Transfer of Two Clergy at Once Unsettles UEC National Worship Centre, Ex-PS Robert Audu Calls for Better Planning

Former Super Permanent Secretary, Chief Robert Audu, has expressed concern over the simultaneous transfer of two senior clergy attached to the National Worship Centre of the United Evangelical Church (UEC),Utako, describing the timing as illogical and capable of creating an avoidable vacuum within the congregation.

Audu, who spoke on the sidelines of a church service following the announcement of the transfers, said while he recognised the established practice of the denomination in periodically moving its ministers from one station to another, the manner and timing of the latest exercise deserved closer consideration.

The elder statesman argued that transferring two clergy who had become deeply connected with a congregation at virtually the same time could have a significant emotional and organisational impact on the church, particularly when both ministers had established strong relationships with members and contributed meaningfully to the spiritual life of the congregation.

According to him, the issue is not necessarily the transfer itself, but the manner in which it is implemented.

“You don’t move two great minds from a congregation about the same time,” he observed, stressing that ministerial transfers should be carefully staggered to ensure continuity and minimise the disruption that may accompany the departure of trusted and effective clergy.

Audu noted that the two ministers had spent considerable time with the congregation, building relationships, providing spiritual leadership and delivering messages that members had come to value and anticipate.

He said the sudden announcement of their departure, without what he considered adequate transition arrangements, was understandably unsettling.

“The two clergy have been with us for a while now. They have built relationships, and congregants have been looking forward to listening to their impactful messages. Only for an announcement of their transfer to come from the announcement. This is not fair,” he said.

The former Super Permanent Secretary urged the leadership of the denomination to review the way it approaches ministerial postings and transfers, particularly where two or more influential clergy are serving in the same congregation.

He called for greater circumspection, consultation and strategic planning in future transfer arrangements, noting that the welfare and stability of the congregation should form part of the considerations guiding such decisions.

According to him, a sound transfer policy should take into account the nature of the church, the strength of the relationship between ministers and congregants, the possible reaction of members, the leadership gaps that may emerge and the preparedness of the incoming ministers to assume responsibility.

He also advocated the development of well-planned exit and transition arrangements, arguing that the departure of a minister should not leave a congregation struggling to adjust or experiencing unnecessary disruption in its spiritual and administrative activities.

Audu’s position, however, was not presented as opposition to the denomination’s established system of ministerial movement. Rather, he stressed the importance of balancing institutional policy with the realities of each congregation.

The concerns followed an announcement made during the service by the Chairman of the Local Church Committee, Albert Uko, who formally informed the congregation that the two clergy attached to the National Worship Centre had been transferred to new assignments.

In a solemn and emotional announcement, the LCC Chairman disclosed that Rev. Chris Effiong, the Administrator of the National Worship Centre, had been transferred to Calabar Municipal, where he would continue his ministerial assignment.

Also transferred was Pastor Emmanuel Isreal, who has been appointed Area Secretary of the Abia Area Conference.

The announcement was met with an emotional atmosphere, reflecting the relationships the two ministers had developed with the congregation during their period of service.

While ministerial transfers are an established feature of the denomination’s administrative structure and are ordinarily viewed as part of the broader deployment of clergy, the simultaneous movement of the two ministers means that the National Worship Centre will experience a significant change in its ministerial leadership.

As part of the same announcement, the LCC Chairman disclosed the appointment of Rev. O.P. Jonah as the new Administrator of the National Worship Centre.

He also announced that Pastor Ameh Ayodele Stephen would assume duty as the new Congregational Pastor.

The appointments are expected to usher in a new phase in the life of the congregation, even as members come to terms with the departure of two clergy who have become familiar faces and important figures within the worship centre.

For Audu, however, the development offers an opportunity for the denomination to reflect on how ministerial transitions can be managed in a way that protects both the administrative objectives of the church and the emotional and spiritual interests of congregants.

He therefore urged the UEC leadership to make future transfers more deliberate, staggered and transition-oriented, particularly in strategic congregations where multiple clergy have built substantial influence and relationships over time.