2022 ICOC Lagos Staff Retreat: Transformation, Connection, Growth

2 Corinthians 3:18 – “And we all, with unveiled face, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory into glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit”.

It was Four incredible and soul searching days of worship, fellowship, inspiration and evaluation as the entire staff of the Lagos church converged at Redemption Camp, Mowe, for the annual International Church of Christ, Lagos Staff Retreat from January 10-13, 2022.

The Lead Evangelist, Jide Ojo welcomed all staff and challenged them that as disciples of Jesus Christ and leaders in His Church, it is time to step back and re-evaluate our “Doing” versus our “Becoming”. Are we fulfilling God’s dream for us to become more like His Son?

The retreat centered on 3 pillars – Transformation, Connection and Growth in line with the church’s theme and goals for this year.

It began with a day exclusively for the leaders of the four blocs that make up the Lagos Church. It was a time for gaining personal insight and for rejuvenation through giving and receiving input from one another.

All other staff joined in on Day 2.

Chris & Rolayo Ogbonnaya, Evangelist and Women’s Leader for Nigeria and West Africa, kicked off the retreat with a powerful and soul searching class entitled Transformed: Becoming more like Jesus. 2 Corinthians 3:18

On day 3, staff members learnt about building Healthy Connections in their walk with God, with one another and non-Christians. This class was taught by kingdom teacher, Gilbert Kimeng.

Jide & Biola Ojo’s class on “Understanding Depression” exposed the ills of depression and centered on the life story of Prophet Elijah from the Old Testament. In 1 Kings 19, God’s prophet Elijah was “just leave me to die under the broom tree” depressed. He has just experienced victory over Queen Jezebel and her crew of Baal prophets, but after all that, Elijah ran away because he feared the queen’s threats.

Jide & Biola encouraged the staff that though depression and anxiety are as real as ever, and in recent years these issues are finally being acknowledged as a form of mental illness, but being open about our struggles, fears, weaknesses and seeking help will help overcome depression. God’s words and his power is greatest when we are at our weakest. 

They were also inspired to take higher, the special ministry to the poor. This exhortation came from Adegbola Abiodun; CEO, Caring Hearts Initiative.

On the last day of the retreat, Frank Okodugha, Elder and evangelist in the Lagos Church, taught a convicting class on ”Growth.”, followed by an honest evaluation of the church’s performance in 2021 and plans/projections for 2022.

The entire program was infused with sessions of fervent prayer and ardent worship, not to talk of the fun and electrifying fellowship.

We return from the mountain top with renewed faith and vision, our eyes fixed on Jesus and our hearts set on fulfilling His mission.