ECWA Inducts Rev. Dr. Bagat as 12th President, Rev. Dr. Panya Steps Aside

The Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, has inducted Rev. Dr. Job Bagat as the 12th President of the Church following his election during the 71st General Church Council, GCC meeting held in April this year.

The induction service which was held on Saturday at the ECWA Headquarters International Conference Hall, Jos, Plateau State. It was conducted alongside the induction of Rev. Dr. Sunday Congo as the ECWA Assistant General Secretary as well as the send off of Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya whose six years of two tenures have ended.

In a sermon at the Induction service, the President of Church of Christ in Nations, (COCIN), Rev Dr. Amos Mohzo, read Numbers 8:23-26 and Joshua 1:5-6, and spoke on the topic, “stepping aside with grace.”

He said leadership has phases, begining and ending. He noted that any leadership that is not from God goes with crisis. But opined that leaders, especially Church Leaders are set aside by God for service.

While congratulating the former President of ECWA, Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya for his selfless service to God in His vineyard and the successful completion of his tenure as President of the Church, the COCIN President said retirement is what every minister looks forward to after.

He called on the Church to support the new leadership as he encouraged the new President, Rev. Dr. Job Bagat to put God first in his dealings and God will lead His Church to revival.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya performed the induction rites on the new President, Rev. Dr. Job Bagat and the ECWA Assistant General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Sunday Congo before the new President also performed the retirement rite on the former President.

The newly inducted President of ECWA, Rev. Dr. Job Bagat, paid tributes to the leaders before him as exceptional leaders. He said he is aware of the privilege and responsibilities that accompany the position.

“I want to assure you that I do not take for granted the grace of God and the confidence you have placed in me. I earnestly seek your support, prayers and guidance as we journey forward together.

“My commitment lies in upholding the cherished values and mission of ECWA, striving towards the advancement of our community and the realization of God’s divine purpose for us.” He said.

While emphasizing the importance of good governance within the church, the President reminded other leaders that they have the responsibility to steward the resources and talents that God entrusted to them.

” Let us lead with integrity, transparency and accountability, always seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all we do.

In his farewell speech, the former President, Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya appreciated God’s faithfulness over his life, family and Church in his journey in the vineyard and especially in his 6 years as President of ECWA.

He quoted, Ecclesiastes 3:1, saying; “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…

“Putting these verses in the right context, let me say that there is A time to come as the ECWA President and a time to leave as the ECWA President; a time to come as Chairman New Life For All, and a time to leave as Chairman New Life For All; a time to come as Chairman NEF and a time to leave as Chairman NEF; a time to come as Chairman Plateau Denominational Heads and a time to leave as Chairman Plateau Denominational Heads; a time to come as Leader of the Solemn Assembly Forum and a time to leave as Leader of the Solemn Assembly Forum and much more.” He added.

He urged his successor and the entire ECWA Executive to continue to adhere to the provisions of ECWA Constitution and Bye-Laws, and all other ECWA books, and laws of the land that govern the operations of ECWA as a faith-based organization, including CAMA.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State while congratulating the church, noted that ECWA has played significant roles in nation building, especially in the areas of Agriculture, health and Education, aside the spiritual role. He congratulated the former President and wished the new one a successful tenure as he pledged government continued efforts in maintaining peace in the state.

There were goodwill messages from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President, Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), ECWA Board of Trustee, Government of Kaduna, Nasarawa and Gombe States.