The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Nigeria and Overseas is at a crucial point in its history as it aims to fulfil the divine mandate symbolized by the phrase “One Mat, One Fold, One Shepherd.” This vision, grounded in the teachings and legacy of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, calls for a unified, spiritually vibrant, and reconciled church community. The journey toward achieving this vision requires addressing internal divisions, embracing genuine leadership, and fostering a spirit of unity and reconciliation. By returning to foundational biblical principles and seeking spiritual renewal, CAC can fulfil its divine calling and become a beacon of hope and unity for its members and the wider Christian community.

CAC Nigeria and Overseas firmly emphasises the importance of unity, truth, and reconciliation within its community. The strong statement “One Mat God made for CAC Nigeria and Overseas” reflects the divine calling for solidarity and harmony among its members. This commitment to unity is deeply rooted in the church’s teachings and the remarkable legacy of its respected leaders, including the esteemed Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.

Despite facing internal conflicts and divisions over the years, there is a strong movement toward healing and restoration within the church. The primary focus is on returning to fundamental truths, embracing genuine leadership, and fostering a culture of reconciliation. This challenging journey requires acknowledging past mistakes, advocating for transparency, and striving for a united and revitalized church community. It is an inspiring and energizing vision that aims to bring all members of CAC Nigeria and Overseas together under a shared commitment to peace and harmony.

Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola is a prominent figure in the CAC Nigeria and Overseas, recognized for his spiritual leadership and miraculous ministry. His legacy is closely linked with the divine mandate of unity and revival within the church.

Apostle Babalola’s Divine Mandate:

1. Revival and Unity: Apostle Babalola’s ministry was characterised by a powerful revival in the 1930s, known as the Oke-Oye Revival. This revival led to a significant spiritual awakening and fostered unity among believers. His teachings emphasised the importance of returning to foundational truths and seeking God’s presence through prayer, fasting, and holiness.

2. Encounters with the Supernatural: Babalola’s ministry featured many supernatural encounters, such as angelic visitations and prophetic visions. These experiences strengthened his divine calling to guide the church towards spiritual renewal and unity.

3. Symbolism of “One Mat”: The phrase “One Mat God made for CAC Nigeria and Overseas” symbolises a call for unity and harmony within the church, reflecting Babalola’s vision of a unified community where members come together in faith and purpose.

4. Legacy and Teachings: Babalola’s teachings continue to inspire the CAC community. His emphasis on holiness, prayer, and evangelism remains fundamental to the church’s mission. The call for revival and unity is viewed as a continuation of his divine mandate, urging the church to embrace its heritage and pursue spiritual growth.

Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola’s remarkable legacy is a powerful testament to the significant impact of unity and revival within the CAC. His exemplary life and ministry serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the entire church community, reflecting the passion and dedication that marked his unwavering commitment to the Gospel.

Babalola’s towering influence on the CAC is immeasurable, as he played an instrumental role in shaping its growth and fostering a culture of unity within the church. His enduring legacy continues to reverberate through the annals of CAC history, leaving an indelible mark on all those who have been touched by his profound teachings and spiritual leadership.

His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the gospel have made a lasting impact on the CAC, inspiring generations of believers to embrace unity and revival as fundamental aspects of their faith. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential within the church when its members are united in purpose and passionate in their pursuit of spiritual renewal.

Impact on CAC Growth

1. Revival and Evangelism: Babalola’s ministry sparked a significant revival in the 1930s, known as the Oke-Oye Revival. This revival led to a massive influx of new believers and the establishment of numerous CAC branches across Nigeria. His evangelistic efforts were marked by miraculous healings and powerful sermons, which drew large crowds and strengthened the church’s presence

2. Spiritual Leadership: As the first General Evangelist of the CAC, Babalola provided strong spiritual leadership. He emphasized the importance of prayer, fasting, and holiness, setting a high standard for the church’s spiritual practices. His leadership played a crucial role in solidifying the church’s identity and mission, fostering both growth and stability.

