M/S/E OLARINDE RESUME AT CCC METROPOLITAN PARISH USA.

The primary mission of Rev. SBJ Oshoffa, the Pastor Founder, was to spread the gospel of God worldwide, utilizing Celestial Church of Christ as a platform to establish a direct connection for every individual through the preaching of the gospel and the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Church was not established to settle disputes in court or to be monitored by police officers regarding our mode of worship.

Unfortunately, since March 2021, Celestial parishes in the USA have been plagued with controversies. For the past 25 months, CCC Metropolitan Parish Archdiocese in Washington DC, has been embroiled in internal crises that have hindered the development of the parish as the first Archdiocese Parish in the United States of America.

This unfortunate situation has divided the worshippers into various factions, although it still falls under the authority of Rev. EMF Oshoffa. Even the Pastor’s visit to the state in 2021 failed to quell the negative reactions among the worshippers. The viral video of February 12, 2023, further setback the parish, despite its position as the Archdiocese of the Celestial Church in the USA. The current misunderstandings stem from conflicts over leadership supremacy in the USA.

To examine and analyze the situation in the parish, the Elders of the parish met with the factional Head of Diocese (HOD), VSE Balogun and his team. The meeting took place on February 5th, 2023. During the discussion, the parish elders acknowledged that the parish has been facing serious challenges since their last harvest in August 2022. One major issue was the parish’s inability to pay electricity and other utility bills. These negative impacts on the parish were not due to government policies or misappropriated funds, but rather the decrease in worshippers caused by the ongoing unrest within the parish. The crisis has had a profound effect on the parish’s development, far beyond what the elders could have imagined.

The parish Is now completely divided, with over 8 court lawsuits pending in various courts across the USA. Unfortunately, the church has become more accustomed to settling disputes in court rather than through peaceful negotiations. The police officers in Washington DC have become involved in the affairs of this 40-year-old parish, further highlighting the division among the congregation. It is an undeniable fact that the parish is deeply divided. The elders have consistently voiced their rejection of A/V/S/E Daodwu, who was once transferred to the parish.

In order to find a lasting solution to the unrest within the parish, the Pastor has invoked his Pastoral order, as stated in Article 108 of the Church Constitution, to appoint M/S/E Olarinde as the Shepherd for CCC Metropolitan Parish, Washington DC, USA. The aim of this appointment is to restore peace to the parish. The documentation provided for M/S/E Olarinde outlines his vision for the Church and his wide experiences, which are expected to rebuild the sense of togetherness within the parish.

Overall, it is clear that the parish is facing significant challenges due to internal conflicts and a decrease in worshippers. The elders are actively seeking solutions to restore peace and unity, and the appointment.

The file document of M/S/E Olarinde provides insight into his vision for the Church which aim to rebuild the sense of togetherness within the Parish.

PROFILE OF MSE OLARINDE:

M/S/E Olarinde was born in 1964 and his a product of CCC Elizabeth Road Parish, which is now Eleyele Parish in Ibadan. In 1972, he became a Shepherd and received guidance from Superior Leader R.A. Cole at CCC Itire in Lagos State, under the instruction of then Senior Evang A.A Bada. He is widely recognized as a gentle and responsible man of God.

For 59 years and counting, MSE Olarinde has remained dedicated to his divine assignment as a shepherd. His mission is to preach about God’s salvation to mankind and promote all matters related to God on earth. His significance among the shepherds in the Celestial Church of Christ should not be overlooked.

MSE Olarinde has fostered a positive atmosphere among the worshippers. He upholds the provisions of the Church constitution, as stated in section 116, to guide his actions and decisions.

MSE Olarinde had previously served as the shepherd of CCC Mokoko Parish from 1987 for a period of 7 months, taking over from the Most Senior Evangelist Are. At that time, the Pastor Rev AA Bada instructed Snr Eavng Olarinde to resume duty on October 20, 1987, while the Late Most Senior Evangelist Are accompanied Rev AA Bada to the Northern Part of the country. MSE Olarinde resumed back to CCC Mokoko Parish, in year 2022 as a Shepherd.

