A two-day annual forum for Faith Based Actors (FBAs) organised by Mission 21 took place from November 10–11, 2025, at the Novel Suites, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State, to address challenges affecting the Church and humanitarian work in Nigeria. The event, themed ‘God’s Love Leads Us to Action: Making Our World a Better Place, Bringing Hope and Standing in Solidarity with the Marginalised and Vulnerable’, brought together Faith Based Organisations (FBOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), clergy, youth and women faith-based bodies, donor organisations, development experts, resource persons and other stakeholders. The forum sought practical solutions to issues such as marginalisation of women in the Church, humanitarian commitments and empowerment of vulnerable populations in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
Evolving challenges facing faith actors
Delivering the welcome address, Mission 21 Country Director, Dr. Yakubu Joseph, explained that the forum aimed to enhance the productivity of faith-based actors and stakeholders, particularly in promoting peace, addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and supporting vulnerable groups. He recalled the previous year’s workshop, noting that participants had been inspired to “double up on what we are doing in sharing the love of God in our churches, communities, country and the world at large.”
Dr. Joseph highlighted the evolving nature of challenges faced by faith actors, including increased displacement, food insecurity, climate change, the influence of technology on youth, leadership tussles and credibility issues in the Church, inter-denominational competition and the education of vulnerable church members. He particularly lamented the plight of women and children in rural Plateau during the harmattan season, many of whom faced harsh conditions without adequate shelter or sustenance.
Standing for the marginalised
In a keynote address, Prof. Philip Asura of the Department of Religion and Philosophy, University of Jos, challenged faith actors to reflect Christ in their leadership, advocating that their work prioritised the weak, indigent and vulnerable. He asked pointed questions such as: “Do you stand for the afflicted marginalised, widows in the society as God did? Does your life reflect Christ? Can your staff testify that you are a Christian? How do you treat your workers?”
Prof. Asura emphasised that church leaders must focus on humanity first, rather than building extravagant projects, and identified gender gaps in leadership roles, urging that women be given opportunities to lead.
Similarly, Mr. Istifanus Gimba, founder of NGO JISRA, pointed out that church leaders must act justly, with humility, compassion, integrity and collaboration for community development.
Dr. Rhoda Ugheni, Deputy Director, Scripture Union West Africa (SUWA), likened faith actors to ‘dustbins’, emphasising that they must be patient, humble and impartial while assisting the vulnerable. She underscored the importance of integrity and honesty, noting that “Not all Faith Leaders have the mind of Christ, some are conflict mongers.”
Elder Justina Mike Ngwobia, Executive Director, Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Movement (JPRN), reinforced the notion that no Church development could occur without women’s active participation. She maintained that women contributed significantly to both sociocultural and economic life and encouraged men to support women’s leadership, including ordination as clergy.
Panel discussions, practical recommendations
Panel discussions featured Rev. Reuben Mashelia, Rev. Fr. Kefas Gogwin, Mrs. Angelica Viva, Ambassador Mrs. Rhoda Jokota, Rev. Gomna Sunday and Rev. Dr. K.K. Sale, who deliberated on ‘Faith as an Active Force that Transforms Lives and Motivates Us as Change Agents’. The panelists urged Christians to “practice what you preach”, recover missionary institutions and tackle social injustices from the home outward.
Practical examples shared included Rev. Gomna Sunday’s outreach to community members after his church was burnt five times, demonstrating forgiveness and active compassion. Panelists also appealed for youth mentorship, skills acquisition and engagement in agriculture and self-sufficient ventures to combat social ills.
Stakeholders highlighted challenges such as inter-denominational divisions, financial accountability, neglect of youth and limited women’s inclusion in Church leadership. They also urged FBOs, the clergy and NGOs to uphold transparency, involve women meaningfully and prioritise social welfare programs.
The forum concluded with participants committing to actionable interventions over the next two to three years, focusing on resource mobilisation, partnerships and implementation of practical solutions to address community and humanitarian challenges.