Stop Being Bench Warmers, Build the Church in God’s Fear — Laity President Urges Anglicans

By Uzo Ugwunze

The President of the Council of Laity, Diocese on the Niger, Sir Chris Ukachukwu, has challenged Anglicans to move beyond passive membership and take an active role in building the Church, warning that leadership and service must be anchored in the fear of God.

Ukachukwu made the call on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at St. Michael’s and All Angels’ Anglican Church (SMAAAC), Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, during the Congress of the House of Laity.

The congress, themed “The Fear of God is the Beginning of Wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10), brought together laity representatives to reflect on Christian responsibility, leadership, service and the growth of the Church.

Addressing delegates, Ukachukwu said genuine wisdom begins with reverence for God, obedience to His Word and a willingness to serve.

He stressed that the responsibility of building the Church should not be left to the clergy alone, noting that the laity have significant roles to play in advancing the mission of the Church.

“The responsibility of building the Church should not be left to the clergy alone. The laity have important roles to play: supporting our clergy, advancing evangelism, caring for members, encouraging our youths, and giving our time, talents and resources to the work of God,” he said.

The Laity President challenged members to critically examine their contributions to the Church and embrace what he described as a five-point charge to the laity: “I will be present; I will participate; I will serve; I will support the unity of the Church; and I will use my gifts for God’s work.”

He urged societies, guilds and fellowships to nominate representatives who would do more than occupy leadership positions, stressing the need for active participation and effective communication.

According to him, representatives should attend meetings, communicate decisions to their various organizations and ensure that programmes and resolutions are implemented at both the Diocesan and Archdeaconry levels.

Ukachukwu also cautioned members against rivalry, unhealthy competition and division within Church organizations.

“Leadership positions are opportunities for service, not personal recognition. The fear of God must guide us with humility, integrity, fairness and accountability,” he said.

He further called on the laity to strengthen evangelism, support Church leadership, encourage children and youths, promote peace and translate Council decisions into practical results that would benefit the Church and society.

Also speaking, the Chaplain of the Diocese on the Niger House of Laity, Ven. Dr. Okechukwu Ukpeke, described the fear of God as the foundation of righteous living and a powerful deterrent against impunity in both the Church and society.

Ukpeke called on Christians to embrace total repentance and renew their loyalty to God, stressing the need for believers to allow the fear of God to influence their conduct and decisions.

The host priest, Ven. Frank Obi, who also contributed to the discussion on the congress theme, reaffirmed the supremacy of God, describing Him as “the Alpha and Omega; the Author and Finisher of our Faith.”

He pledged the continued support of the parish for the activities of the House of Laity.

Highlights of the congress included a political sensitisation talk delivered by the Diocesan Director of the Department of Church and Public Affairs (DCPA), Rev. Canon Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Aniakor; a health talk by physiotherapist Charles Ehirim; and the announcement of the establishment of a Diocesan Committee on Gender-Based Violence, headed by Rev. Canon Johnson Iwuamaeze.

The congress also featured chain prayers, praise sessions and a fundraising programme in support of the work of God.