Rev. Dr. Pofi Charges Clergy Against Focusing on Material things

By Joy Bala Jonathan

The Chaplain, NIPSS Kuru, Rev, Dr, David Pofi has advised pastors and their wives to concentrate on preaching the word and not to chase after money.

He made this known recently at Miango Rest Home (MRH), Jos, where he was speaking as a guest speaker during the ECWA Bukuru DCC Pastors and Wives Annual Retreat with the theme: ‘Spiritual Renewal and Marital Enrichment’.

Both Rev. Pofi and his wife, Mrs. Gyarta Pofi addressed sensitive topics such as sex and money within the context of pastoral life. On his part Rev. Pofi reminded pastors that their focus should be on preaching the Word rather than chasing after money, assuring them that as they prioritize God’s work, He will provide for their needs. “Money is to serve ministers of the gospel, not the other way round” Rev. Dr. Pofi added.

In his teaching, Rev. Dr. Pofi urged the pastors and their wives to view their marriage as integral to their Christian lives, noting that effective communication with one’s spouse is as vital as communication with God. He warned that a lack of agreement between couples can hinder their prayers and stressed that ministers would be more effective in their ministries if they listened to their spouses.

Mrs. Pofi encouraged couples to express gratitude to one another in the area of sexual intimacy, stating that this fosters confidence and aligns with God’s design for marriage, as reflected in the Bible (Corinthians 7:1).

On the subject of finances, the facilitators advised pastors and their wives to cultivate a culture of saving and investing, referencing 1 Peter 5:4, which instructs them not to be a burden to their congregations. They emphasized that savings would enable pastors’ families to better plan for their future.

The retreat was a time of reflection, learning, and rejuvenation for the pastors and their spouses, reinforcing the importance of effective communication in building strong, Christ-centered marriages.

Mrs. Pofi also provided invaluable insights on the topic of sex within marriage, encouraging wives to express appreciation to their husbands whenever they enjoy intimacy and vice versa. She emphasized that enjoying sex within marriage is God’s will as found in 1 Corinthians 7:1, which admonishes couples not to deny one another. According to her a healthy sexual relationship boosts a man’s confidence and strengthens the marital bond.

The District Church Council (D.C.C.) Chairman Bukuru, Rev. Ezra Anthony in his speech acknowledged the skepticism that initially greeted the announcement of the retreat, with many pastors feeling the pressure of economic hardship that has gripped the nation and, by extension, the church.

However, he emphasized that the retreat was crucial for three main reasons: to reconnect with their spouses, to provide couples with much-needed rest, and to enable participants to refocus and recharge for the challenges ahead.

While underscoring the necessity of the retreat Rev. Anthony said “When a member has a marital problem, he or she runs to the pastor, but when a pastor has a marital problem in his home, where does he run to?” Therefore the retreat served as a platform for pastors and their wives to sharpen each other and strengthen their marital bonds.