Souls Harvesters Theological College Allumni Association, Warri

30/03/2026

Marriage tips for a successful marriage by Revd Prof Abednego Friday Oghenekevwe: In marriage:
1. Focus on self-improvement: You don't change your partner, you change yourself.
2. Give, not just take: You don't think of what you will get from the marriage but what you will give to it.
3. Unconditional love: You love members of your family unconditionally (1 Peter 4:8 - love covers sins).
4. Put family first: You think of your family first before yourself.
5. Communicate openly: Talk things through, listen actively.
6. Forgive and let go: Let go of grudges, forgive (Colossians 3:13 - forgive as Christ forgave).
7. Show appreciation: Express gratitude, show love.
8. Support each other: Be each other's team (Ephesians 5:21 - submit to one another).
9. Spend quality time: Make time for each other.
10. Be patient and kind: Treat each other with kindness.
11. Respect boundaries: Respect space and needs (Ephesians 5:33, 1 Peter 3:7 - respect and honor).
12. Be honest: Truthfulness builds trust.
13. Show affection: Physical touch, words of affirmation.
14. Manage conflicts constructively: Address issues (handle conflicts calmly).
15. Support growth: Encourage development.
16. Decide together: Teamwork in decisions.
17. Laugh together: Humor helps.
18. Prioritize intimacy: Nurture connection (Genesis 2:24 - one flesh unity).
19. Be flexible: Adapt to changes.
20. Connect spiritually: Shared values strengthen bond.
21. Celebrate successes: Celebrate wins.
22. Be a safe space: Create safe environment to share.
23. Apologize sincerely: Say sorry when wrong.
24. Keep romance alive: Date nights, surprises (Ephesians 5:25 - husbands love wives like Christ loved church).
25. Manage finances together: Be on same page.
26. Support friendships: Encourage outside connections.
27. Be patient with flaws: Accept imperfections.
28. Create shared goals: Work towards dreams.
29. Listen actively: Hear each other out.
30. Show gratitude daily: Appreciate little things.
31. Respect opinions: Value each other's views.
32. Compromise: Find middle ground.
33. Keep promises: Reliability builds trust.
34. Stay curious: Keep learning about each other.
35. Support through tough times: Be there.
36. Avoid criticism: Address issues gently.
37. Make time for each other: Prioritize.
38. Be spontaneous: Surprise each other.
39. Share responsibilities: Share tasks.
40. Focus on solutions: Work together.
41. Celebrate milestones: Mark anniversaries.
42. Be vulnerable: Open up emotionally.
43. Keep learning together: Grow together.
44. Show interest in passions: Support hobbies.
45. Practice empathy: Put yourself in shoes.
46. Don't sweat small stuff: Let go petty issues.
47. Be present: Focus on now.
48. Express needs clearly: Don't expect mind-reading.
49. Support dreams: Encourage big goals.
50. Say "I love you" often: Words matter.
51. Create traditions: Build memories.
52. Be patient with growth: Relationships evolve.
53. Laugh at yourself: Don't take self seriously.
54. Surprise with kindness: Small acts of love.
55. Discuss big topics: Align on values.
56. Respect alone time: Balance together & solo.
57. Celebrate individuality: Appreciate differences.
58. Handle conflicts calmly: No yelling.
59. Show love differently: Find love languages.
60. Make tomorrow better: Learn from past.
61. Love like Christ loved: Ephesians 5:25 (husbands)
62. Wives submit to husbands, husbands love and lead: Ephesians 5:22-33 (in context of mutual submission). 63. Put God first in all that you do.

