20/08/2026
Excerpts From Okota District 2026 Biennial Conference
Theme: BE STEADFAST
Texts: 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Peter 3:17
«1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV):
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”»
«2 Peter 3:17 (KJV):
“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.”»
INTRODUCTION
Ministry is not a solo assignment but a shared calling. Pastors and their spouses are partners in advancing the Kingdom of God. While ministry brings joy and fulfilment, it also presents unique pressures that can affect marriages, families, and spiritual lives.
God calls us to remain steadfast—firm in faith, unwavering in love, faithful in character, and committed to His calling until the end.
1. UNDERSTANDING THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF MINISTRY COUPLES
Every ministry family faces challenges that require grace, wisdom, patience, and intentionality.
Some of these include:
- Balancing ministry with family responsibilities.
- Managing expectations from church members.
- Spiritual warfare and discouragement.
- Financial pressures and demanding schedules.
- Raising godly children under public scrutiny.
- Emotional exhaustion and burnout.
Encouragement from Scripture
Galatians 6:9 (KJV):
«“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”»
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV):
«“Fear thou not; for I am with thee... I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee...”»
Key Lesson
Ministry should never become an excuse to neglect the family God has entrusted to us.
The yardstick for measuring ministry success should not be based primarily on pulpit success, but also on the strength and spiritual health of the church in our homes.
Biblical Examples
Eli’s Family — 1 Samuel 3:11–14
Eli was a priest and judge in Israel, yet his failure to restrain his sons brought serious consequences upon his household. This reminds us that ministry responsibility must be accompanied by responsibility for the home.
Samuel’s Family — 1 Samuel 8:1–5
Samuel served God faithfully, but Scripture records that his sons did not walk in his ways. This reminds us of the importance of intentionally nurturing and discipling our children.
Philip’s Family — Acts 21:8–10
Philip the evangelist provides a positive example. His four unmarried daughters were known for their spiritual gifts and prophetic ministry. His home became a testimony of godly influence.
Key Thought: Our greatest ministry begins at home.
2. STRENGTHENING THE BOND BETWEEN PASTOR AND SPOUSE
A strong ministry is strengthened by a strong marriage.
Ministry couples should intentionally:
- Pray together consistently.
- Communicate openly and honestly.
- Encourage and affirm one another.
- Carry each other’s burdens.
- Protect quality family time.
- Resolve conflicts quickly and lovingly.
- Cultivate romance, affection, and friendship.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (KJV):
«“Two are better than one... For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.”»
Ephesians 4:2–3 (BSB):
«“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”»
3. PRACTISING WHAT WE PREACH AT HOME
Our first congregation is our family.
Our spouses and children should experience the gospel through our lives before they hear it from our pulpits.
We must:
- Demonstrate love, forgiveness, and humility.
- Live lives of integrity.
- Be consistent in private and public.
- Build family altars of prayer and Bible study.
- Model the character of Christ in our homes.
James 1:22 (KJV):
«“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only...”»
1 Timothy 3:4–5 (KJV):
«“One that ruleth well his own house... For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?”»
Key Thought: What we preach publicly must be demonstrated privately.
4. MAKING OUR HOMES ROLE MODELS TO THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY
The minister’s home should reflect Christ.
Our homes should be characterised by:
- Love and peace.
- Godly values and discipline.
- Hospitality and kindness.
- Mutual respect between husband and wife.
- A testimony that inspires others to follow Christ.
Matthew 5:16 (KJV):
«“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”»
Joshua 24:15 (KJV):
«“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”»
5. REMAINING STEADFAST UNTIL THE END
Steadfastness requires daily dependence on God.
We must:
- Stand firm in God’s Word.
- Guard our spiritual lives.
- Maintain holiness and integrity.
- Encourage one another continually.
- Keep our eyes on the eternal reward.
Hebrews 10:23 (KJV):
«“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”»
Philippians 3:13–14 (KJV):
«“Forgetting those things which are behind... I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”»
CONCLUSION
The strength of our ministry is inseparable from the strength of our homes. The church may listen to our sermons, but our families experience our lives.
As pastors, pastors’ wives, and lady ministers, let us remain steadfast in our marriages, faithful in our calling, and exemplary in our homes.
When our homes honour Christ, our ministries become more credible, our witness becomes more powerful, and God is glorified.
CHARGE
1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV):
«“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”»
TAKE-HOME POINTS
1. Be steadfast in your walk with God.
2. Be steadfast in your marriage and family.
3. Be steadfast in your ministry partnership.
4. Practise at home what you preach from the pulpit.
5. Let your home be a living testimony that glorifies Christ and inspires the church and society.
6. Maintain a strong and healthy bond with your spouse.
FINAL REMINDER
Be steadfast. Be unmoveable. Keep loving. Keep serving. Keep building your home. Keep serving God together.
Your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
