Minutes of a Presentation given by Revd Ben Enwuchola, Chaplain to the Nigerian Community, at the Open Synod of the Runnymede Deanery on 15th July 2009
Ben introduced himself as the Chaplain to the Nigerian Community and expressed his thanks for the opportunity to explain his work at this meeting.
He started by pointing out the four factors that in his opinion shape the Church of Nigeria today, to set a background for his talk on the Nigerian Community Development Plan:
- First of all, the African tradition which has always focused totally on spirituality, so in a Christian environment, there is an absolute and all-consuming need to have Jesus at the centre of life in everything they do. The Bible is seen as the Word of God indeed, and immensely treasured. This goes very deep – it is the essence of African thinking.
- The work of CMS (the evangelical wing of the Church of England). The Nigerian church is much more unified than CofE elsewhere in the world; there is very little diversity in churchmanship.
- The personal understanding of the new young bishops, in that their changing set of beliefs shapes the spiritual direction of their respective Dioceses. The Holy Spirit has become much important than it was in the 80s and many of the younger-led Dioceses are turning towards a charismatic approach.
- The mission initiatives of every diocese, leading to rapid growth and avid church planting. The mission spirit is passed on strongly – every Nigerian Christian is supposed to bring another person to Christ within three years!
This background has set the expectations for the Nigerian Chaplaincy since it was established in the 80s to cater for the spiritual, social and worship needs of mainly the Nigerian students of the time. It now administers to the entire Nigerian community in the UK, working for all, not only the Christian or CofE part of this community. It has come a long way from operating out of the Chaplain’s home to their current offices at St Marylebone Parish Church, and is making a good positive impact.
Ben pointed out the Chaplaincy’s scope of activities as
- pastoral oversight of the UK Nigerian community
- vocation discernment and furthering within the community
- link with the European Nigerian Community (he pointed out particular links to Italy)
- and links back to Nigeria including work with the Nigerian Reconciliation Group (a Christian-Muslim initiative)
Pastoral Oversight involves
- work with the 13 branches of the OFNC (Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians) in all major cities
- the promotion of worship opportunities in native Nigerian dialects (a start has been made with the Igbo Congregation in Birmingham which has just celebrated its first anniversary)
- Youth for Christ work
- prison ministry (with a special focus on HMP Vern Portland with over 100 Nigerian inmates – Sunday services being held)
- monthly services in the London and South East region
- monthly legal practice in partnership with BNLF (the British Nigerian Law Forum)
- ecumenical work within the Nigerian community
- special services (naming ceremonies, weddings etc.)
A new project is about to start in September: the weekly “Crypt Service” as Fresh Expressions for young adults – Ben asked for prayer support for this venture in particular.
He also requested prayer for the financial needs of the Nigerian Chaplaincy as CMS has had to withdraw their involvement and funding. The Chaplaincy has a £40’000 annual budget, of which for this year they raised £8000 with a grand Thanksgiving service last year, an initiative that is planned to be repeated. However, the house where BE lives is to be sold in 7/2010 and additional funding will then be needed for his housing.