By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The need to prioritise the wellbeing of ministers and church leaders came into sharp focus at the ongoing International Conference for Ministers and Leaders (ICML) 2026, as stakeholders highlighted the importance of the Ministerial Comfort and Renewal (MCR) initiative.

The General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Dr Sam Aboyeji, called on ministers and church leaders to prioritise the anointing as the foundation for effective ministry, describing it as “heaven’s endorsement” for divine assignment.

Speaking at the opening of ICML 2026, which began on April 13 and ends on April 16, Aboyeji emphasised that the anointing is not optional but essential for anyone called into God’s work.

“Anointing is God’s electrical current. It goes with power. When God anointed Jesus, He went about doing good, healing and delivering those oppressed,” he said.

Aboyeji, however, warned that the anointing is fragile and can be hindered by impurity, urging ministers to live holy lives to sustain it.

“Impurity stagnates the anointing. It must be preserved so it does not expire,” he cautioned, while praying that the anointing upon ministers would abide and grow stronger.

Also speaking at the conference, guest minister, Brother Gbile Akanni of Living Seed Ministry, Gboko, underscored the indispensability of the anointing, describing it as the only prerequisite for fulfilling God’s purpose, above skill or theological education.

He explained that the anointing, symbolised in the Old Testament and revealed as the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, cannot be trivialised or purchased, adding that it requires commitment, discipline and spiritual pursuit.

The conference, themed “Operating in the Anointing,” brought together ministers and leaders from across the country, with a strong focus on spiritual renewal, empowerment and effective service.
A highlight of ICML 2026 is the introduction of the Ministerial Comfort and Renewal initiative, which emphasises the importance of prioritising the wellbeing of ministers and leaders.

Speaking on MCR, the National Secretary of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Reverend Samson Alawode, described the initiative as a timely and laudable intervention.

He noted that MCR stands out as a rare platform, especially within the Nigerian church space, designed to support the physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing of ministers.

“It is a great and laudable project. I am not too sure we have an equivalent in Nigeria. It is a rare opportunity for leaders and ministers,” he said.

Alawode stressed that caring for ministers is essential to effective service, pointing out that only a healthy leader can adequately meet the needs of the congregation.

“We need to give back to those doing the work. It is in a healthy body, free from emotional and psychological strain, that one can function effectively,” he explained.

He further advised ministers to be proactive about their wellbeing, urging them to seek help when necessary rather than waiting until they are overwhelmed.

“As much as possible, we have to ask for help. Let us prevent emotional or psychological breakdown before it happens,” he said.

Referencing Acts 20:28, he underscored the importance of self-care among church leaders.
“Take heed to yourself first before the flock. That is very crucial,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of ICML 2026, Rev Wale Alaka, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the event, noting that expectations were not only being met but exceeded.

According to him, the philosophy behind the conference is already yielding results.

“Everything we wanted to see at this early stage, we are seeing. Things are working out even ahead of time. We give God the glory,” he said.

Alaka also observed a steady increase in participation, describing it as a defining feature of ICML.
“It grows every day. From the opening day to the second day, and we expect even greater numbers by the third day. That is the character of every ICML,” he added.

He urged participants, particularly ministers and leaders, to go beyond listening to teachings and take practical steps.

“They should take action on what they are hearing. It is not enough to hear; they must do something about it,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the MCR initiative, Rev. Peter Ameadaji, noted that the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Dr Sam Aboyeji, initiated the programme in furtherance of the vision given to him for the church, with specific reference to ministers’ welfare as part of the ‘In-Reach’ segment.

He said the Ministerial Comfort and Renewal initiative is a platform to build a generation of emotionally aware and discipled ministers living balanced lives under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

He added that the initiative would drive continuous awareness of the emotional needs of Foursquare ministers in Nigeria, restore hope, and provide recovery support for those in distress.

Ameadaji explained that the lack of attention to the emotional and mental health of ministers is on the rise, taking a toll on the wellbeing of ministers and their families.

He warned that the situation could ultimately affect the quality of service and the spiritual wellbeing of the church if not addressed.

“The Ministerial Comfort and Renewal initiative is set up to restore hope and transformation to ministers in distress, notwithstanding the cause. It will focus resources on meeting the needs of ministers who require support in areas such as multidisciplinary counselling, recovery from burnout, depression, emotional pain, family challenges, fatigue, discouragement, struggles with sin, and leadership abuse,” he said.

The Ministerial Comfort and Renewal initiative continues to resonate strongly among participants, reinforcing the broader message of ICML 2026 that effective leadership begins with a healthy and renewed minister.

Foreign delegates from the United Kingdom, Sierra Leone and the Republic of Benin, as well as participants from other ministries, were also in attendance.