New Book on Biblical Discipleship for Mentoring Relationship Launch

By Ralph Madugu
A book titled “Biblical Discipleship for Mentoring Relationship,” has been presented to the public in Jos, Plateau State.

The 134-page book written by Rev. Abidan David Lautor, immediate past Director of People Oriented Department of ECWA (POD), is divided into 13 chapters focusing on understanding the Biblical principles of discipleship making for effective mentoring relationship.

At the event held at the Auditorium of ECWA Goodnews Church Mado Road, Tudun Wada, Jos guests at the event unanimously acknowledged that the absence of effective discipleship remains the greatest concern of the Church and society as a whole and cautioned against continuous neglect of the issue of discipleship and mentoring and called on the Church to rise up to the challenge by discipling the younger generation so as to guarantee a better future for the Church and the society.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Ponyak Nandang, a Deputy Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Services, who was represented by Mr. Magaji Ibrahim described the public presentation of the new book as apt as according to him, the book is coming at a time people were living in challenging times where discipleship and mentoring is lacking hence the need for the Church to take the lead.

Said he: “People go into different kinds of discipleship including political discipleship where politicians disciple thugs and their psyche is changed not for good.

“We must return to the true Christian discipleship and I pray this book will fulfil the purpose for which the book was written.”

Earlier in a welcome address, Senior Pastor of the Church and Secretary of ECWA Jos DCC, Rev. Joshua Auta Aku commended the author for putting down his thoughts in a book.

Rev. Aku who described the event as historic in the life of the author, his family and the Church as a whole said “We are here to do what the Lord asked us to do which is to care for the widows and orphans,” and called on Christians to not only buy the book to ensure they read and apply the lessons contained in it by caring for widows and the less privilege in the society.

In a goodwill message, ECWA General Secretary, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu represented at the occasion Mr. Solomon Edokpa, thanked God for enabling the author to write the book at a time when true discipleship is lacking in the Church.

The new book being unveiled by a group of Clergymen

According to Rev. Nmadu except God intervene, the next generation will experience “deficit in true discipleship” stating that the current generation is lacking behind when it comes to effective discipleship and mentoring thereby making it necessary for the to rise up to the need of discipling a generation that is better.

“The place of this book in the Church cannot be overemphasized and I pray that the book will help in bringing the desired mentorship in the Church and the society.”

Earlier in an address, author of the book, Rev. Dr. Abidan David Lautor disclosed that the book came out of his personal experience in discipleship ministry which he has been involved in the last 25 years.

Rev. Dr. Abidan and his wife Sarah seated during the book dedication

He said “Our experience took us through the journey in studying to understand discipleship in the Bible, other religions, and African Traditional Religion (ATR).

“The learnings gave us a comparative understanding of the concept of discipleship and we have realized that only biblical principles of discipleship making can be effective, long lasting and enhance mentoring relationship.”

The author added that discipleship serves as a bait for many converts, lay people and Christians in the Church knowing that the subject of discipleship is receiving great prominence in Christendom today.

The author emphasized on the need for a deeper understanding of the mission mandate to mean that the body of Christ is to be equipped and built up using every gifts to make effective discipleship as required by Christ Himself.

While calling on believers to see the importance of discipleship ministry and examine the biblical teaching on discipleship which he said needs to be understood in order to identify God’s plan and purpose for the Church and Christian ministries in fulfilment of the Great Commission, Rev. Lautor said “As we dedicate this book today, please know that you are making another kingdom investment and God will reward you, as the proceed will be used to touch the lives of our beneficiaries.

“We encourage you to partner with us so that they can have food on their table with quality education for children.”

The event featured a review of the book by the Senior Pastor of the COCIN Headquarters Church, Rev. Dr. Sylvester Dachomo and a special prayer for the author. There were song ministrations from ECWA Women Fellowship and other Gospel artiste who were in attendance.

Goodwill messages came from the immediate ECWA President, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Gado and the leadership of ECWA Jos DCC. Highpoint of the occasion was the official unveiling and presentation of the book.

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