By Ebele Ndudi
Members of the House of Laity, Diocese on the Niger, have
been urged to move beyond simply attending church and take greater
responsibility for its growth, service, unity and mission.
The call was made by the President of the Council of Laity, Sir Chris Ukachukwu, during the 2026 Summit of the House of Laity at St Michael’s and All Angels’ Anglican Church, (SMAAAC) Nkpor.
A Call for Active Participation
Addressing the Congress on Saturday, September 12, Ukachukwu said the Church could not depend on the clergy alone to carry out its work, urging lay members to become more active participants.
The summit, held under the theme, “The Fear of God is the
Beginning of Wisdom,” drawn from Proverbs 9:10, focused on faith,
responsibility, service and the practical role of members.
Ukachukwu said true wisdom begins with reverence for God, obedience to His Word and a willingness to serve, adding that every member should consider what they contribute to the Church.
He challenged members to ask themselves a simple question:
“What am I contributing to the growth of the Church?” He said the answer should
be reflected in their actions, not merely their words.
Building the Church Through Service
The Laity President said members could support the Church through evangelism, care for fellow members, youth development and the use of their time, talents, experience and resources.
He also urged societies, guilds, fellowships and other
church organisations to ensure proper representation at the Diocesan and
Archdeaconry Councils of Laity.
Ukachukwu said representatives should not treat their
positions as titles, but as responsibilities requiring regular attendance at
meetings, consultation with their organisations and proper communication.
He further expected representatives to ensure that decisions reached by the councils were taken back to their organisations and translated into practical programmes that benefit the wider Church.
Unity, Leadership and Accountability
The Laity President also warned against rivalry, division
and individualism among church organisations, calling instead for stronger
cooperation and a shared commitment to the Church’s mission.
He urged those holding leadership positions to regard them as opportunities to serve rather than platforms for personal recognition, saying leadership must be guided by humility, fairness, integrity and accountability.
Ukachukwu also called on the laity to strengthen evangelism,
support church leaders, encourage children and young people, promote peace and
unity, and ensure that council decisions produced visible results.
He summed up his challenge in five commitments for members:
“I will be present. I will participate. I will serve. I will support the unity
of the Church. I will use my gifts for God’s work.”
Fear of God as Foundation of Service
The Chaplain of the Diocese on the Niger House of Laity,
Ven. Dr Okechukwu Ukpeke, also stressed the importance of living with the fear
of God and allowing it to shape personal conduct.
Ukpeke described the fear of God as the foundation of
righteous living and meaningful service, saying it remained an important
safeguard against a culture of impunity within both society and the Church.
He called on people to return to God through genuine
repentance and reject sin, ungodliness and practices that conflict with
Christian teachings, urging members to renew their commitment to obedience.
Ukpeke said lasting wisdom could not be separated from the
fear of God, encouraging members of the laity to deepen their loyalty to God
and reflect their faith through everyday conduct.
Keeping God at the Centre
Earlier, the priest of the host church, Ven. Frank Obi,
reflected on the summit’s theme during his homily, stressing that God should
remain at the centre of human efforts and decisions.
“God is the ultimate in all that we do; He is the Alpha and
Omega; the Author and Finisher of our Faith,” Obi said, while pledging
continued support for activities of the House of Laity.
The priest said he was committed to identifying with the laity and contributing to efforts aimed at strengthening the House of Laity and its work across the diocese.
Beyond the Church Hall
The summit also addressed issues beyond church
administration, with the Diocesan Director of Civic and Political Affairs, Rev
Canon Dr Ifeanyichukwu Aniakor, delivering a political sensitisation talk.
Participants also received a health presentation from
physiotherapist Charles Ehirim, while the organisers highlighted the diocese’s
response to gender-based violence.
They were informed that the Diocese on the Niger had
established a Committee on Gender Based Violence, headed by Rev Canon Johnson
Iwuamaeze, to address concerns surrounding the issue.
Other activities at the well-attended summit included chain
prayers, Bible study, praise sessions and a fundraising programme, bringing
together members for worship, reflection, learning and support for the work of
the Church.
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