22/12/2025

Church Administration: People-Oriented Ministry through Participatory Democracy
By Revd Prof Abednego Friday Oghenekevwe
Phd, D. Min, M.A, B.Rel. Edge.
Copy right 2025. All rights reserved.
Church Administration: People-Oriented Ministry through Participatory Democracy
Introduction
Effective church administration is crucial for the success of any church community. One key aspect of church administration is people-oriented ministry, which focuses on the needs and well-being of people in the church community. Participatory democracy is a means to achieve people-oriented ministry, and it involves the participation of all members in decision-making processes.
People-Oriented Ministry
People-oriented ministry is a biblical concept that emphasizes the importance of caring for the flock and meeting the needs of others. In 1 Peter 5:2-3, we are instructed to "shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock." This verse highlights the importance of pastoral care and the need for leaders to prioritize the well-being of their congregation.
In addition to pastoral care, people-oriented ministry also involves discipleship, community building, and outreach and evangelism. Discipleship is an essential aspect of Christian growth, and it involves mentoring and guiding individuals as they grow in their faith. Community building is also crucial, as it helps to foster a sense of belonging and connection among church members. Outreach and evangelism are also important, as they involve sharing the gospel with those who have not yet heard it.
Participatory Democracy
Participatory democracy is a system of decision-making that involves the participation of all members. The Bible teaches the priesthood of all believers, which means that every Christian has a role to play in the life and ministry of the church. In 1 Peter 2:9, we read that we are "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession." This verse highlights the importance of shared leadership and the need for all members to be involved in decision-making processes.
Participatory democracy has several key aspects, including shared leadership, collaborative decision-making, empowerment of members, and accountability. Shared leadership involves distributing leadership responsibilities among multiple individuals or teams, rather than relying on a single leader. Collaborative decision-making involves working together to make decisions that benefit the entire community. Empowerment of members involves giving individuals the authority and resources they need to make decisions and take action. Accountability involves holding leaders and members accountable for their actions and decisions.
Implementing Participatory Democracy in Church Administration
Implementing participatory democracy in church administration requires several key steps. First, churches must establish a shared vision and values that guide decision-making processes. This involves developing a clear mission statement and core values that reflect the church's purpose and priorities.
Second, churches must encourage member participation and feedback. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, and other means of gathering feedback. Churches can also establish committees and working groups that involve members in decision-making processes.
Third, churches must develop leadership teams and committees that are representative of the congregation. This involves identifying and developing leaders who are gifted and passionate about serving others.
Finally, churches must foster a culture of collaboration and accountability. This involves promoting open and honest communication, providing training and support for leaders and members, and holding individuals accountable for their actions and decisions.
Benefits of Participatory Democracy in Church Administration
Participatory democracy has several benefits for church administration. First, it increases member engagement and ownership. When members are involved in decision-making processes, they are more likely to be invested in the outcome and to take ownership of the decision.
Second, participatory democracy improves decision-making and problem-solving. By involving multiple perspectives and ideas, churches can make more informed decisions and develop creative solutions to problems.
Third, participatory democracy enhances the sense of community and belonging. When members feel that their voices are heard and valued, they are more likely to feel connected to the church community.
Finally, participatory democracy provides better representation of diverse perspectives and needs. By involving members from different backgrounds and experiences, churches can ensure that their decisions reflect the needs and priorities of the entire community.
Challenges and Limitations
While participatory democracy has many benefits, it also has several challenges and limitations. One potential challenge is conflict and disagreement. When multiple individuals are involved in decision-making processes, there is a risk of disagreement and conflict.
Another challenge is the need for effective communication and facilitation. Participatory democracy requires effective communication and facilitation to ensure that all voices are heard and valued.
Additionally, participatory democracy can be time-consuming and may require significant resources. Churches must be willing to invest time and resources in developing participatory decision-making processes.
Finally, there is a risk of domination by vocal minorities or special interest groups. Churches must be aware of this risk and take steps to ensure that all voices are heard and valued.
Conclusion
In conclusion, people-oriented ministry through participatory democracy is a key aspect of effective church administration. By empowering members and fostering a culture of collaboration, churches can build stronger, more vibrant communities. While there are challenges and limitations to participatory democracy, the benefits far outweigh the costs. By implementing participatory democracy in church administration, churches can ensure that they are reflecting the needs and priorities of their community and fulfilling their mission to serve others.
Follow-up questions:
1. How can churches balance the need for participatory democracy with the need for efficient decision-making?
2. What are some strategies for fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability in a church community?
3. How can churches ensure that all members have a voice and are represented in decision-making processes?

22/12/2025

16/11/2025

28th Convocation was a success

20/10/2025

LIFE WAS MISERABLE UNTIL I HEARD THE VOICE OF JESUS

There is the story of a man who thought life has not favoured him like others. He was miserable. He was frustrated and depressed. He was sick and fed up with life. One day, he decided to take his own life by hanging. The only money he had he used it to buy corn-cake. His intention was to eat it and die. He climbed a tree and tied the rope to his neck.

When he finished eating the corn-cake, he threw the paper down. When he was about to hang himself, another man came to the tree, picked up the corn-cake paper and started to eat the remaining, saying,” God, I thank you for giving me this to eat. I shall not die like some people who want to die because they think life has not favoured them. Life has favoured me. At least, I have this to eat”.

When the man who was planning to hang himself heard this, he said “I thought I am the only one who is suffering and miserable”. And he decided not to commit su***de. Are you miserable in life?

In our contemporary world today, there is no one who doesn’t suffer or feel miserable about some thing or another. There are no human beings that are not affected like the man in our story. Only that, the nature or degree of suffering or misery varies from person to person. And individuals try to find solutions to their problems in various ways. Somehow, some have been able to find solution to their problems, but others have not been so fortunate. For all of us I have this suggestion to make: believe in God and the Lord Jesus Christ

I am convinced that we all believe that God created us. But let me add that God created us for a purpose. The purpose for which God created us is to worship and have fellowship with Him. Another purpose is that we might live a life of obedience to Him. Furthermore, we are created by Him to live holy lives- Gen. 3:8; Deut. 28:1; Lev. 20:7, 26; I Peter 1:15, 16; Eph. 2; 10. These are the essence of any religion.

But Satan came and destroyed this purpose for w

14/09/2025

The urinary tract and kidneys play a vital role in removing toxins and maintaining fluid balance in the body. When these organs are not well cared for, infections and kidney-related complications can arise. Fortunately, certain foods can naturally cleanse the urinary tract and support kidney health....