One Mat Symbolism and Ending Factionalisation

1. Call for Unity: The symbolism of “One Mat” represents Babalola’s vision for a unified church. He believed that the church should come together as a single body, free from divisions and factions. This vision was grounded in his teachings on love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, which aimed to heal the rifts within the church community.

2. Addressing Divisions: During his ministry, Babalola focused on resolving internal conflicts and divisions within the church. He championed transparency, truth, and a return to foundational biblical principles. His leadership approach emphasized the importance of unity and collective spiritual growth, encouraging members to collaborate harmoniously.

3. Legacy of Reconciliation: Babalola’s legacy continues to inspire efforts toward reconciliation within the CAC. His teachings on unity and peace are regarded as a divine mandate for the church to overcome factionalism and embrace a shared vision. The ongoing movement toward unity within the CAC serves as a testament to his enduring influence and the power of his message.

Apostle Babalola’s influence on the CAC and his vision for unity have created a lasting legacy that continues to guide the church’s efforts toward reconciliation and growth. How do you view his teachings impacting the current initiatives aimed at unifying CAC in Nigeria and abroad?

The revitalisation of the “One Mat” symbolism within CAC Nigeria and abroad, particularly in the context of “One Fold, One Shepherd,” is based on theological principles that emphasise unity, truth, and reconciliation.

Theological Exploration of “One Mat” Symbolism

1. Unity in the Body of Christ:

The “One Mat” symbolises the divine call for unity within the CAC community. This concept reflects the biblical principle of being one body in Christ, as emphasised in Ephesians 4:4-6, which states there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all. This theological foundation highlights the importance of unity among believers, transcending individual differences and fostering a collective identity in Christ.

2. One Fold, One Shepherd:

The concept of “One Fold, One Shepherd” comes from John 10:16, where Jesus speaks of bringing all His sheep together into one fold under one shepherd. This imagery emphasizes Christ’s role as the unifying shepherd who gathers His flock, ensuring that all believers are united under His guidance and care. For the CAC, this means working towards a unified church where all members are guided by the same spiritual principles and leadership.

3. Reconciliation and Healing:

The call for unity within CAC emphasises the importance of reconciliation and healing past divisions. The “One Mat” symbolises the need to address internal conflicts and strive to restore relationships within the church. This process includes acknowledging past mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and promoting a spirit of reconciliation, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, which refers to the ministry of reconciliation entrusted to believers.

4. Authentic Leadership and Truth:

The revitalisation of the “One Mat” symbolism emphasises the need for authentic leadership that embodies truth and integrity. Leaders within CAC are encouraged to follow the example of biblical figures, such as King David, who exemplified humility, obedience to God, and a commitment to truth. This style of leadership is crucial for fostering trust and unity within the church community.

5. Spiritual Renewal and Revival:

The emphasis on “One Mat” reflects a call for spiritual renewal and revival within CAC. This entails a return to foundational biblical principles, embracing holiness, and seeking God’s presence through prayer and fasting. The legacy of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, known for his focus on revival and spiritual awakening, continues to inspire this movement towards a revitalised and unified church.

By embracing these theological principles, CAC Nigeria and Overseas can strive to achieve the vision of “One Fold, One Shepherd.” This approach will help foster a unified, spiritually vibrant, and reconciled church community. How do you envision these principles being applied in the current efforts to unify CAC?

Engaging in reconciliation efforts within CAC Nigeria and Overseas involves several practical and spiritual steps. Here are some ways members can actively participate:

1. Embrace Forgiveness and Humility

• Forgiveness: Members should be ready to forgive past grievances and release any bitterness or resentment. This is crucial for healing and moving forward.

• Humility: When facing conflicts, approach them with a humble heart. Acknowledge your own faults and remain open to the possibility of reconciliation.

2. Promote Open Communication

• Dialogue: Foster open and honest communication among all members to address misunderstandings and build trust.

• Listening: Listen to others’ perspectives without judgment to foster understanding.

3. Establish Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

• Mediation Committees: Establish dedicated committees to mediate conflicts and promote reconciliation. These committees should consist of impartial members who can offer fair and balanced solutions.

• Workshops and Seminars: Conduct workshops on conflict resolution and reconciliation to teach members effective dispute handling methods.

