By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
The Pastor and Spiritual Head of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide, His Eminence, Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa, has reaffirmed the directive dedicating the third Sunday of every month to youth-focused services and development across all parishes.
The directive, originally issued in 2011, set aside the third Sunday for youth participation in church services. It mandated that young members take full responsibility for conducting the service, including making announcements, preaching sermons, interpreting, and performing other key roles.
While some parishes have faithfully implemented the directive, church leadership noted that compliance has been inconsistent across the fold.
Oshoffa has therefore reiterated that all parishes must strictly observe the monthly youth service without exception.
The church leader has also introduced a compulsory special collection to support youth development.
The offering is to be raised alongside regular collections on every third Sunday and must be remitted to the designated account of the Church’s Youth and Education Development Committee, rather than retained by individual parishes.
The directive was conveyed in a statement issued by the Head of Communications of the church, AVSE Kayode Ajala, who emphasized the importance of aligning all parishes with the standing pastoral instruction.
Church authorities, including Heads of Diocese, Regional, Zonal, District, and Area leaders, as well as Shepherds, have been tasked with ensuring full compliance with the directive aimed at strengthening youth engagement and development within the church.
