FIVE QUALITIES OF AN ASSISTANT(continuation) by Pst. COSFINNEY

The refreshing service started with intercessory prayers led by Pastor Sam.

Opening prayers were said by Pastor Peter.

Praise followed and started with the song, "Rejoice," followed by "Lion of Judah," "Praise your name," and "My Redeemer lives." The session was led by Knowledge and Direction of "De Masterpiece." Worship was led by Maryann with the songs, "You are my portion," and "Great are you, Lord."

Buchi came up after that to take the announcements: the monthly vigil will hold this Friday, April 26 at 10 p.m. A strategic pastors' and workers' meeting will hold on April 29 at 4 p.m., "Woman to Woman" fellowship will hold this Thursday at 5 p.m. Lastly, from next Wednesday, all nursing mothers will be able to view the service live from the teen's church.

After the announcements, our senior pastor, Cosfinney Udoka, was welcomed to deliver God's message to the congregation.

He continued the message he started last Wednesday titled,"Five qualities of an assistant."

Bible Verses: Matthew 4 vs. 12, 17-20

Qualities of an assistant (Cont'd):

1. "Assistants must be faithful. Faithfulness in leadership is believing in what the leader is doing. It is not necessarily believing in the vision, but in the instrument of leadership God is using in   

     accomplishing the vision. You must be committed to the man pursuing the vision. Faithfulness is staying at the ladder, no matter what is happening up the ladder.

2. "Assistants must be firm. Firmness is not allowing yourself to be exploited of manipulated. It is a quality that is paramount in an assistant, or "ladder-holder." A good assistant should not be

     able to be used or exploited against the leadership. An effective leader should be interested in everyone on his or her team, because it takes just one to destroy or damage the leadership and

     succumb to the wiles of manipulators, who are everywhere.

3. "Assistants must be loyal. As turbulent as an organization may look and can get, the leader is still the one who will handle the turbulence. You as the assistant and "ladder-holder" are not

     permitted to take over and handle the situation. Loyalty is a seed. If you sow, it you will reap it. The blessings of the assistant are tied to the leader.

Things you should not do as an assistant:

1. "Each time you disagree with the leadership, do not make it public. Avoid having a public confrontation with the leadership.

2. "Each time you disagree with the leadership, make sure it is not for personal gain.

3. "Each time you disagree with the leadership, check your motive before you speak.

4. "Do not talk about the weaknesses of the leadership you are privileged to assist. Among the many reasons why you should not talk about them, you may be the next one in the position of

     leadership and you would not want your assistants and "ladder-holders" to do the same to you. You should cover and protect the leadership as much as possible."

He concluded the series and the message by reminding us of the importance of good leadership and good assisting/"ladder-holding."

Tithes and offerings were collected. Closing benedictions brought the service to a close.