“Train a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it” Proverb 22:6
By, Seye Adetunmbi
PROLOGUE
Sometime
in 1980, during vacation in my Higher School Course days at Christ’s School,
Ado-Ekiti, my venerable father, Chief D. O. Adetunmbi said that the Most
Reverend Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye, the second Bishop of Ekiti Anglican Diocese
wanted to see me. I asked my beloved father (Baba), what the Lord Bishop wanted
to see me for? Baba said that he did not know. “When you see him he will tell
you” my father said. I was a bit scared because I wouldn’t know if I have done
anything wrong again. Because the last time I went to see him at the Bishop’s
residence on top of Agidimo Hill in Christ’s School premises, and requested for
his signature on my JAMB form, he seized the neck chain I was wearing and
admonished me before responding to my request. I felt so ashamed of myself that
he caught me, meanwhile I thought the tiny chain was hidden under my white
school shirt. As instructed by my father, I went twice to see him at Ado-Ekiti
from Ifaki-Ekiti but my visit fell within when he was busy with episcopal
duties and was unable to see him. Ironically, I was happy because I was not
sure what was awaiting me and was deliberately avoiding the bishop.
I went through this background of my remarkable experience to underscore the fact that God works in mysterious ways. Also that whatever He has destined for us will manifest no matter how long it takes. Today, if there is anything I wish to come to pass, it is to become an ordained priest in the Church of Nigeria (CON), Anglican Communion. This also reminds me of my teenage years when I was rebelling the cutting of my hair, I felt so amused in the recent past when I was visiting the barber’s shop fortnightly because I was feeling uncomfortable with the hair on my head after two weeks.
Apart from being a chorister as a little boy in the choir of my father the virtuoso church organist, over the years, without the prompting of anyone, I joined the choir of Anglican Church of the Ascension, Omodara Street, Opebi. I served in the parish council of the church for about 10 years after being elected as a two-term synod delegate and as a parish councillor. On the 1st of December 1996, I was among the pioneer set of trained altar servers in the parish, an initiative of Venerable Phillip Bolude Oyebolu. On August 7th 2014, I graduated with Diploma from the Lagos Anglican Bible College (LABICO) and on December 9th 2016, I was commissioned as a Licensed Lay Reader of the Lagos West Anglican Diocese at St John’s Anglican Church, Iju-Ishaga by the Right Reverend James Olusola Odedeji. Man proposes, God disposes, I am gradually getting close to wearing collar which I ran away from, 30 years ago!
I have been privileged to interact with a wide range of people and some of them have been a great source of inspiration for me in the Lord’s vineyard. Baba, Venerable B. P. Oyebolu, one of my mentors who gave me the chance to preach my first sermon on Good Friday in 1997 (28/3/97). After listening to my homily, Mama Victoria Onafowokan said that I should go to LABICO and consider seminary thereafter. Also a friend of mine, Pastor Yomi Oguntuase of a new generation church sect, recently remarked that I have written a number of books on my professional calling and on a wide range of subjects, and that it is imperative for me to write a book dedicated to God who gave me the intellect and vision. Initially, I thought that I should wait until I become an ordained priest before I write any Christian book. Through the grace of God, the inspiration came that I should first publish this one and as the spirit directs and the Lord Almighty permits, subsequent ones may follow.
This book is titled Christianity and Anglicanism, primarily because I want a timeless one-stop devotional pictorial-handbook that will first and foremost appeal to the sensibilities of Christian faith believers of all races while the major part of it will serve as a spiritual and seminary companion for fellow communicants and members of the Anglican Communion. In addition, those who are yet to grasp the doctrines of Christianity very well or appreciate the religion better will be able to relate with the book that will attempt to answer most of the probing questions of what, why and how.
Based on my modest knowledge as a growing theologian and moderate experience on how to attain the desired intimate spiritual relationship with God, this book is structured into six sections. The Christian book is historical with vintage pictures. It contains brief research on the history of Christianity, the prophets, the early apostles and the early church with a concise expose on the old and the new testament. It is important to have a clear knowledge of the Christian religion, therefore the “Articles of Religion” in its original form constitute the second chapter in the first section of this book. It should guide those who are yet to become Christians to know how to go about it while it should refresh the believers to become better Christians. The second section is about Anglican Communion, its doctrines and practices in the Church of Nigeria. A chapter is dedicated to Catechism while there are highlights on the structure of the church with relation to the various departments that complement the work of the vicar such as the choir, lay readers, altar servers, stewards, vergers, sextons etc.
