The Annual Synod of the D-Line Diocese meets to deliberate on matters of faith, governance, mission, and development. The decisions and resolutions recorded here represent the official positions and commitments of the Diocese for each session.
The Represented Session of Synod prays Conference to approve the upgrading of Obio Section to a Circuit Status.
That in view of the fact that MCN Awara is distant from the Circuit and the Diocesan headquarters, Synod in Session therefore prays Conference to secede the Church to Owerri Diocese since it is closer and in the same State.
That Codes be allocated to all Churches under the Diocese for the purpose of tracking remittances.
That the 10-Year Development Plan be accepted as presented.
That the Resolution on the mandatory opening of new Churches during Synod be revisited.
Any Synod delegate sponsored by Circuits and Local Churches who fails to attend the Synod should refund registration fees back to the source.
That any Minister or Church worker who pays less attention to the proper checking and monitoring of the weekly journal, thereby attracting shortfalls, shall henceforth bear the responsibilities.
That the Diocesan Development Fund be changed to Diocesan Development Support to allow for more participation by members.
That the Diocesan Development Support card be made available to all members and branded envelopes be produced at various Churches for non-members/visitors.
That Circuits are mandated to submit their audited annual financial report within the first 4 months of the year to the Diocese, and Local Churches do same to the Circuit.
All Circuits, Local Churches and Preaching Stations should henceforth comply with the guidelines provided by Diocesan Land Acquisition & Development Committee in respect of all land acquisition and Church building matters.
That Property Stewards of Circuits should make submission of comprehensive register and inventory of property (donated or acquired) to the Diocesan Property Office at least once a year.
That the Diocesan Investment & Advisory Committee for Land Acquisition should work with the Leadership of the Diocese to develop a Master Plan for Bethel Land for viable investments by end of the second quarter of 2024.
That all Circuits/Sections and Local Churches be encouraged to explore profitable and low-risk business ventures.
That all Local Churches/Circuits should equip their manses to the standard stipulated by Conference.
That all Local Churches/Circuits should review upward their welfare policies for ministers in view of the present-day economic situations.
That Churches that do not undertake "You and Your Pastor" should initiate it immediately and members are encouraged to participate.
Music and Worship: That special attention and training be in place for the Choir and band and budgetary provisions made for music and worship, including musical instruments.
That Lay Preachers who have reached seventy (70) years of age be appreciated by organising a service of thanksgiving to celebrate their retirement this year.
That on no account should non-Methodist be allowed or invited to mount our pulpit without the consent and approval of the Presbyter and Bishop.
That as a way of encouraging good efforts of members, deserving committed members should be recognised with the Eldership award of the Diocese.
That Circuits should have a retainership with a hospital of their choice, while the Diocese considers Meridian Hospital D/Line and Sir Dr Dick Tambari Hospital in Bori for Ministers and their families.
That effort be made to revitalise and enhance the activities of the AMB at various levels.
That the appraisal and performance award of merit for Circuits/Sections should come under the Nomination, Appraisal and Merit Committee.
As a result of the importance of Evangelism to the Church, Second Sunday Evangelism should be continuously strengthened in all churches in the Diocese to win more souls.
That any Church up to ten years should not remain a Preaching Station but seek to become a Local Church.
That in opening new Churches, we should be strategically conscious of the minimum requirements or standards set up for opening of new Churches.
That all Churches should have a follow-up team or unit to foster the evangelism/soul-winning work in the Diocese.
That Circuits/Sections be encouraged to upgrade at least one Church annually to a more fitting and vibrant Church in line with present realities.
That MCN Rumuodara and Eagle Island should be set for their inauguration as Local Churches as approved by the 2023 Synod, without further delay.
All Local Churches should employ security personnel who are conversant with security protocols and current security strategies to curb insecurity on Church premises.
That while urging the Diocese and Circuits to set up schools, such schools will be expected to meet up with basic educational requirements for registration and operation.
That neither arms meeting nor programme should clash with the general programme of the Church to affect members' participation in general Church programs.
"Contending for the Faith" — Jude 1:3. Believers are exhorted to contend earnestly for the faith delivered to the saints, to grow, pray, and stay in the love of God.
That Christian leaders and elders, especially in the Methodist Church, should strive for peace in their various communities.
That M.T.I should not be a dumping ground — only people with a genuine calling should be chosen and sponsored into ministerial training.
That Synod should set up a committee to embark on meaningful investment at all levels, from the Diocese to local churches, as a matter of urgency.
That the Diocese should implement discipline in line with the Constitution for the sake of correcting individuals, regardless of who is involved.
That there should be regular pastoral and properly coordinated House Fellowship and visitations by the clergy and laity to combat and reduce the exodus of members from our churches.
That vibrant churches should release materials or equipment they no longer use to smaller churches.
That both lay and ministers should be involved in the payment of tithes seriously. More commitment and teaching on tithing/giving is required.
That church services in most Methodist Churches should not exceed 90 minutes. Leaders are encouraged to practise effective time management.
Synod re-emphasised the Diocesan Development Fund Card with a minimum of ₦100.00 per member per Sunday.
Synod advised Government at all levels to pay more attention to the Agricultural Sector of the economy.
