LCCN Archbishop Panti Filibus Musa. Photo: Thomas Lohnes (DNK/LWB)
LWF President Stubkjær joins the celebration under the theme “You are the light of the world”
(LWI) - The 100th Annual Convention of The Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) will gather nearly 70.000 participants in Yola, Northeast Nigeria, under the theme “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16) from 19 to 23 February.
Together with other ecumenical and international guests, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) President, Bishop Henrik Stubkjær from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark, will attend the gathering.
We are called to look ahead with clarity and purpose, seeking how we, as the body of Christ, can continue to spread the transformative light of the gospel.
LCCN Archbishop Panti Filibus Musa
“We are called to look ahead with clarity and purpose, seeking how we, as the body of Christ, can continue to spread the transformative light of the gospel,” said LCCN Archbishop Panti Filibus Musa. “How can we ensure that the light that began to shine over a century ago continues to shine even more brightly?”
A century of mission and faith
The convention traces its roots back to 1925 when it was first held as a platform to discuss mission work and strengthen the fellowship of believers, pastors, and missionaries. LCCN itself was founded in 1913 by the Danish Branch of the Sudan United Mission (now Mission Afrika).
Today, tens of thousands attend the convention each year, joining in Bible study, prayer, discussions, and cultural events.
Before the Annual Convention, about 700 LCCN pastors will gather for a pastors’ conference on 17 and 18 February under the theme “How shall we reach our own? A Century of Faith, A Future of Mission.”
Archbishop Musa shared that the question “How shall we reach our own?” was initially raised at the first convention to prompt reflection, particularly among the indigenous participants. It marked the desire to take responsibility for evangelism after having received the good news.
The question remains urgent today. “In our rapidly changing world, we face storms of injustice, hatred, violence, environmental disasters, human rights violations, gender-based violence, and widespread poverty,” Musa explained. “Many, especially our youth, struggle with hopelessness, unemployment, and overwhelming challenges. In addition, the LCCN faces a growing challenge from teachings that diverge from the truth of the Gospel.”
While faith is central to Nigerian society, the archbishop said the disconnect between belief and daily life highlights the need for renewed discipleship and action.
Worship and Holy Communion are vital parts of the LCCN's Annual Conventions. Photo: Thomas Lohnes (DNK/LWB)
Choirs and music and singing are vibrant ways of expressing faith and proclaiming the gospel. Photo: Thomas Lohnes (DNK/LWB)
Up to 70.000 Lutherans and guests gather for the LCCN's Annual Conventions. Photo: Thomas Lohnes (DNK/LWB)
These considerations also shape the program of the centenary convention, which will begin with the opening service on 19 February, led by Archbishop Musa.
Bible studies will focus on aspects of the theme “You are the light of the world” every day.
Teaching sessions will highlight current topics such as “Proclaiming God’s wonders from generation to generation”, “Doing good as witnesses of Christ”, “How Shall We Reach Our Own? – The Legacies of the 1925 Convention for today’s mission work”, “Stewardship of Creation: What does it mean for us today?”, and “Make every effort to keep the unity through the bond of peace”.
The 100th Annual Convention will conclude with festive worship on Sunday, 23 February. “As we celebrate this centenary event, we are reminded that our mission is sustained not by human ingenuity but by the grace of God,” said Archbishop Musa.
