Doing Our Father’s Business Luke 2v49 by VSE Yomi Dodo-Williams

“Doing Our Father’s Business” is a welcome address by VSE Yomi Dodo-Williams. In fact, in the original paper, he served as Chairman of the National Council of Shepherds. He delivered this address at the Celestial Church of Christ U.S.A. Specifically, the Diocese National Council of Shepherds and Church Workers Summit 2018.

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The address draws its theme from Luke 2:49. Above all, it calls all servants of God to keep their focus on the Father’s work. Indeed, the message speaks straight to shepherds and church workers. Moreover, it urges them to build up the Church in unity, faith, and love. Leaders must also guard CCC identity and doctrine, while serving with pure hearts and courage.

Called to the Father’s Business

The address opens with a sweet Celestial hymn. In particular, this hymn speaks of walking in truth, lifting up the cross, and bringing light into darkness. In this way, that opening sets the tone for the whole message. After all, church leadership is never about personal fame, rivalry, or control. Instead, leadership means doing the work of Christ with a willing heart.

The address also presents the Shepherds Council as a strong helper for church workers. Thus, the Council helps leaders speak with one voice. Furthermore, it guides them to work together in peace and make wise choices for the glory of God.

1. One Church, One Mission

A major concern in the address is division. In addition, the speaker warns against letting local customs break the unity of the Church. Leaders should never lean on their own habits or run parishes all alone.

Christ calls us to make disciples, not simply gather crowds. The address reminds us that the Celestial Church of Christ is one universal body. Shepherds must lead with this truth in mind.

2. Parishes Must Not Become Personal Property

The address warns shepherds never to treat a parish like private property. When a parish runs only on one person’s desires, accountability is lost. Then, church unity breaks down.

Shepherds must work as one body. They need to make good decisions together and avoid rivalry between parishes. This shared walk brings harmony, trust, and a bright light for Christ.

3. Leadership Requires Integrity, Compassion and Courage

Pastoral ministry demands integrity, compassion, and courage. Shepherds must hold themselves accountable before God and man. They must also honor and care for every member of the fold.

The address points to Acts 2:42–47 as the model for Christian fellowship. That passage gives a clear picture of shared prayer, love, and daily fellowship.

4. Knowledge: Know God and His Word

The address names knowledge as the first pillar for church growth.

Knowing God is much more than knowing facts about Him. It calls for a real walk with Him, holy awe, and spiritual discernment. Proverbs 2:6 tells us that the Lord gives wisdom. For this reason, believers must seek His divine guidance each day.

Pastoral work cannot rely on human ideas alone. Shepherds must pray for wisdom and let Holy Scripture guide every step.

5. Information: Share What Strengthens the Church

The second pillar is information.

Ministers must stay close in heart because their work serves Jesus Christ. Older and experienced leaders should not keep their wisdom to themselves. Instead, shepherds must share ideas, mentor others, and pass along good knowledge to help the Church.

Pride stops this good work. True humility makes the vineyard of God grow strong.

6. Skills: Study, Teach and Preach

The third pillar is skills.

Pointing to 2 Timothy 2:15, the address calls shepherds to study with care. They must handle the Word of truth rightly. Shepherds must study, teach, and preach well. Feeding the flock takes more than a title. It requires faithful study and clear preaching of the Gospel.

7. Preserve the Identity of the Celestial Church of Christ

The address stresses the need to guard CCC doctrine and worship. Leaders must not mix in strange practices that harm the spiritual foundation of the Church.

The address speaks directly about the Sutana. Just as a uniform marks a professional, the Sutana marks a Celestian. Shepherds must wear it with honor in public and carry themselves well online.

Beyond our robes, leaders must stand firm in the divine calling of the Celestial Church of Christ. We do not need approval from outside groups.

8. Turn Weaknesses into Strengths

The closing message gives great hope. Shepherds and church workers can step forward in faith. Through Christ and the Holy Spirit, God can heal old hurts and turn weaknesses into strengths.

The address calls for an end to division. It asks leaders to turn away from bad habits and renew their vows to serve in love.

The Continuing Challenge

“Doing Our Father’s Business” is a clear call to holy leadership. It challenges every worker to test their heart. Selfish pride, rivalry, and stubborn ways have no place in the kingdom of God.

The Father’s business needs faithful workers who know God, share insight, sharpen their skills, keep church identity pure, and walk in love.

Historical note: This post presents titles and organizational roles as identified in the original summit paper. It honors VSE Yomi Dodo-Williams as Chairman of the National Council of Shepherds.