15/01/2026
THE 2026 NATIONAL LEADERS’ RETREAT
Assemblies of God Nigeria
Theme : Breaking Barriers and Advancing the Church.
The General Superintendent Rev Dr Abel Ukachi Amadi delivered a message on the topic titled
“Breaking Barriers to Maintaining the Sinlessness of God’s Standards, Core Values, and Practices”
The ongoing 2026 National Leaders’ Retreat of the Assemblies of God Nigeria featured a powerful and timely message delivered by the General Superintendent, Rev. Abel Ukachi Amadi, PhD. The message focused on the urgent need for the Church to break barriers that hinder the maintenance of God’s standards, core values, and practices, especially in a rapidly changing and morally declining world.
Breaking Barriers to Maintaining the Sinlessness of God’s Standards, Core Values, and Practices”
Rev Amadi emphasized that the survival, credibility, and future of the Church depend largely on her ability to uphold biblical standards without compromise.
Scriptural Foundation
The General Superintendent anchored his message on 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, which recounts the institution of the Lord’s Supper. He read the passage and stated that:
• The Lord’s Supper was instituted to continually remind the Church of the death, sacrifice, and redemptive purpose of Jesus Christ.
• The practice is meant to preserve doctrine, maintain spiritual consciousness, and keep the Church aligned with Christ’s sacrifice until He comes again.
He further noted that biblical ordinances and traditions are divinely instituted to preserve truth across generations.
The Importance of Standards
Rev. Amadi defined standards as principles established by authority, custom, or collective agreement to serve as a model, measure, or benchmark for behavior and practice.
He stated that:
• Standards guide conduct, decision-making, and identity.
• Core values shape the culture, ethos, and integrity of any organization, including the Church.
• The Assemblies of God Nigeria has survived past crises largely because of its strong doctrinal standards, core values, and established practices.
Furthermore, he pointed out that in times of uncertainty, moral confusion, and societal pressure, the Church must re-emphasize and protect its standards rather than dilute them.
The General Superintendent lamented the observable decline in spiritual maturity, holiness, and discipline within the Church. He stated that:
• Core values are increasingly being compromised.
• Sin is being tolerated rather than confronted.
• Leadership failures and moral lapses are sometimes overlooked for convenience.
He emphasized that quantity without integrity weakens the Church, noting that Moses’ challenge was not numbers but obedience and faithfulness.
Rev. Amadi further stated that:
• Standards give the Church a clear identity.
• Behavior reflects belief, and conduct reveals spiritual origin.
• Members should be identifiable by their convictions, conduct, and commitment to truth.
He warned that abandoning doctrinal foundations in favor of modern trends would erode the Church’s authority and witness.
Teaching, Membership, and Discipleship
Rev Amadi strongly emphasized the need for proper teaching and structured membership processes. He pointed out that:
• Many believers lack foundational understanding of salvation, church membership, discipline, and service.
• Full membership classes, baptismal classes, and discipleship programs must be properly handled by pastors.
• Failure to teach produces immature believers who struggle with obedience, commitment, and accountability.
He further stated that:
• Teaching is the foundation for responsible Christian living.
• Discipline issues often arise because people were never properly instructed.
Marriage, Family, and Moral Standards
Rev. Amadi clearly reaffirmed the Church’s position on marriage, stating that:
• Marriage is strictly between a man and a woman, both of whom must be genuinely born again.
• Same-sex unions are unacceptable and will not be conducted by any Assemblies of God pastor.
• Marriage processes must involve counseling, screening, testing, and approval through the appropriate church committees.
He further warned against:
• Rushed marriages
• Ignoring premarital counseling
• Overlooking moral lapses such as pregnancy before marriage without proper pastoral handling
He stressed that proper procedures protect individuals, families, and the Church.
The General Superintendent emphasized that:
• Ministerial calling must follow established processes.
• Candidates for ministry must be born again, active members, spiritually mature, and properly trained.
• Bible school education, discipline, and character formation are non-negotiable.
He warned that shortcuts in ministry preparation lead to moral failure, doctrinal error, and leadership crisis.
Rev. Amadi stated that:
• Financial procedures, accountability systems, and administrative hierarchies must be strictly followed.
• Leaders must consult appropriately before making decisions.
• Disregard for due process breeds chaos, suspicion, and division.
Rev Amadi emphasized that:
• Discipline is biblical and necessary.
• Standards for correction apply to all members, regardless of position.
• Tolerating sin weakens the Church and dishonors God.
He stated that:
“The fear of discipline is the beginning of wisdom.”
He noted that discipline has historically preserved the dignity and credibility of the Assemblies of God Nigeria.
In conclusion, Rev. Abel Ukachi Amadi stated that the Church is facing a gradual erosion of long-established standards. He warned that unless deliberate efforts are made to restore, uphold, and transmit these values to future generations, the Church risks losing its moral authority and spiritual relevance.
He called on leaders at all levels to:
• Stand firm
• Reject compromise
• Preserve what was handed down by the founding fathers
• Pass the same standards intact to the next generation
He emphasized that sin destroys, but righteousness preserves, and that the Church will not die if it remains faithful to God’s standards.
The session concluded with a solemn prayer led by Rev John Agev , asking God for:
• Restoration of lost values
• Revival and renewal
• Strength for leaders
• Grace to remain steadfast
• Faithfulness to the original vision of the Church
The prayer reaffirmed the collective resolve of the leadership to walk in righteousness, purity, and obedience, for the glory of God and the preservation of the Assemblies of God Nigeria.
~Daniel Chimezirim Lazarus