Prior to this, he had served as a shepherd at various parishes including C.C.C. Cardoso Parish in Apapa, Lagos from 1973 to 1975; C.C.C. Imota Parish 1 in Ogun State from 1975 to 1976; C.C.C. Mafoluku Parish 1 in Oshodi, Lagos State from 1976 to 1982; C.C.C. Zaria Parish in Kaduna State from 1982 to 1984; CCC Osapa London Parish as the 1st Shepherd in Late Omobe’s Official residence, Cameron Road, Ikoyi Lagos in 1984; and C.C.C. Gbagada Parish 1 in Lagos state from 1984 to 1987.

His journey In shepherding also required him to be a District Evangelist from 1988 to 1991 at C.C.C. Ore-Ofe Parish in Iponri, Ebute Metta, Lagos State. He was then promoted to the position of State Evangelist from 1991 to 1992, which was the last for Bendel State, Nigeria. From 1992 to 1993, he served as the first State Evangelist for Delta State, Nigeria at C.C.C. Upper Edmonton Parish in London, UK.

MSE Olarinde’s dedication and commitment to his assigned tasks impressed the late Rev AA Bada, who appointed him as the Head of the Diocese of United Kingdom/Northern Ireland in the year 2000. Following the passing of Late Rev AA Bada and a brief period under Late Rev P.H Ajose, Rev EMF Oshoffa was declared the Pastor of the Church by the Church authority. In 2002, Baba Olarinde was anointed as a Superior Evangelist. In March 2012, he was among the seven Pastor Rev. E.M.F. Oshoffa anointed as Venerable Superior Evangelists.

In September 2016, MSE Olarinde returned to the country and immediately resumed his role as the General Superintendent of South South/South East, Nigeria, in accordance with the Church Constitution’s requirement for anointment, as stated in section 188. On the 17th of January 2018, Pastor Rev EMF Oshoffa anointed him as Assistant Most Superior Evangelist.

After completing his duties in the southern part of the country, MSE Olarinde was transferred to Ondo State in April 2018 to serve as the General Superintendent until August 2020. In September 2020, after 33 years, God’s purpose brought him back to CCC Makoko Parish National Headquarters, where he once again assumed his previous role as the shepherd of the Celestial Church in Nigeria.

On the 8th of April, 2022, he was anointed as Most Superior Evangelist, the highest rank for clergy in the Church. With complete clarity, MSE Olarinde was officially appointed as Pastor Representative on the 1st of January 2023.

MSE Olarinde’s extensive experience as a shepherd, coupled with his deep understanding of the scriptures, has led to the salvation of numerous souls for Christ. He recognizes the significance of God’s words in all aspects and adheres to the fundamental principles of the Church. His new appointment is a well-deserved position after many years of dedicated service, and he continues to spread the message of God’s salvation to mankind.

The agitation to rebuild the torn corners of Celestial Church of Christ Metropolitan Parish in Washington DC, USA, appears to be the primary concern of the parish elders and other members with the appointment of MSE Olarinde has their Shepherd. The actions or lack thereof have caused the parish to gain attention on various social media platforms, becoming a topic of discussion.

It is crucial for the elders of the parish to redirect their focus towards maintaining peace and achieving financial stability. One way to achieve this is by implementing a Parish Leadership Committee (PLC), which would ensure that every member of the parish has a say in the decision-making process. This would create a framework for the renovation of the parish, which is estimated to cost $500,000.

By involving all stakeholders in the management decisions, the parish can work towards a common goal of rebuilding and restoring the parish. This approach will not only foster unity but also ensure that the financial burden is shared among the members.

Furthermore, it is essential for the elders to prioritize peace within the parish. By addressing any conflicts or issues that may arise, they can create a harmonious environment for worship and fellowship.

In conclusion, Celestial Church of Christ Metropolitan Parish in Washington DC must address the urgent need for rebuilding. By implementing a Parish Leadership Committee and focusing on peace and financial stability, the parish can overcome the challenges it currently faces. With the support and involvement of all members, the renovation project can be successfully completed, ensuring a brighter future for the church.