The Women’s Council of Celestial Church of Christ is a vital wing formed for the female members in the Church. This council includes every female member, regardless of their rank, age or position within the Church. Recently, in an engaging discussion within the popular Whatsapp Group, CELESTIAL DISCUSS members of the Celestial Church came together to talk about the development and standards of the Women’s Council, as established by the Pastor Founder, Rev. SBJ Oshoffa.
In response to some misconceptions and misunderstandings about the Women’s Council, the current President, Mother in Celestial Omodudu provided a detailed explanation. She clarified that the Celestial Women’s Council was officially inaugurated by the Rev. SBJ Oshoffa, Pastor Prophet & Founder of Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide, on July 7th, 1984, at the International Headquarters in Ketu, Lagos State, Nigeria. This historic event took place in the presence of the late Supreme Evangelist A.A. Bada and Superior Evangelist S.O. Ajanlekoko.
On that memorable day, Papa SBJ OSHOFFA excitedly announced the Aims and Objectives of CWC as follows:
1. To rally women together to take positive action in the development of the Celestial City Project in Imeko and all other future projects of CCC.
2. To spread the gospel far and wide.
3. To foster mutual love, understanding, peace and harmony among members of CCC
4. To guide CCC women in fully understanding and following biblical teachings and injunctions, such as guidelines on dressing and adornment, and to promote healthy relationships within their marriages.
5. To contribute spiritually, morally, and financially to the growth of CCC and to support charitable outreach for the less privileged and the sick.
6. To support the development of CCC projects by backing the efforts of the Trustees, the Pastor in Council, the Council of Honorary Evangelist, and other segments and departments of the Church, as well as individuals within the CCC worldwide.
She further intensified that on the day of the inauguration, the Pastor Founder established a central executive body for CWC with some incredible members: a) M/C F.A. Adefeso – First Chairperson. Late M/C PRO. Bola Sodeinde – Second Chairperson & Late M/C Vivian Ekunno– General Secretary.
She said that the current executive of CWC was inaugurated by his Eminence REV. Pastor EMF Oshoffa with the presence of Most Sup. Evangelist S.O. Banjo, MSE Akindoyin, VSE Olajide Secretary CCC Shepherds Council, among others, on Wednesday, 12th February, 2020 at Imeko. 1) M/C Victoria Omodudu Aloba – First Chairperson 2) M/C Deborah Omisore – Second Chairperson 3) M/C Hannah Okuyedi – Secretary General I, 4. M/C Adenike Otulana – Secretary General II.
Cross Section of CWC at the International Headquarters Ketu Lagos.
VIEW ON MOTHER CELESTIAL RANK TO FEMALE MEMBERS.
Mother Celestial Omodudu responded to the issue of underage individuals being anointed as Mothers Celestial without proper review. She emphasized the importance of a thorough review of the anointment process, viewing it as a calling rather than simply a hierarchical elevation. As Jeremiah 6:16 states, we must seek the old paths and walk in the good way to find rest for our souls.
M/C Omodudu explained that the tradition of anointing Mothers Celestial has evolved over time. In the past, unmarried women were not allowed to be anointed, and there was a minimum three-year interval between hierarchical levels. Criteria for anointment included being age 60 or above and not being within the menstrual cycle age range. She justified that two authentication factors was presented by the pastor. She said the responsibility falls on our father in the Lord, the parish shepherd, to carefully select and appoint deserving members based on their spiritual capabilities, dedication to worship and their commitment to serving the church before anointing them.
The President clearly says the women’s council will lead the charge in educating members about the dangers of improper anointment through seminars, outreach programs, and utilizing social media for wider outreach. This effort will be done in collaboration with the Pastor, the Board of Trustees, the MPIC, regional leaders, parish shepherds and the women as stakeholders.
WOMEN’S LOW PARTICIPATION.
The President of the Women’s Council in the same vein address the issue of low participation in women’s evangelism within Celestial Church of Christ. She acknowledges the concern raised about the lack of women in the field of evangelism, but she is confident that progress is being made. M/C Omodudu gave an insightful explanation that celestial Church of Christ is guided by the precepts and ordinances of the Holy Spirit and women have a crucial role to play in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
CWC at a function representing the Church
She held the position that the CWC fully supports preaching the gospel, as long as it is done in accordance with the teachings of the Celestial Church of Christ with the pastor’s approval, she shared the perspective that the CWC will actively promote women’s evangelism within the church’s guidelines, this includes organizing bible studies, ministering the word, hosting seminars and revivals, and even utilizing social media to mentor and train future leaders.
She said CWC is passionate about catching young women early and nurturing them to become strong leaders for the glory of Jehovah. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us of the importance of training up a child in the way they should go. M/C Omodudu also stand her view that CWC is excited to embark on this journey of empowering women in evangelism and spreading the message of Jesus Christ far and wide.
WOMEN’S COUNCIL AT 40.
Mother Celestial Omodudu also brought to our attention the lack of women gathering in the Church, and she is advocating for change as we approach the 40th anniversary of the CWC in July this year. To celebrate this milestone, she told the whatapp group members that the CWC have planned a 3-day power-packed event filled with activities to let our light shine, as commanded by Christ in Matt 5:16. One of the highlights will be an open-air crusade at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos on July 5th, 2024. This event is not just a one-time celebration, but a commitment to continue spreading the message given by Christ through Papa Oshoffa in Mark 16:15.
M/C Omodudu, President of Celestial Women’s Council
She explained that the women’s council are also tasked by Pastor His Eminence Rev EMF Oshoffa to lead within the women’s sector of the church. She said that the council are actively brainstorming and compiling important issues and resolutions to present to the pastor for action. With the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the blessings of our Pastor, the Wheel of women evangelism in CCC will be well-oiled and ready for the journey to the kingdom of peace. This is OUR perspective on the matter, and we are excited to carry the cross until the very end. May Jehovah strengthen our arms for the task ahead!
