By Adeola Ogunlade
The Lagos State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Pastor Yemi Davids, has called on and church leaders and leaders at all levels in Nigeria to concentrate on creating a lasting impact in their communities and congregations, asserting that genuine leadership is rooted in service rather than the quest for recognition.
Davids gave this advise on Monday at the Lagos Pastors and Ministers Conference, themed “New Dawn,” held at the Household of David in Ikeja. The event drew thousands of pastors and church leaders from across the state, fostering pastoral network, unity and effectiveness in ministry.
He said that our legacy as leaders in both the church and the nation will be defined by our impact. Titles will fade, but the difference we make in the world will endure. When our time in leadership is done, what will be remembered are not the titles we held, but the lives we changed, the hope we inspired, and the faith we nurtured.”
Reflecting on the urgent needs of the community, he remarked, “People didn’t care what my title was when they were hungry, cold, and displaced. They needed help, and that is what we must focus on—providing relief and giving hope and reconciliation that Christ brings to the world.”
Davids urged leaders to remind the youths that it is not the grandeur of a title that matters, but the depth of one’s contribution. “Leadership is about sacrifice, about being the hands and feet of God in the world. Titles can be given or taken away, but impact lasts forever.”
He encouraged church leaders to emulate Jesus by prioritizing the needs of their congregations, ensuring their efforts glorify God and enrich the community rather than seeking personal recognition. “There are people who won’t hear the gospel until they see the good works we are doing. This is the reality of our country today; people don’t want to hear sermons; they want to see action.”
Rev. Davids reiterated that the church must continue to be the salt and light of the world, explaining that true relevance for the church lies in its community impact. “The church just needs to be the church. When you shine your light, darkness will recede. We have more rescuing to do as a church, especially for the nation itself.”
He further called on leaders to embrace their roles as agents of change, stating, Relevance means different things to different leaders. For some, it’s about good works; for others, it is about character. But the key is that, as leaders, we must be salt and light. A changed leader will impact their community, and that impact will trickle down.”
Expressing confidence that God is working through the church to facilitate the change Nigeria desperately needs, Rev. Davids shared ongoing efforts to establish doctrinal standards and statements of faith to help leaders stay focused. “God did a lot today, and we are committed to moving forward with this vision.”
In a related address, tele-evangelist, Apostle Joshua Selman emphasized the importance of genuine healing and transformation over titles. “It’s not so much about titles, but about the impact we make. A professor remains a professor even without declaring his title—it’s his impact that shows his worth.”
He stressed the need to focus on being “light and salt,” making a real difference in the world instead of seeking recognition through titles alone.
Apostle Selman also highlighted the significance of emotional healing in leadership, noting that many leaders who inflict harm on others are often grappling with unresolved wounds themselves. He encouraged the congregation to seek healing, stating, “It’s not un-Christian to seek professional help in diagnosing emotional wounds.”
His message resonated with the audience as he emphasized the collective responsibility of the church, government, and other institutions in nurturing the nation’s youth and promoting healing. “Nation-building is about building the people,” he said, advocating for more inclusive programs that instill hope and confidence in young people.
He called on the government to play a vital role in nation-building and healing the wounds of the youth, emphasizing collaboration with reputable institutions like the church. “The government should get involved in programs aimed at restoring hope to the young, remembering the importance of preparing them for future leadership roles.”
On his part, The Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church, Pastor Godman Akinlabi called for a balanced approach to engaging with today’s youth, particularly regarding their expression of individuality.
“Young people are often misunderstood and judged based on their appearance, but what they seek is love, acceptance, and affirmation. It’s time for the church and society to provide that,” he said.