Godday Okosun is the Pastor of one of the fastest growing parishes of The Redeemed Christian Church of God in London, United Kingdom. The Ekpoma, Edo State born clergyman and the only surviving child of his mother recently turned 50. He will be celebrating the 10th year of the church he pastors in few days time. Pastor Godday Omonosegiolagbon Okosun, a Masters Degree holder from the prestigious University of Ibadan and a full-time Pastor in the ministry, spoke with The Eagle Online on his calling, ministry and the journey so far in the last 10 years. Excerpts:
Congratulations. But how did you receive the call to go into Ministry?
Considering the circumstances surrounding my birth, my names – Godday Omonosegiolagbon (meaning the one God sent to the world) – given by my illiterate parents, my early exposure to the gospel and even preaching at an early age when I was in primary school, it was obvious that God had a plan for my life. However, despite my different exposures and trainings, the call to ministry did not become clear and urgent until 2004. And in 2005, after much prayers and ‘discussions’, God strengthened me by saying: “Men and money will not be a problem, if you do not mess up.” I became convinced that since God is involved, no more delay. Then, I went to discuss with my pastor.
Was there any initial resistance on your part?
Certainly, yes. Resistance arising from fear of failure, fear of how to go about it and more so, when I was leaving Nigeria, I told myself I was coming to London to enjoy my life. I was, however, always hearing the voice of God at the background reminding me about what He told me before I left Nigeria: “Son, I have an assignment for you in your travelling.”
How did you come about the name: Goodnews Haven?
The word Goodnews over the years had become part and parcel of me. I had preached it, lived it and seen that the gospel is all about Goodnews. One of my children’s names is Goodnews. I remember going to my wife after much prayers and asking what name readily comes to her mind for the new Parish. Amazingly, she said: Goodnews because that has become my slogan. With that, we only added Haven from Psalm 107:30b: “… and the Lord brought us to our desired Haven.”
What effect has the Ministry had on your family life?
I think by effect you mean both positive and negative. A lot. However, I have come to realise that the Ministry belongs to God. As a result, when some things cause me to worry to the point of developing hypertension, I ask myself: “What is the problem here? If God is not having ordinary headache over His Ministry, why should I develop hypertension? Besides, God blessed me with a very sensitive and understanding wife and children who have come to know that a pastor’s job does not have a job description, nor timeframe.
Was there any initial resistance from your family when you informed them about the call to Ministry and how did you handle this?
Yes, the very first was from my wife. Apparently, we never had the intention of starting a church. I simply handled it through prayers, communication and patience and God did the rest.
What are your plans for the future?
You mean plans for the future of the Ministry? Great – every of God’s plans. I want a ministry that will raise disciples as Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2: “And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” I want a church where each person knows his or her God and is solely dependent on Him rather than on man. I look forward to raising young adults that will take this land for Christ, that will serve as young suckers that will take over the baton when the old banana trees die. Part of our future plans is to be a community-impacting church and not just a community church, impacting the local boroughs, police, prisons, elderly homes, schools and other charities.
The theme of this year’s anniversary is: The faithfulness of God. Why did you choose this theme?
Has God not been faithful? You serve as a living witness too. True to His promises, He has not allowed us to be put to shame. Hundreds of souls have been won to the Kingdom. He has increased us from two adults and three children in 2005 to several hundreds of children and adults today. A lot of marriages and births and we have not lost anyone to death. God indeed has been faithful to us. I feel like singing the song: Faithful are you Lord….
How have you managed the issue of resources for the Ministry, particularly finance?
I have an MSc in Economics. I want to say without boasting and giving all the glory to God: my training has helped me a lot. Another thing that has helped us is transparency, although some abuse the privilege. For instance, my wife and I are neither signatories to the church accounts nor members of the Board of Trustees. We set up an internal independent finance team whose Director is a qualified accountant. We also have a committed and very reliable Administrator who trained as an accountant here in the UK besides our external accountant. Ultimately, it is God that has been helping us. We don’t claim perfection. After all, you cannot manage what you don’t have. We give all the Glory to God for the great men and women of integrity He has brought our way.
