Transformative Character Formation: Equipping Young Gospel Ministers For Sustainable Ministry In Nigeria

Abstract:

Transformative character formation is an essential instrument of preparing young Gospel ministers for sustainable ministry in Nigeria. The pressures of contemporary Nigerian society, including materialism, leadership crises, moral compromise, competition, and the pursuit of personal success, can adversely affect young ministers if character formation is neglected. Transformative character formation is a systematic process of reshaping, adjusting, and forming values, behaviours, and perspectives through genuine encounters with Jesus Christ, daily life experiences, and mentoring. Indices of transformative character formation include genuine encounter with Jesus Christ, depending on the Holy Spirit as the Enabler, the transformation process, the manifestation state, and moral discernment and responsible decision-making. The paper argues that good character is indispensable in effective pastoral ministry because, without character, there is no ministry. The call of God can take a minister of God to greater heights in ministry, but character will sustain him or her in that place. Thus, character manifests itself in relationships and determines how the minister performs in ministry. The paper concludes that equipping young gospel ministers for sustainable ministry in Nigeria must be intentional and relational.