The contents of the third section are mostly my LABICO notes and submitted assignments, while the fourth section is devotional. It is dedicated to holy communion, its efficacy and the principle of acquiring spirit filled power through being a communicant. It can guide daily growth in spirituality and how to share the power of the Holy Spirit for personal victorious daily living in Christ. This section is meant to enlighten believers of the worthiness of taking communion in order to have full benefit of the supernatural power therein. The fifth section is devotional too, it contains my few sermon notes as a Lay Reader and published articles on the essence of Christianity. The last section is a collection of integrated spiritual commentaries quoted from various published sources. It contains some selected words of God, applied bible passages that can be deployed for functional prayer points tips that could help in living a spirit filled Christian life. The annex of the book contains definitions of some biblical and theological words that could enhance further understanding of Christian religion and a directory on CON.
Most of my published books are fundamentally pictorial because I record most events I witnessed in photographs and at every opportunity I share them for posterity. Therefore, this spiritual book is not an exception, it has its own share of vintage memorable pictures. The culture, tradition and practices in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion were recorded in pictures; some of the photographs I took personally and were published in this book. Apart from capturing church events such as consecration of a bishop, collation of an Archdeacon, church dedication, some vintage pictures of early missionaries in Nigeria were included. I was also able to tell my humble story as a keen church man with pictures as a chorister, altar server, lay reader, synod delegate and Bishop’s nominee to Ekiti-Oke Diocesan Synod.
This book to reasonable extent is a response to the need to bridge the yawning gap between the way the older generation was brought into Christianity and the way the new generation understands what Christianity is all about. A sect of the new generation is not very clear about Christianity, especially what the core gospel of Christ is all about and how believers are expected to live a fruitful Christian life and be happy, comfortable and contented. The lifestyle of Christians is expected to positively encourage people around them. In essence, Christian ethics should impact positively, all aspects of the social and societal life as individuals and the nation. Not very many people grew up in a family set up where Christian doctrines were inculcated from childhood. This book may help feel some gaps. I remember how my day started with family devotion very early in the morning with my father on his 1916-model French Christophone organ, while all family members sang from the Yoruba Hymn Book, followed by short exhortation and prayers. It was also repeated by 8pm before we went to bed in Ifaki-Ekiti. The catechism thought me right from primary one at St Michael’s Anglican Primary School, Ifaki-Ekiti in 1968 still resonates in my memory. Reverend Ogunjana, my teacher would ask us in Yoruba language in the class: “Ta ni Abrahamu (Who was Abraham)? We would respond with excitement on top of our voices in the class: Abraham ni apere igbagbo oun si ni Baba gbogbo wa. (Abraham was an example of a believer and the father of all).
In order to be a dedicated believer, it is imperative to understand what Christianity is all about and to be clear about Christian theology or grasp basic doctrines upon which the life, the teaching and the example of Christ are based. Otherwise, it would be difficult to differentiate or discern the fundamentals of Christianity from other religions. Consequently, Christians should be able to present their faith in its practical applications within the doctrines that are in consonance with the correct interpretation of the scriptures. This can be achieved if they allow the true traditions of the early church to guide them in discerning the formularies which will enable them to derive the spiritual benefits of sharing the power of resurrection and be filled with fruits of Holy Spirit for personal development to uplift their environment to the glory of God.
This is an uncommon Christian literature because it does not only have spiritual underpinnings, it tells the story of how Christianity spread to Nigeria through the West African coast. This makes the book to be historical, instructional and a devotional companion for Christians. In all, this book should encourage the readers to relate with their Holy Bible more. Nothing can replace the place of the Bible in the Christendom. I am therefore humbly pleased to present this spiritual handbook to interested people and Christians generally. May God’s grace be sufficient for everyone who reads the book.
EXTRACTS FROM THE FOREWORD AND PREFACE OF THE BOOK
The Rt Rev J. O. Odedeji, Bishop of Lagos West Diocese wrote:
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“I cannot but express my delight in having the singular privilege of writing the foreword to this justifiable literary effort by my brother, friend and co-laborer, Bro. Seye Adetunmbi, in defense of the Christian faith and our own cherished Anglican heritage.
His display of interest and knowledge of the foundation of the Christian faith vis-a-vis the historic formulary of the Church is quite spirit lifting and commendable, especially for a laity that is yet to be exposed to core seminary curriculum.
The author in this six-section book addresses a plethora of issues bothering on the Christian faith, Anglicanism, Theology, Doctrines, Holy Communion, Christian Service and Spirituality, and lace them with glossary of Christian terminologies and extracts of useful information about the Anglican Church structure and history.
For all purpose and intent, this book promises to be more than just a Christian literature or prose; reading through it tempts one to want to pass it for a Christian’s Handbook. It is in the light of our appreciation of the factual content and spiritual import of this literary work that we commend it to you for reading and appropriation of its associated blessings.”
