becomes a disciplined platform for leadership development, spiritual growth, and generational continuity.
Furthermore, we strongly desire to see women and mothers who are vessels of honour elevated within the Diocese. Leadership representation must reflect dignity, spiritual maturity, character, and self-respect. We must deliberately move away from elevating individuals whose conduct does not align with the standards expected of women leaders in the Church. Our daughters must see role models worthy of emulation.
In selecting the next Head of Diocese, we must reject any culture of entitlement, personality-driven lobbying, or familiarity-based endorsement. Leadership must not be secured through “Emilokan” advocacy or “Baba Sope” nomination tendencies. It must be anchored in divine calling, merit, competence, tested character, and spiritual credibility.
Equally important is the restoration of honour to the prophetic ministry within the Diocese. We must decisively address the issue of self-appointed individuals assuming prophetic titles without accountability or demonstrable spiritual fruit. The prophetic office must regain its sacredness. Only those genuinely called by God, prophets and prophetesses whose lives reflect humility, discipline, order, and doctrinal soundness should be recognised and supported.
Additionally, safeguarding must become a non-negotiable standard across all ministries. Mandatory safeguarding training should be implemented and monitored at every leadership level, with compliance formally documented.
Particular attention must be given to the Choir, Artists, and Instrumentalists. While their contribution to worship is invaluable, discipline, accountability, and ministerial decorum must be reinforced within that ministry. Clear behavioural standards, oversight structures, and corrective mechanisms should be established to curb excesses and ensure that talent never supersedes character or spiritual responsibility.
I trust that the pledge made on the 31st of January during the Shepherds and Church Workers’ meeting remains in force, especially regarding the security vetting of Regional, Circuit, and District Heads. The commitment that DBS checks would be carried out must not be compromised. If such standards apply at those levels, then a significantly higher level of due diligence must apply to any nominee for Head of Diocese.
No expense should be spared in conducting comprehensive background checks to ensure suitability in character, leadership history, safeguarding compliance, and public reputation.
We are blessed with shepherds who are exemplary, capable, and spiritually grounded individuals fully able to lead the Diocese responsibly. At the same time, we must remain vigilant against any nomination that could expose the Church to embarrassment or bring the body into disrepute.
I respectfully appeal to the seven wise men not to allow their integrity to be compromised at this critical stage. The decisions taken now will define the legacy of this intervention and shape the confidence of future generations. Let it be said that during your stewardship, standards were raised, systems were strengthened, discipline was restored, and values were preserved.
Scripture reminds us: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2). May faithfulness, righteousness, wisdom, and courage guide every deliberation and final recommendation.
With respect and earnest expectation,
VSE Dotun Ojumu
Convener CCC UKUnites,
Resident Evangelist CCC Worldwide.