When was the most exciting period for you in the past 10 years and why?
Hmm…. It is difficult to name the most as there are many instances. For instance, seeing the Church increase from three adults to about 20 adults within four weeks of starting in 2005 was very exciting. Making altar calls for salvation and seeing people come forward to give their lives to God, to me, is very exciting. Hearing testimonies of how we prayed to God over very difficult and complex cases and God answering is very exciting to me. Seeing people run with the vision in the house excites me. Other exciting periods include: when we got a place of worship a few months into starting in 2005; when we won the planning permission appeal; seeing God expose schemes and evil secrets before they are hatched; how God sees us through evil rumours that could have caused division; I am thrilled.
Can you mention some significant achievements in the last 10 years?
I think that should be left for the people like you to mention. But without blowing the trumpet ourselves, through the faithfulness of God, we have achieved a lot, the greatest being the souls won to the Kingdom and the great army that is being raised for the Kingdom in the future.
How has the church impacted the community in the last 10 years?
There is no gainsaying the fact that through the various teachings on living a Christian life and the marriage conferences, Couples’ Nite, Summer Fiestas involving the police, professionals like teachers and doctors, the Greenwich Mayor and local MPs, we have positively impacted the community. Another area to look at in answering this question is our visitations to the elderly homes and the Great Ormond Street Hospital where gifts are presented and words of encouragement and music are provided. We are working with one of the local primary schools where one of our pastors is a Parent Governor. For the past three years, the school has been sending pupils over to us to learn more about Christianity and we have also been represented there for various presentations.
What type of relationship do you have with other Faith Groups in the Community?
We have a very strong relationship with other Christian faiths in the community. For instance, last Christmas, we had various Christian faith groups like the Pentecostals, Anglicans and Catholics represented and some even performed in the Christmas Carol. It is an area we intend to do more, especially with non-Christian faiths.
What is your advice for young people who have received the call to go into Ministry but do not know how to go about it due to fear of the unknown?
If indeed they have received the call into Ministry, they should go back to God first and foremost. Then after prayers, they should discuss with their Pastor. Here, many miss it because they want to perfect everything on their own before informing their Pastor. God is a God of order. Many destroy the foundation of their call from the beginning and “if the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Thereafter, you count the cost. When God calls, He equips. He knows the unknown and only through Him and His Word can the fear of the unknown be erased.
How have you handled the issue of various regulations that the Church, as a registered charity, has to comply with?
First, we seek to know these regulations by attending relevant conferences and involving appropriate agencies and individuals. Ignorance is no excuse. Second, we implement the policies without losing focus of the Faith. No government comes to power without God’s approval and we are enjoined in our faith to obey the rulers in authority. If we fail in doing this, how can we succeed in obeying God?
What do you have to say to your ministers, workers and members as RCCG Goodnews Haven turns 10?
A lot. First, I want to say a very big THANK YOU. I salute and appreciate all because we are where we are today by the corporate effort of all. They are the Church, not the building. Second, the past 10 years have been a learning curve. I believe we should use whatever we have learnt to march forward now. Third, let’s put away childish things. Fourth, let’s become more available. Let’s become more useful to God’s work. Let’s do away with unforgiveness. Let’s remove division. Let’s learn to trust one another and give benefit of the doubt. Let’s not easily jump to conclusions. Let’s learn to live a sacrificial life. Let’s be Christ like. Let’s be God-centred and God-focused. Let’s avoid distractions. Let’s learn to live a Holy life. Finally, as Goodnews Haven turns 10, I say let’s celebrate, rejoice, sing, dance, wine and dine, but at the same time, reflect, be alert. It’s a celebration to greater work and height. I see heaven kissing the earth on our behalf.