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The Rt. Rev’d Isaac Olatunde Olubowale, Bishop, Diocese of Ekiti Oke wrote:
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For Seye Adetunmbi this is grace for actualizing his passion for fulfilling his mission and ministry. The handbook for believers in Christian faith epitomizes a unique learning experience, shaped in six sections, with annexes, index and what you need to know about the author.
The book is a product of a background of remarkable experiences to underscore the fact that God works in a mysterious way. The author sees it as a fulfilment of destiny upon him with reminiscences of cumulative events from age 10. Thanks be to God for his visionary Venerable Father, Chief D. O. Adetunmbi and other mentors on his path to growth and development. Certainly, the Bible is true in saying: Proverb 6:22 “Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it”.
The book is written to foster a deeper understanding of Biblical truth, History, Doctrine, Christianity, and the Church, etc. in a world where Christianity is misunderstood – and often dented-by people, powers, and forces that shape modern-day society.
The book and the author do not claim to have all the answers; to the subjects treated therein; it offers you introductory thoughts to start you on your way to a more thorough understanding of its content and all that tend to godly manliness.
Those who will benefit from the book include: persons willing to live the lifestyle of Christians to positively encourage People around them. Impact positively, all aspects of the social and societal life as individuals and the nation, even to the uttermost part of the earth.
Those contemplating response to call to the ordained ministry, will gain a taste of what lies ahead. Those in ministry who have had neither time nor opportunity for a formal program will surely deepen their biblical, ecclesiastical, doctrinal, and theological knowledge. For laypersons who serve in the Church as ancillary to the ordained ministers, they will derive joy in serving the Lord when they go through this book. The fact remains that what you put into the study of these chapters will have a direct bearing on what you take out.
This book is for the equipping of the Saints Militant.........We thank Seye Adetunmbi for yielding himself to God for this timely, unique, great, and godly work of the moment. May you increase in anointing in Jesus’ name.
To the numerous readers,
may what you read, mark, experience, and inwardly digest in this volume, inspire your mind, open your heart, and enrich your soul. Make you fruitful in godly Christian services to humanity to the glory of God. Amen.
We therefore send out CHRISTIANITY AND ANGLICANISM – A Handbook for Believers in Christian Faith in the name of God, the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
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The Venerable Segun Agbetuyi wrote:
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“Mr Adetunmbi is becoming a rather consistent writer. And he writes with a versatility of themes and topics. Right on the heels of his book on the Nigerian Capital Market still basking in its recent launch, he is now adding this refreshing book on religion to his growing intellectual stable.
This book, broadly titled Christianity and Anglicanism is both evidence based and anecdotal. It profiles the history, character and nomenclatures in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in a wide aperture literature mixed with throw backs to the author’s father and family’s commitment as dedicated Churchmen, and of course the author’s personal , spiritual and career growth. Son of a Scion and dedicated Church Organist, Seye himself has self consciously developed into a well rounded personality, adroitly blending a career in the Nigerian finance sector with deepening spirituality and active service as a niche Churchman.
There is a flow of the spirit which leads one to expect that the author will naturally progress into full priesthood. Fortuitously, this journey, long began as a child chorister and later an Altar Server has been given wings by his licensing as a trained Apostulate by an astute Church Administrator and keen developer of men, The Rt Reverend James Odedeji, Lord Bishop of Lagos West. Seye’s ordination into the priesthood will certainly represent a deserving, crowning glory to the dedicated labour in the vineyard of the Adetunmbi family of the St Michael’s Anglican Church, Ifaki –Ekiti.
Even though this book, Christianity and Anglicanism may appear esoteric at first, it is certainly going to be a treasured companion to not only Anglicans and Christians but to all who may seek to understand us in the faith that we profess and practice. There are about 2.5 billion adherents to the Christian faith Worldwide out of a world population of over 7.5 billion. Of these, there are over 110 million Anglicans. The Church of Nigeria, with over 20 million adherents in Nigeria alone is certainly a force to reckon with in matters of faith & religion.
Mr Adetunmbi’s book opens a window unto further interrogation that Christians worldwide and Anglicans in Nigeria and elsewhere must advert their focus upon. His work as encapsulated in this book offers a rich distillation of factual history and anecdotes beautifully embedded with a classic photoscope. It stands gallantly upon the shoulders of time and opens the window for more intellectual, spiritual and policy discourse on the pathway that Christianity & Anglicanism must thread for survival and viability.
The book is highly recommended to not only Christians but to all discerning minds as a tool towards understanding how the faith of our Fathers is practiced under Anglicanism.”
