In a bid to raise a new generation of leaders who are committed to serving God and humanity, the founder of Jesus Cares Crusader Ministries International (JCCMI), Bishop Joseph Ademola Afolabi, will be collaborating with CAN & PFN to host a Christian Leadership Conference in Kaduna. The conference, which promises to be a life-changing event, will bring together leaders from different denominations and backgrounds to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in leadership. In this exclusive interview with GBENGA AGUNBIADE, Bishop Joseph Ademola Afolabi, the founder of JCCMI, shares his vision for the conference and what attendees can expect. What inspired you to host the Christian Leadership Conference in Kaduna, and what do you hope to achieve with this event?
This year will be the third edition of the Kaduna leadership conference. Last year, we were blessed to have over 650 leaders from diverse churches in attendance. We have continued to host Leadership conferences because as a ministry, we understand the importance of strong leadership in our communities. The pressing issue facing both the church and the nation at large is the increasing void in leadership in our current era. We want to equip leaders with the skills and spiritual guidance to make a positive impact. Our goal is to raise a new generation of leaders who are committed to serving God and humanity.
What are the key themes and topics that will be addressed during the conference, and how will they be presented?
Our focus points will be on leadership principles, casting vision, building teams, the role of leaders in nation-building, lifestyle of a leader and teaching leaders how to give back to their communities, all with a biblical perspective. Each day, the leaders will sit down together to discuss ways to support our leaders and enhance our nation as a whole.
Who is the target audience for this conference, and why is it important for them to attend?
This conference is crucial for pastors, church leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians, and anyone in a leadership position or striving to lead. With a pressing leadership gap in the church and nation, strong leadership is urgently needed. It is easy to place blame on the government for our country’s challenges, but we must remember that they are our results – a product of our choices made decades ago. We must confront the truth and return to it. The conference offers a distinct chance for spiritual growth, networking, and honing skills. We aim to empower leaders to be more efficient in their roles and make a meaningful difference in their communities.
What sets this conference apart from others, and what can attendees expect to gain from it?
What makes this conference stand out is our mission to produce not just excellent leaders, but also transformational and functional leaders in both the church and the nation. Our focus on spiritual growth and practical leadership skills is what makes this conference truly unique. Attendees can anticipate gaining a renewed sense of purpose, practical leadership skills, and a deeper connection with God. They will also have the chance to network with other leaders and form relationships that can benefit them personally and professionally.
Can you tell us more about the speakers and facilitators who will be leading the conference?
As the speaker, I will have the assistance of other leaders who are involved in CAN and PFN. They will be sharing their knowledge and experience to help attendees grow in their leadership and faith. We’re excited to have them on board and are confident that they will have a significant impact on our attendees.
How does this conference align with the mission and vision of Jesus Cares Crusader Ministries International (JCCMI)?
Throughout my 49 years as a pastor, one of the greatest gifts bestowed upon me by God has been the ability to train leaders. With His abundant grace, I have successfully prepared numerous leaders from our church and our educational institution known as ITA (Independent Theological Academy). I am extremely grateful that many of these individuals are using their leadership abilities to make a significant impact in both ministry and business, as the success or failure of any group or organisation is greatly influenced by its leadership. As our ultimate goal is to spread the gospel and make disciples in all nations, this conference perfectly aligns with our mission by providing leaders with the necessary skills and spiritual guidance to positively influence their communities.
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What role does prayer and spiritual growth play in the conference?
Although it has become a controversial topic in recent times, prayer remains the master key. In these end times, prayer warriors are crucial. I have written two books on prayer: “Prayer: The Master Key” and “The Battles of Life.” If we recognise that we have battles to fight, it drives us to pray. The truth is, we cannot win any battle in life unless we first win the battle on our knees. Both the church and the nation are in desperate need of prayer. The Bible instructs us to pray for those in positions of authority. Prayer is our way of tapping into the life, power, and fire of God, just as Elijah did. This is what the church truly needs. We need intercessors who can identify the needs of the church and nation and passionately seek to bring about change through prayer. We’ll have dedicated times of prayer and worship throughout the conference to help attendees connect with God and seek His guidance.
How will the conference address the specific challenges facing leaders in Nigeria and beyond?
The difficulties we are currently encountering are not unique, as these challenges exist globally. We as a society have caused these issues, but we have the ability to find a solution. All we need are leaders who are capable of making positive transformations. However, we cannot expect these issues to be resolved in a day. Unfortunately, Nigerians are the enemy of Nigeria. It is crucial that we address problems within organisations such as the police, road safety, customs, and immigration. While I do appreciate these organisations, it is the few bad eggs who have been able to gain entry through crafty means that are causing insecurity in the nation. In the past, we had effective highway patrols that instilled fear in drivers, but nowadays, they know that a mere one hundred Naira can resolve any issues. This concludes that Nigerians are ultimately the ones creating problems for Nigeria.
To address these challenges, we will be conducting sessions and workshops specifically designed for leaders in Nigeria and beyond. These sessions will focus on addressing issues like corruption, insecurity, and economic uncertainty. Our speakers will provide practical strategies and real-life examples to guide leaders in navigating these challenges and creating a positive impact.
What opportunities will there be for networking and building relationships during the conference?
We have specific time slots planned for networking and establishing relationships, such as a networking lunch and coffee breaks. Attendees will also be able to engage with our speakers and facilitators during Q&A sessions and workshops.
How can attendees apply what they learn at the conference to their everyday lives and leadership roles?
We will offer attendees practical tools and resources to apply their newfound knowledge. Additionally, we will host follow-up sessions and provide coaching to ensure attendees stay on track and continue to develop in their leadership skills and faith journey.
In conclusion, this life-changing event will equip all attendees with the skills and spiritual guidance needed to make a positive impact in their communities. I implore everybody never to miss the opportunity to grow in their leadership and faith at the Christian Leadership Conference.
You can expect expert speakers and facilitators, interactive sessions and workshops, as well as networking and relationship-building opportunities. By attending, you will gain a renewed sense of purpose, practical leadership skills, and a stronger connection with God. Register now and join us for this transformative experience.
By the grace of God, in 2025, we will hold the conference in both Abuja and Ibadan.
