The Global Chief Executive Officer of the Association, Prof (Archbishop) Andreas Olufestus presenting award to Hon (Princess) Iyabo Fakunle-Okieime
The Association of Chartered Christian Instructors, ACCI, has called on the Church to prioritise spiritual formation, character development and accountability over popularity and social media influence.
The call was contained in a 12-point communiqué issued at the end of the ACCI International Conference, EKITI KETE 2026, held from 13th to 15th Aug. 2026 at the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, FUTES-Iyin, Iyin-Ekiti.
The body noted that the distractions of the digital age must not dilute the depth of theological education.
With the theme “Theological Education in an Age of Distractions,” the three-day conference brought together Christian educators, ministers, theological scholars, church leaders and other stakeholders for spiritual enrichment and theological reflection.
The conference also featured leadership development and strategic engagement with contemporary challenges facing Christian education and ministry.
From Right: the Global Secretary, Dr. Akinjide Akinleye, mni; Global President, Prof Pastor Afolabi Ojo; Hon Sola Olowojebutu receiving the award on behalf of Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, Ekiti State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation from the Global Chief Executive Officer, Prof Archbishop Andras Olufestus
Three scholarly papers were presented during the conference by Prof. Babatola Ayodele, Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University; Dr Enoch Ajibade of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti; and Venerable Oluyemi Ojosu.
In its key observations, the conference affirmed that while digital technology offers unprecedented opportunities for Christian education, evangelism and communication, it also contributes to information overload and superficial spirituality.
It added that if mishandled, digital technology could lead to misinformation, shortened attention spans and unhealthy distractions.
To address this, ACCI encouraged Christian educators and ministers to promote digital literacy, critical thinking, spiritual discipline, responsible technology use and biblical discernment among students and congregations.
The conference emphasised that theological education must move “From Information to Formation.” Delegates resolved that the ultimate purpose of ministerial training should be the formation of godly, competent and discerning Christian leaders, and not just the transmission of academic knowledge.
It stated that effectiveness should be measured “not only by what ministers know, but also by who they become and how faithfully they serve” through prayer, biblical study, character formation and practical ministry.
A major resolution was the call to “Train Shepherds, Not Celebrities.” The conference warned that Christian ministry must not be driven primarily by popularity, social media influence, visibility or material success.
It said ministerial formation must intentionally develop three dimensions: Character, Calling, and Community, with renewed emphasis on shepherding, service, sacrifice and faithfulness as defining values of Christian leadership.
Delegates also stressed the need for “Healthy Shepherds, Healthy Ministries,” noting that the spiritual, emotional, relational, physical and ethical wellbeing of leaders directly impacts ministry effectiveness.
Churches were urged to provide mentoring, accountability and care structures for ministers without compromising transparency.
On theology and governance, the conference affirmed the need for theological education that is biblically faithful, academically rigorous, contextually relevant and transformational.
It further reaffirmed the importance of transparency, accountability, responsible stewardship and good governance in Christian ministries and faith-based organizations.
ACCI resolved to strengthen digital literacy and discernment, restore character, calling and community to ministerial formation, develop mentorship programmes for emerging leaders, and encourage research and scholarly publication among Christian educators.
The body also resolved to maintain high standards in speaker selection and to establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for its programmes.
The conference conferred Awards of Honour on 11 personalities including HRM Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye, Oluyin of Iyin; Prof. Gbenga Aribisala, Vice Chancellor of FUTES; Prof. Joseph Ayodele, Vice Chancellor of EKSU; and Hon. Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun.
In goodwill messages, Prof. Aribisala pledged greater commitment to kingdom service, while Prof. Afolabi Owa of YABATECH expressed concern over individuals who “parade themselves as ministers” for livelihood rather than calling.
On her part, Hon. Iyabo Fakunle-Okieime urged ACCI to seek legal backing for the regulation of Bible Colleges through legislative bills.
ACCI resolved that the Church must respond to the digital age “not by retreating from contemporary realities, but by engaging them with deeper faith, stronger spiritual discipline, sharper discernment and renewed commitment to mission.”