Res. 11 — Candidates for the Ministry
| # | Name | Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| i | Deaconess Tordum Legyo Gbarage | D/Line Circuit |
| ii | Evang. Fester Mordecai | Asarama Circuit |
| iii | Evang. Kafiam Mark Nte Ajah | Asarama Circuit |
| iv | Evang. Suka Lah Nwikue | Rumukalagbor Circuit |
Res. 12 — Deacons on Probation
| # | Name | Movement |
|---|---|---|
| i | Rev. Fidelia Paago | Year 3 → Ordination |
| ii | Rev. Chukwuemeka Enwereuzo (T) | Year 3 → Ordination |
| iii | Rev. Aniedi George Ime (T) | Year 2 → Year 3 |
| iv | Rev. Kelechi D. Uchendu | Year 3 → Ordination |
| v | Rev. Ekenma Goodluck | Year 2 → Year 3 |
| vi | Rev. Gogo Blessed | Year 3 → Ordination |
Res. 13 — Candidates for Ordination
| # | Name |
|---|---|
| i | Rev. Chukwuemeka Enwereuzo |
| ii | Rev. Fidelia Paago |
| iii | Rev. Kelechi D. Uchendu |
| iv | Rev. Gogo Blessed |
Res. 14 — Ministers in Training
| # | Name | Year / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| i | Frank Uwabunkeonye Okereke | 3rd Year — M.T.I.U |
| ii | Frank Barivale Teega | 2nd Year — M.T.I Umuahia |
| iii | Favour Kanu | 2nd Year — M.T.I Umuahia |
| iv | Manaseh Awajikponyem | 1st Year — M.T.I Umuahia |
| v | Marshal Rose Lawrence | 1st Year — M.T.I Umuahia |
Res. 15 — Candidates for Commissioning
| # | Name |
|---|---|
| i | Abanu Sordum (T) |
| ii | Napoleon Ifeanyi Chukwu |
| iii | OYS Rev. Goodluck Ekenma |
That Tribalism, Nepotism, Sectionalism and Favouritism should not be seen or mentioned among Methodist faithful, both lay and clergy, hence our connectional system.
That MCN Elelenwo and MCN Rumuodara (both in Woji Circuit) be upgraded from preaching stations to full-fledged Local Church status.
Diocesan Evangelism Department should oversee MCN Apajo as part of their mission field.
That MCN Eneka and MCN Igwuruta (both in Elimgbu Circuit) should be upgraded from preaching stations to full-fledged Local Churches.
All Local Churches should take security during worship seriously by engaging trained security personnel to forestall any misfortune.
Diocese should develop a model and strategy for evangelism by directing all Arms/Units to be actively involved in evangelism with close follow-up on new converts.
Diocese should make it mandatory for all circuits and local churches to organise quarterly health talks, seminars, symposia and medical check-ups.
Without prejudice to existing departments, the Diocese should develop a model and strategy for evangelism by directing arms/fellowships to maintain close follow-up on new converts.
Grassroots workers should be carefully examined, trained and retrained to avoid establishing new Preaching Posts on sinking foundation and not on Christ and Methodism.
Ministers and leaders should patronise the church primary/secondary schools to give their wards holistic qualitative Christian education.
The school library should be stocked with relevant educational materials and books.
School buses should be provided for both primary and secondary levels to convey pupils/students from distant places for wider publicity of the school.
That the association of old students of our school should be officially inaugurated to give a sense of belonging and commitment to the old students.
That the implementation of scholarship to students of the host community should be continued.
Diocese should have an immediate and futuristic plan for the take-off of the boarding school.
Modern playing equipment should be purchased for the Nursery/Primary School.
That the Methodist Comprehensive High School should explore becoming a JAMB Centre to help advertise and generate revenue for the school.
That the Secondary School should set up facilities for entrepreneurship training e.g., soap making, catering, tailoring, and that entrepreneurship should be incorporated into the curriculum.
That a Diocesan Manpower Committee be established to plan and organise training for members. Approved members:
That all Circuit and Sectional Headquarters including capable Local Churches are encouraged to obtain the Marriage by Ordinance licence from the Local Government.
That a Church Building & Development Advisory Committee be set up with the following responsibilities:
House Fellowships:
That machinery is put in place to arrange a workshop/meeting/seminar where the 5-Year Development Plan is discussed with Local Churches and Circuits Leadership.
Remittances:
That Synod should accept the application for the creation of Agip Section. Quarterly meeting votes: For 18, Against 2, Neutral 1.
That the Diocese should resuscitate the medical and health committees comprising all medical personnel in the Diocese.
That each Circuit should have a functional health committee.
That the Diocese should have a retainership with Meridian Hospital D/Line and Sir Dr. Dick Tambari Hospital in Bori for ministers and family healthcare.
That the Diocese should plan to have a functional hospital in the near future.
That men at the age of 40 years and above should ensure they go for prostate medical check-up.
"Conclusively, the Synod believes that proper implementation of all these recommendations by the house will undoubtedly transform our Diocese, Circuit and Local Churches for the better."
— 13th Annual Synod Conclusion
"Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." — Jude 1:3 (NKJV) · Theme of the 13th Annual Synod, 2023
For certified copies of SYNOD Resolutions or enquiries about specific decisions, contact the Diocesan Secretariat.
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