Faith Leaders Collective, Southwest Nigeria, is set to host a conference focused on rekindling spiritual revival and raising effective Kingdom leaders. In this interview with Christian Benefits magazine, the Regional Leader, Apostle Dr. Jonathan Friday Aigbomian, speaks on the conference, the fellowship’s vision and the importance of having the mind of Christ. Excerpts:
Sir, please introduce yourself to our readers.
I am Apostle Dr. Jonathan Friday Aigbomian, a native of Ihumudumu, Ekpoma, Edo State. I am married to Evangelist Regina Aigbomian, and we are blessed with children.
Tell us about your background and salvation encounter.
I was born into a Christian family, but at the age of seven, my late aunt, Mrs Rebecca George, took me to Kaduna to live with her. She was married to the late Engineer Ibrahim George, a Muslim. As a young child, I joined them in practising their religion and grew up as a Muslim until I completed my primary education at Narayi Primary School, Kaduna.
After my primary education, I returned to Edo State to continue my secondary education. My family in Edo State were members of the Assemblies of God Church, Ihumudumu Branch. Immediately after returning home, I began attending church services with my family, although casually at first.
During one of the church’s midweek programmes, the power of God came down mightily. I witnessed people prophesying, speaking in tongues and experiencing different manifestations of God’s power. When I got home, I asked my elder brother several questions about what had happened in the church. I also told him that I wanted God to use me.
He explained that I needed to surrender my life fully to Christ and remain committed to the things of God. That was the day I made the decision to surrender fully to Christ. From then on, I became determined to remain committed to the worship and service of God.
Share with us about your call into ministry and mandate.
I had just started secondary school when I began noticing God’s mighty manifestations in my life as I became more committed to His work. Whenever I went out for evangelism or was given the opportunity to minister in church, I noticed God’s grace at work in my life. Gradually, I began receiving invitations to preach at different programmes.
My elder brother later invited me to Kano to complete my secondary education. There, I joined the Assemblies of God Church at 35 Gold Coast Road, Sabon Gari, Kano. As time went on, my encounter with God deepened, and it was during this period that I received my call into ministry.
I have served as a revivalist in a few churches, and I am currently serving under Mountain of Grace and Glory Ministry, Lagos.
How did Faith Leaders Collective begin, and what is its vision?
Faith Leaders Collective, formerly known as Faith Christian Fellowship International (FCF International), has its headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. It was founded around 1977–1978 by Doyle “Buddy” Harrison and his wife, Pat Harrison, under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Buddy Harrison passed away in November 1998, while his wife, Pat Harrison, continues to lead the fellowship alongside other leaders. The couple are the daughter and son-in-law of Kenneth Hagin Sr.
The original vision was to be a family within the family of God, providing legal and spiritual covering for those in relationship with the fellowship.
Our mission is to bring together capable, skilled and committed workers who share the vision, equipping them to fulfil the vision God has given them and empowering them to walk in their divine destiny. We also seek to support, strengthen, advise and encourage churches.
Our vision is “Transforming our world through Christ, one leader at a time” by building a global family of churches committed to a Spirit-filled life of faith.
How did the Southwest Region link with the Tulsa headquarters?
Faith Leaders Collective has representatives in several countries, including Nigeria. The headquarters of FCF in Nigeria is in Edo State, and the national representative and president is Bishop Mon Igbinosa.
Bishop Mon Igbinosa appointed me to lead Faith Leaders Collective in the southwestern states of Nigeria. In this capacity, I provide leadership for the region and report to Bishop Mon Igbinosa, who oversees the fellowship nationally.
What informed this conference, and what should participants expect?
We organise this conference yearly to awaken the spirit of revival in the lives of church workers and ministers.
Participants should expect fresh revelations and impartation through the Word of God. We believe the conference will provide an opportunity for ministers and workers to renew their spiritual commitment, receive divine direction and become better equipped for the work of the ministry.
Why the theme “Having the Mind of Christ”?
The theme, “Having the Mind of Christ,” is intended to draw ministers’ attention back to the purpose and vision of Jesus Christ. We want ministers to refocus on Christ, His priorities and His expectations of those He has called to serve Him.
What does having the mind of Christ mean for ministers?
Having the mind of Christ means emulating the lifestyle of Jesus. As ministers, we must learn to think, act and live as Christ did, demonstrating His humility, love, obedience, sacrifice and commitment to the will of the Father.
Our ministry should reflect Christ in our character, relationships, service and dealings with people.
Tell us about the guest speakers and what each of them is bringing to the conference.
We have two guest speakers for the conference.
The first is Apostle Dr. Iyke Ejiaku, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Chairman for Alimosho Province and the Founder/Overseer of Tower Gate Evangelical Ministry, Lagos. He is a highly anointed minister of God, and we believe his ministry will be a blessing to the participants.
The second is Bishop Mon Igbinosa, the President of Faith Leaders Collective (FCF) in Nigeria. He was formerly the Chairman of PFN in Edo State and is the Founder/Overseer of Gospel Outreach Ministry, Ekpoma. He is a blessing to the Body of Christ, and we look forward to the wealth of spiritual insight and leadership experience he will bring to the conference.
How do you raise effective Kingdom leaders in Nigeria today?
Raising effective Kingdom leaders is not about titles; it is about producing people who can carry other people and help them fulfil God’s purpose for their lives.
Proper training and mentoring are very important in this process. This is one of the reasons we organise our conference yearly: to equip ministers and church workers with the spiritual understanding, leadership skills and commitment needed to serve effectively.
How does the fellowship pray, equip and impact communities?
We organise meetings, training sessions and seminars in Lagos on the first Monday of every month. These gatherings provide opportunities for prayer, spiritual growth, leadership development and the equipping of ministers and church workers for effective service.
Through these activities, we seek to strengthen ministers, encourage fellowship and contribute to the growth and impact of the Body of Christ.
Your final word to ministers and workers?
This conference is going to be impactful. I encourage all ministers and church workers to make themselves available and participate. Come with an open heart, ready to receive from God and be equipped for greater service in His Kingdom.
Don’t miss out!
