NATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRY – HOW IT ALL STARTED!
The National Youth Ministry (NYM) is the arm of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria that is saddled with the responsibility of coordinating the activities of young people between the ages of 20 – 35 years. Prior to 2022, the arm operates as a unit under the National Directorate of Home Missions but is now under the National Directorate of Youth and Next-Gen. The unit is headed by a coordinator who works with a council known as the National Youth Council (NYC). The current coordinator is Pst. Gbenga Olowe.
History
The Youth work until 1999 operated under the Christian Education and Youth Ministry at all local, zonal district and national levels. For the conduct of the first Sunday School which took place on November 1, 1955, the account given by Rev. Boyejo had it that the Sunday was organized into classes. Brother Curtis taught the Adult English Class. Bro. Boyejo taught the Young People. Sister Season took care of the Junior while Sister Curtis was put in charge of Primary Class. Brother Odunaike acted as the Sunday School Superintendent and Secretary who took the records of the attendance and offerings of the first Sunday School.
According to Rev. E. Ola Adeogun’s account in the book, A transplant of the Vine, “Rev. Boyejo thereafter was tremendously used of the Lord to set up and nurture the Christian Education Ministry. He successfully produced and handed over to Pastor Joseph Ogunyomi, LateE.S. Ogunjimi, Pastor E. Ola Adeogun, Rev. J.A. Adesina, Pastor J. Agbereowei. Succeeding these ones is Rev. (Sis) Sophia Vanderpuye who is being ably assisted by Pastor (Mrs) Regina Kehinde. These committed ministers have improved greatly on the solid foundation laid by Pastor Boyejo”. The Christian Education Ministry besides Sunday School produced literature and conducted seminars and trainings to enhance growth in Christian Faith and ministry to the Youths, Single parents, women, men, and the Children. Of mention are the camping programs for all age groups, children, and youths.
During this era a President was appointed at National, District, Zonal and Local Church levels to coordinate the activities of the Youths. Such appointments were at the instance of the General Overseer, District Overseer, Zonal Superintendent and Senior Pastor of the Local Church as the case may be. The first (and only) National Youth President was Bro. Toyin Olufadeji.
The Birth
The birth of the modern-day Youth Ministry dates to 1996 following the appointment of Rev. J.A. Lamidi as the National Director of Youth. Subsequent National Directors of Youth Ministry are listed in order of succession dates below:
+ Rev. J.A. Lamidi – 1996 to 2000
+ Rev. C.B. Adebayo – 2000 to 2002
+ Rev. Dr. Richard Udoh – 2003 to 2004
+ Rev. Tope Oni – 2005 to 2008
+ Rev. Rotimi Andu – 2009 to June 2013
+ Rev. Chukutem Chukuka – July 2013 to July 2018
+ Pst. Gbenga Olowe – July 2018 to date
A review of the VISION and MISSION of the National Youth Ministry was undertaken by Rev. Chukuka Chukutem (National Youth Director) in July 2013 with the objective of expanding the scope, involving more of our Youths in the programs and activities of the Church and enhancing Youth interest and participation from the local church to the National level.
A review of the VISION and MISSION of the National Youth Ministry was undertaken by Rev. Chukuka Chukutem (National Youth Director) in July 2013 with the objective of expanding the scope, involving more of our Youths in the programs and activities of the Church and enhancing Youth interest and participation from the local church to the National level.
Our Core Values
Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria National Youth Ministry is made up of youthful people. We are upheld by certain virtues and values that drive us to be purposeful people.
