Building Legacies Beyond Wealth: Rev. Julius Oni Challenges Fathers to Become Priests, Teachers and Examples
By Afolabi Olajuwon
The Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, brought its 2026 Father’s Day celebration to a memorable close on Sunday, June 21, with a strong emphasis on faith, godly leadership, and the biblical responsibilities of fatherhood in an increasingly challenging world.
Held under the theme, “Faithful Father,” the grand finale attracted worshippers, church leaders, families, and guests who gathered to celebrate fathers while reflecting on their divine mandate within the family, the Church, and society.
The service commenced with a vibrant and spirit-filled ministration by the Men’s Divine Choir Team, whose uplifting praise and worship prepared the congregation for a profound encounter with God through His Word. The atmosphere of worship created a fitting foundation for the day’s teachings, centred on faith, spiritual resilience, and responsible fatherhood.
SPECIAL CHARGE TO FATHERS
Delivering his Father’s Day address, the Senior Pastor and District Overseer, Rev. B. A. Idowu, challenged fathers to embrace what he described as the “Five L's of Godly Leadership”:
• Lead • Learn • Labour • Live as an Example • Leverage on the Lord
Drawing from Psalm 127:3-4, he reminded fathers that children are God's heritage and should never be viewed merely as dependants but as divine trusts entrusted to parents for nurturing and guidance.
Rev. Idowu further referenced the reflections of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., who acknowledged learning morality, justice, and compassion from his parents. He noted that the greatest influence fathers exert often comes not from their words but from the values they model daily.
“The character of a father often becomes the compass by which children navigate life,” he stated.
GOODWILL MESSAGES EMPHASISE GODLY PARENTING
The celebration also featured goodwill messages from various church leaders.
The Axis CFM President, Engr. Tom Itodo, delivered the goodwill message on behalf of the CFM National President, Deacon Dr. Adeleke Adesoye on the theme, “A Faithful Father,” drew lessons from 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12, where Apostle Paul described his relationship with believers as that of a nurturing and encouraging father.
He noted that faithful fathers are not merely providers of material needs but spiritual mentors who guide their children in righteousness, encourage them during difficulties, and exemplify integrity.
He explained that Psalm 145 portrays a continuous chain of testimony where one generation declares God's mighty works to the next. According to him, a faithful father understands that his ultimate success is measured not by possessions accumulated but by the spiritual legacy he leaves behind.
Referencing James 1:5, he encouraged fathers to continually seek divine wisdom in raising children amid modern societal pressures.
The President of the Foursquare Women International (FWI), Sister Vivian Onyeabo, urged parents to intentionally teach children godly values and nurture them in commitments that advance God's kingdom.
She emphasized that strong families are built through deliberate discipleship and consistent biblical instruction rather than occasional moral correction.
The service also featured a special presentation by children, celebrating fathers and acknowledging their contributions to family and spiritual development.
THE BIBLICAL BLUEPRINT OF A FAITHFUL FATHER
The highlight of the event was the sermon delivered by the Guest Minister, a Zonal Representative of Lugbe Foursquare Church, Rev. Julius Oni.
Speaking from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-10, Malachi 2:15, and Proverbs 13:22, he presented a comprehensive biblical portrait of fatherhood and challenged men to view parenting as a divine commission rather than a social obligation.
Explaining Malachi 2:15, he stressed that God instituted marriage and family primarily to raise godly offspring. Consequently, fathers must see themselves as partners with God in shaping future generations.
Rev. Oni described fatherhood through the acronym FATHER:
F – Faithful
He explained that every father is called to function as both priest and prophet within the family. As a priest, he brings his family before God in prayer; as a prophet, he communicates God's principles and direction to his household.
Drawing from Genesis 49, he cited Jacob's prophetic blessings over his sons as an example of a father who understood his spiritual responsibility and intentionally spoke God's purposes into the lives of his children.
“A father's first ministry is not outside the home but within it,” he remarked.
A – Accountable
Rev. Oni emphasized that fathers must remain accountable to God, their families, and society.
He warned that hidden compromises often produce visible consequences across generations.
“Private choices carry public consequences,” he noted, adding that moral failures tolerated today may become burdens inherited tomorrow.
Biblical examples such as David's family struggles were cited to demonstrate how personal decisions can influence entire households.
T – Train
Referencing Proverbs 22:6, Rev. Oni stressed that training children involves more than discipline; it requires intentional mentoring, teaching, and personal involvement.
He cautioned against parenting styles that create fear rather than understanding, noting that effective training occurs when children experience both guidance and genuine relationship.
“Children learn not only from what parents say but from what parents consistently do,” he said.
He urged fathers to become active teachers of Scripture, prayer, integrity, and godly character.
H – Honourable
According to the preacher, fathers must honour God in all aspects of life and conduct themselves in ways worthy of emulation.
He explained that honour begins with reverence for God and extends to ethical behaviour, honesty, faithfulness, and responsible living.
“God Himself is the perfect model of honour, and fathers are called to reflect that character,” he stated.
E – Example
Rev. Oni stressed that the most enduring inheritance fathers leave is not wealth but example.
Drawing from Jeremiah 35 and the account of the Rechabites, he highlighted how generations remained faithful to their father's instructions despite intense pressure to compromise.
The Rechabites' obedience, he explained, demonstrates the enduring power of godly example.
“A good name is better than silver and gold because character survives long after material possessions are gone,” he said.
R – Rooted
The final quality of a faithful father, according to Rev. Oni, is spiritual rootedness.
He challenged fathers to become deeply grounded in Scripture so they can provide direction during uncertain times.
“A father who is not rooted in God's Word cannot effectively guide his family through life's storms,” he warned.
He noted that children often receive biblical teaching in church, but its lasting impact is reinforced through consistent instruction and spiritual leadership at home.
THE LEGACY OF A GOOD MAN
One of the sermon's most compelling reflections centred on Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.”
Rev. Oni explained that the biblical concept of inheritance extends beyond financial assets.
According to him, a father may leave substantial wealth yet fail to leave righteousness, integrity, and godly values. Conversely, a father who instills faith, discipline, wisdom, and character leaves a legacy that continues to bless future generations.
“We are building something that will outlast our lifetime,” he declared. “We are building a name, a culture, and a legacy that our descendants will carry long after we are gone.”
CALL TO PRAYER
The service concluded with a passionate prayer session for fathers, prospective fathers, families, and the Church.
Congregants prayed for men to become faithful priests, accountable leaders, effective teachers, honourable role models, and fathers deeply rooted in Scripture.
Church leaders emphasized that while many fathers understand their responsibility to provide materially, God also requires spiritual faithfulness, moral integrity, and consistent leadership within the home.
As the Father's Day celebration came to a close, the central message remained unmistakable: in a world marked by uncertainty and increasing moral challenges, the future of families and society depends greatly on fathers who choose to live by faith, lead by example, and build legacies founded upon the timeless truths of God's Word.
Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a freelance writer and Christian educator based in Abuja, Nigeria, with a passion for documenting faith-based initiatives and their impact on communities.
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