4. Return to Foundational Truths

• Biblical Principles: Highlight the significance of returning to foundational biblical principles, such as love, truth, and unity, to guide members in their reconciliation efforts.

• Teachings of Apostle Babalola: Draw inspiration from the teachings and legacy of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, who emphasized unity, holiness, and spiritual renewal.

5. Foster a Spirit of Unity and Collaboration

• Joint Activities: Participate in collaborative activities and projects that unite members, creating a sense of community and shared purpose.

• Prayer and Fasting: Promote collective prayer and fasting for unity and reconciliation within the church. This spiritual practice can help align the hearts and minds of members with God’s will.

6. Lead by Example

• Authentic Leadership: Church leaders should exemplify authentic leadership through integrity, transparency, and unity.

• Role Models: Recognise and celebrate individuals who embody the values of reconciliation and unity, inspiring others to emulate their example.

By taking these steps, members can actively contribute to the reconciliation and unity of CAC Nigeria and its overseas branches, helping to fulfil the vision of “One Fold, One Shepherd.” How do you envision these efforts being implemented in your local church community?

The concept of divine protest in support of the “One Mat, One Fold, One Shepherd” advocacy for CAC Nigeria and Overseas can be understood through several theological and practical arguments:

1. Biblical Mandate for Unity

Scriptural Foundation: The Bible consistently emphasises the importance of unity among believers. In Ephesians 4:4-6, it highlights the concepts of one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all. This scriptural directive reinforces the idea that divisions within the church go against God’s will.

2. Prophetic Utterances and Divine Mandate

Prophetic Vision: The ancient prophecy that “God laid just one mat for CAC Nigeria and Overseas” signifies a divine call for unity and reconciliation. This vision reflects the biblical principle of “One Fold, One Shepherd,” as stated in John 10:16, where Jesus speaks of gathering all His sheep into one fold under one shepherd.

3. Addressing Factionalism

Healing Divisions: The current state of factionalism within the CAC reflects a departure from its divine mandate. To promote unity, it is crucial to address these divisions through truth, transparency, and reconciliation. This process is essential for restoring the church to its intended state of harmony and fostering collective spiritual growth.

4. Authentic Leadership and Truth

Leadership Principles: Embracing authentic leadership that reflects truth and integrity is essential for achieving the vision of “One Mat, One Fold, One Shepherd.” Leaders within CAC are encouraged to follow the example of biblical figures such as King David, who exemplified humility, obedience to God, and a strong commitment to truth.

5. Spiritual Renewal and Revival

Revival Efforts: The call for unity also emphasizes the need for spiritual renewal and revival within CAC. This requires a return to foundational biblical principles, a commitment to holiness, and the pursuit of God’s presence through prayer and fasting. The legacy of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, who focused on revival and spiritual awakening, continues to inspire this movement toward a revitalized and unified church.

6. Divine Protest Against Division

Divine Displeasure: Theologically, divisions within the church can be viewed as a form of disobedience to God’s will for unity. The idea of divine protest suggests that God is unhappy with the current state of factionalism and is urging the church to return to its foundational principles of unity and reconciliation.

By embracing these principles, members of CAC Nigeria and Overseas can work towards achieving the vision of “One Mat, One Fold, One Shepherd.” This will help foster a unified, spiritually vibrant, and reconciled church community. How do you think these principles can be applied in your local church community?

In conclusion, the call for “One Mat, One Fold, One Shepherd” within CAC Nigeria and overseas is not just a symbolic gesture but a profound theological mandate that requires action and commitment from all members. By embracing forgiveness, promoting open communication, and fostering authentic leadership, the church can overcome its internal divisions and move toward a unified and spiritually renewed community. The legacy of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola serves as a guiding light in this journey, reminding us of the transformative power of unity and revival. As CAC members work together to achieve this vision, they contribute to a stronger, more cohesive church that stands as a testament to God’s enduring love and purpose for His people.

Ojo Emmanuel Ademola is a Pastor, Professor, Journalist, Protestant Theologian, and the General Evangelist of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, writing from London.