CASON AGM: RALLYING THE CHURCH AGAINST ILLS OF COVID-19

The Church Administrators Society of Nigeria (CASON) held its first virtual Annual General Meeting recently, where the President, Pastor Seyi Oladimeji announced the need for Nigerian churches to unite against the ills of COVID-19.

Addressing the Shareholders, Trustees and Governing Council Members of CASON at their sixth AGM, which was held online via video conferencing, Oladimeji said, “The outbreak of COVID-19 has disrupted our world and the way we live as well as host church gatherings and other events.

“The future that we spoke about at the CASON 2019 Annual Conference tagged ‘Future of the Church and Church of the Future’ is now a shocking reality. The post-COVID-19 world will continue to witness rapid change and the Nigerian Church must rise to the demands of this time.

“One denomination, no matter how big, does not make the body of Christ. There is a place for big churches and there is a place for small churches. Regardless of denominational and doctrinal differences, the Nigerian Church must perfect its administrative structures and superstructure, and unite against the disruption caused by this global pandemic.”

As its contribution to the commonwealth and common-health of its stakeholders, the CASON AGM featured two guest speakers. Pastor (Dr.) Chris Williams shared medical tips on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in churches in preparation for the reopening for worship centres, while Mr. Gospel Obele discussed the use of data engagement for membership retention during and after the pandemic.

CASON, which founded the process of professionalizing Church Administration as a discipline and career practice in Nigeria, also announced at the AGM the successful takeoff of the CASON/Babcock University Executive Diploma in Church Administration in February 2020 with the pioneer set of students expected to graduate this year. Admission is open for the second set of students.

Trustees and Governing Council Members who attended the virtual meeting alongside numerous shareholders and alumni of CASON included, Pastors Steve Akoni, Ayo Daniels, Segun Adegoke and Sunkanmi Obisesan. Others were Mr. Segun Shelleh, Dr. Kunle Hamilton and Barr. Tomi Vincent.