27/06/2026
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 162ND GENERAL CHURCH COUNCIL (SYNOD) OF THE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH-NIGERIA, (CRC-NIGERIA), HELD FROM MONDAY 22ND - FRIDAY 26TH JUNE, 2026 AT BETHEL CONFERENCE CAMP GROUND TAKUM TARABA STATE
The Christian Reformed Church-Nigeria (CRC-Nigeria) held its 162nd General Church Council meeting from Monday 22nd June-Friday 26th June, 2026, at the Bethel Camp Ground Takum, Taraba State. Present at the meeting were the President of the Church Rev. (Dr) Isaiah Jirapye Magaji, the Vice President, Rev. (Dr.) Bulus W.E Surupe, the General Secretary, Rev. Joseph Agbu Ahmadu Garba, the Assistant General Secretary, Rev. Japheth Vosine Ayuba, the Human Resource Manager (DPM), Rev. Bulus Danjuma Oded, Director of Finance Elder Victor Timothy, members of the Board of Trustees, Committee of Advisers, RCC and LCC Chairmen, Provost, Principals and Directors of institutions, programmes and Boards, Women’s Fellowship Leaders, voting and non-voting delegates from the 20 Regional Church Councils (RCCs) of the Church spread across Nigeria.
After extensive deliberations on crucial matters affecting the church and sensitive issues affecting the Nation at large, the General Church Council resolved as follows:
Synod expresses deep concern over the persistent insecurity across the nation, including the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo and Kogi States, as well as the attacks and killing of innocent citizens in Mushere District of Bokkos, Plateau State, and parts of Kaduna State. Synod calls on believers to intensify prayers for peace and security, affirming that God still answers prayers, and urges the Federal Government to move beyond rhetoric by implementing practical and effective measures to address the country's security challenges.
The General Church Council (GCC) commended the Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his tireless efforts in improving the security situation across the state. The Council noted the significant improvement in security compared to previous years and appreciated the relative peace currently being enjoyed by residents. The GCC encouraged the Governor to sustain and strengthen these efforts in order to consolidate the gains recorded and ensure lasting peace and security in the state.
The Synod commended the Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, for approving the absorption of over 3,000 previously disengaged workers into the mainstream civil service and for authorizing the recruitment of an additional 1,800 indigent citizens into the state workforce. The Synod noted that these decisions demonstrate the administration’s commitment to job creation, social inclusion, and improved livelihoods. The Synod congratulated the reinstated staff and urged them to discharge their duties with diligence, integrity, and a high sense of responsibility.
The Synod called on all members of CRC-N to actively participate in the 2026 Annual Week of Sacrifice scheduled for July 20–26, 2026, by demonstrating practical expressions of Christian love through service to the society. The Synod encouraged sacrificial activities such as hospital visitations, environmental sanitation campaigns, acts of kindness to neighbors, and support for the needy, noting that such efforts would serve as effective avenues for attracting people to the Gospel. The Synod further announced that the Church Headquarters would organize medical outreach programmes in selected communities as part of the Week of Sacrifice activities.
GCC congratulated the former President of the Christian Reformed Church-Nigeria CRC-N, Rev Istifanus Bala Bahago, on his appointment as Partnership Consultant for West Africa with Resonate Global Mission, formerly known as Christian Reformed World Mission. The Synod described the appointment as a remarkable achievement and a testament to his exemplary leadership, commitment to Christian service. The Council noted that the appointment brings honor not only to CRC-N but also to the wider African Christian community. The Synod offered prayers for God's wisdom, guidance, and success upon Apostle Bahago as he undertakes his new responsibilities.
Synod urges church leaders to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, accountability, and unwavering commitment, following the example of Christ as the perfect model of servant leadership. It cautions church leaders against tribalism, personal interests, and sentiments in decision-making, and calls on leaders to remain focused on advancing the mission, vision, and goals of the Church.
Synod ratified the reappointment of Rev. Japhet Vosine Ayuba as the Assistant General Secretary of the Church for a second term, expressing confidence in his leadership and commitment to the continued advancement of the Church's mission and administration.
Synod ratified the reappointment of Rev. Dr. Nuhu Bala Akoga as Provost of Veenstra Theological Seminary, Donga, a theological institution of CRC-N and urged him to build on the achievements of his first term by strengthening theological education and advancing the growth and development of the institution.
Synod approved the establishment of Regional Church Councils in mission field areas where CRC-N operates, including Plateau State, Akure, South-South, and the NGADA Special Development Area. This decision is aimed at strengthening church administration, promoting sustainable church growth, and enhancing the spread of the gospel to reach more people effectively.
Rev. Dr. Isaiah Jirapye Magaji
CRC-N President
Rev. Joseph Agbu Ahmadu Garba
General Secretary
