United Church of Christ Consecrates Chimaobi Egbo as Bishop, Calls for Renewal and Integrity

A call for spiritual renewal, unity, and a renewed commitment to evangelism resonated through Enugu, Nigeria, as leaders and members of the United Church of Christ (UCC) gathered for the consecration and inauguration of Apostle John Chimaobi Egbo. The event officially installed Egbo as the church’s Bishop and General Overseer, marking a significant moment for the denomination.

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God intends that the church must live the kingdom here on earth, and with that, it will translate into society. In the kingdom of God, things are done properly; there is integrity and excellence. If we say we are Christians, we are supposed to shine the light for others to see. And the light shines brightest where there is darkness.

The ceremony also served as a platform for church leaders to issue a challenge to Christians across Nigeria. They were urged to uphold integrity, exert positive influence on society through godly leadership, and actively participate in shaping the nation's democratic future. This call to action underscores the church's perceived role in broader societal and political development.

Nearly 28 years after a public declaration in September 1998 that he would one day lead the UCC, Apostle John Chimaobi Egbo, son of the church's late founder Apostle Samuel Egbo, saw that prophecy fulfilled. The colorful ceremony, held at the Faith Cathedral, Fountain of Peace, was presided over by Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM). Okonkwo described the occasion as a transition and a renewed mandate to advance Christ’s mission.

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Remember that you belong to Christ and represent God who has called you, not politics and people. Stand autonomously and set yourself apart from those who would want to control you and determine how you operate outside of the Lord’s calling.

Bishop Okonkwo emphasized the theme "Dominion Mandate: Taking the Mission for Christ," stating that God desires the church to manifest His kingdom on earth through integrity and excellence. He urged the new bishop to remain faithful to his calling, resist external influences, and avoid the "theatrics and drama" prevalent in the contemporary Christian world. "Destiny is attached to your name," Okonkwo told Egbo, encouraging him to seek God's grace and stay grounded in scripture.

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Destiny is attached to your name. Seek the grace of God, stay in the Scriptures, and do not get involved in all the theatrics and drama going on in the Christian world today.