ECWA Wraps Up 73rd Council Meeting, Charts Path for Int’l Reach, Unity

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has successfully concluded its 73rd General Church Council (GCC) meeting with bold resolutions aimed at expanding its global mission footprint, strengthening internal structures, and fostering greater unity, while addressing key national concerns.

The four-day council, held from April 21 to 24 at the church’s International Headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, drew delegates from 96 District Church Councils (DCCs) across Nigeria and the diaspora.

Conducted in a spirit of prayer, reflection, and constructive dialogue, the meeting focused on spiritual growth, governance, mission advancement, and the church’s role in national development.

In the official communiqué signed by ECWA President Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat Malam and General Secretary Rev. (Dr.) Ayuba Asheshe, the Council announced several landmark decisions.

It conducted peaceful and transparent elections on the first day, electing Rev. Chidi Madubuko as the new Vice President to succeed Rev. (Dr.) Sunday S. Ajise. Rev. (Dr.) Ayuba Asheshe was returned unopposed for a second term as General Secretary, while Rev. Dr. Ezekiel Babatunde Omidiji was elected as the new Trustee for Zone 9.

To support the church’s rapid growth, the Council approved the creation of three new District Church Councils on a two-year probation: Chonge-Pero DCC (from Shongom DCC), Tafawa Balewa DCC (from Dass DCC), and Kontagora DCC (from Minna DCC). This brings the total number of DCCs in ECWA to 100.

A major highlight was the Council’s resolution to restructure ECWA to fully reflect its international character in governance, operations, and mission engagement.

The restructuring will be implemented in clearly defined phases with broad consultation, aiming to enhance cross-cultural ministry, deepen global partnerships, and position the church for more effective participation in God’s mission worldwide.

The Council commended progress on the Garam development project near Bwari in Abuja, including the acquisition of additional land for security and sustainability, and endorsed structured crowdfunding to accelerate completion.

It also dedicated the newly completed Trustees’ Lodge and approved the pilot implementation of a centralized salary scheme starting January 2027 to promote equity and improved welfare for church workers.

The Council praised Bingham University for its two decades of excellence as Northern Nigeria’s first private university and announced the rebranding of ECWA Television to Bingham Television, now back on air via NIGCOMSAT frequency 12647 to strengthen gospel outreach and societal engagement.

On capacity building, the Council adopted a “train-the-trainers” model to decentralise training and build sustainable grassroots capacity.

It also called for increased support for the Evangelical Missionary Society (EMS), noting the need to match growing mission opportunities with adequate resources.

Addressing internal challenges, the Council appealed for unity and reconciliation within ECWA in Kano, urging members to set aside differences and prioritise the advancement of the Gospel.

It commended the church’s financial management for its transparency and prudence, while cautioning against the uncritical use of Artificial Intelligence, stressing that technology must serve to glorify God and advance the Gospel rather than replace spiritual dependence.

The Council appreciated the Federal Government for appointing some ECWA members as Ministers and prayed for their success.

However, it expressed deep concern over persistent insecurity across the country, including killings and kidnappings in all geopolitical zones, and called on government to take more decisive action to protect lives and property.

It also urged urgent rehabilitation of deteriorating national roads to improve safety and economic productivity.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Council encouraged eligible members to register and participate actively, while urging those gifted for politics to engage responsibly.

It called on electoral bodies to uphold integrity and fairness, and advised all members to conduct themselves peacefully.

In conclusion, the Council gave thanks to God for His guidance and called on all ECWA members to remain steadfast in faith, unity, and mission while contributing to national peace, development, and righteousness.

The 73rd GCC has set a clear vision for ECWA as a vibrant, globally-oriented church committed to both spiritual excellence and responsible national engagement.