By Etop Ekanem

The family of the Founder of Mount Zion LightHouse Full Gospel Church, late Bishop John Ettefia, has called on the leadership and members of the church to return wholeheartedly to biblical principles, sound doctrine and spirit-led worship, so that the church may once again shine as a true lighthouse to the nations.

The family, led by Mrs. Akpan Uduak Anthony, one of the surviving children of the founder, who addressed the congregation on behalf of the family during a visit to the church headquarters in Calabar, Cross River State, said the church had gradually lost focus on its original divine mandate, “which is to lead souls to heaven, as established by its founder. The church is no longer being guided by the Holy Spirit and is not fully operating in alignment with the principles of the Word of God.”

The family further noted, with grave concern, that there is currently only one surviving member of the Board of Trustees, and that the entire decision-making process of the church has been handled by a single individual, adding that “this situation is contrary to the then church’s constitution and established governance structure.

“The family observed with utter dismay that the church had been operating illegally for the past 33 years, having failed to meet its statutory obligations with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), as required by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Specifically, annual returns were not remitted to the CAC during this period, rendering the church’s operations legally non-compliant.”

In a bid to move the church forward in line with God’s plan and purpose, the family has moved to rescue the church from further decline and institutional decay.

According to the family, “as part of this intervention, all outstanding annual returns covering the past 33 years have been fully settled with the Corporate Affairs Commission. The Board of Trustees has been constituted, with new members duly appointed and approved by the CAC. The church constitution has been amended and officially approved by the Corporate Affairs Commission.”

The family of the Founder affirms that they have continuously prayed for the Church over the years. This intervention, they state, is a divine assignment laid upon their hearts by God, to prevent the Church from becoming a reproach to the Body of Christ and to restore it to its rightful spiritual path.

The family emphasizes that this action is taken in good faith and with godly intentions, with the sole aim of repositioning Mount Zion LightHouse Full Gospel Church to fulfill its original purpose of leading people to salvation and eternal life.

They further reiterate that the intervention is not personal, political, or punitive, but a spiritual and administrative necessity aimed at restoring integrity, accountability, lawful administration, and spiritual leadership within the Church. The Church of God, they stress, must reflect righteousness, transparency, and obedience, both spiritually and legally.

The family assures all members that no individual will be marginalised in the process of repositioning the church. The restructuring is being carried out in the spirit of peace, reconciliation, and unity, with openness to dialogue and collaboration with all sincere stakeholders who desire the progress of God’s work.

They, therefore, appeal to all members, elders and ministers of Mount Zion LightHouse Full Gospel Church for their full cooperation, understanding, and support, calling on everyone to unite in righteousness, stand on the Lord’s side, and work together for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.