PASTOR AROWOSAFE AT 60: Celebrating a Pastor, Mentor, Professional and a Man of Remarkable Character

Some birthdays provide an opportunity to celebrate age, but others offer a rare moment to reflect on a life of purpose, character, service and enduring influence. As Pastor Arowosafe, the Assistant Pastor in Charge of Province (APICP), Ogun Province 26, attains the remarkable age of 60, I find myself reflecting on a man whose life beautifully connects professional excellence, spiritual depth, humility, generosity and an uncommon commitment to the growth of others. My relationship with him began through a professional engagement, but over time, I discovered a man whose influence extends far beyond his professional expertise and pastoral responsibilities. At 60, he is not simply celebrating the passage of six decades; he is celebrating a life that has touched people, inspired growth, strengthened faith and demonstrated that true greatness lies in the quality of one’s character and the difference one makes in the lives of others.

My first encounter with Pastor Arowosafe was not in a church, at a convention or during a religious programme. He was introduced to me by a senior friend as an architect. I needed professional services, and that introduction brought us together.

What followed was an experience that gave me my first impression of a man who takes his professional responsibilities seriously. He approached the assignment with remarkable diligence and professionalism. He ensured that all necessary documents were secured, personally visited the site and paid attention to details. He did not operate on assumptions or rely on secondhand information. He wanted to see things for himself, establish the facts and make informed professional recommendations.

One thing I particularly appreciated was his approach to professional advice. He would carefully explain his position, offer his recommendations and leave you to make your decisions. He never imposed his views or attempted to take away your freedom to decide. He understood the difference between offering professional guidance and exercising control over another person’s choices.

Interestingly, throughout this period, I never knew he was a pastor. He was cheerful, approachable, accommodating and quite comfortable in ordinary conversations. Nothing about our initial interactions suggested that I was dealing with a senior minister of the gospel.

Then came a rather surprising discovery.

One day, while the Excellent Men Fellowship in my Parish were organising a programme , his name came up in the course of our discussions. I was surprised when I discovered that the architect I had known professionally was not only a pastor but a Senior Pastor. That was my first real introduction to another dimension of his life.

We maintained a largely casual relationship until I eventually became a pastor under his leadership. That was when I began to discover the depth of the man beyond the professional relationship.

And what a discovery it has been!

A practical Christian whose ministry goes beyond the pulpit

One of the things I have come to appreciate about Pastor Adekunle Arowosafe is that he is a very practical Christian. He is not the kind of pastor whose interest ends with the spiritual growth of those under his leadership. He is equally concerned about their financial wellbeing, academic advancement, professional development and general progress in life.

He understands that a growing Christian should also be a growing individual. He wants to see people excel spiritually, but he equally wants to see them make progress in their education, careers, businesses and finances. This is a dimension of pastoral leadership that I deeply admire.

The mystery of his pulpit preparation

Spiritually, there are moments when I genuinely wonder how Pastor Arowosafe manages his time, particularly when it comes to preparing his messages.

I could meet him on the road, encounter him somewhere within the children school environment and engage him in ordinary conversations. Sometimes, barely a few minutes after such an encounter, he would mount the pulpit and begin to deliver a beautifully structured, spiritually enriching and thought provoking message.

I would sometimes look at him and wonder: Is this the same man I met on the road just a few minutes ago?

Where did he find the time to prepare such a message? When did he put all those thoughts together? How did he manage to move from ordinary conversations to such profound spiritual expressions?

His sermons are not merely collections of familiar biblical quotations. They are often carefully presented messages that challenge the mind, stir the spirit and encourage practical Christian living.

I still remember some of his sermons as though they were preached yesterday. That is the beauty of messages that are not only delivered but also prepared with purpose and spiritual responsibility.

I have since adopted as a personal treasure the unusual service he organises. I consider it as a must to replicate the Unusual Service whenever I have the opportunity because I have come to appreciate the spiritual depth, preparation and distinctive atmosphere they offer.

I have also learnt from his approach to prayer, particularly his preparedness for evidence based prayer points. He does not approach prayer as an opportunity to make random declarations. There is usually a sense of direction, understanding and scriptural foundation behind the prayers.

A father who builds beyond the pulpit

I cannot celebrate Pastor Arowosafe at 60 without acknowledging his contribution to the modest achievements we recorded during my time as the pioneer pastor of RCCG Jesus the Light Parish.

His contribution to the development of the parish, particularly in the area of construction, remains unforgettable.

There was no single block laid in the course of that project without his knowledge. He was involved, offered professional guidance and ensured that we did things properly. He brought his architectural expertise to bear on the project, helping us achieve quality while saving considerable costs.

What makes this contribution particularly remarkable is that he did all these without collecting a single kobo from us.

He gave his expertise freely. He was concerned about quality, proper execution and the responsible use of the limited resources available to the parish. He did not see our limitations as an excuse to compromise standards.

This is another dimension of his Christianity that deserves commendation. He understands that service to God is not always about what we receive, but sometimes about what we are willing to contribute to advance God’s work.

He also honoured every invitation extended to him to minister at the parish. He provided leadership, spiritual direction and encouragement whenever we needed him.

The envelope that taught me another lesson

There is another experience with Pastor Arowosafe that I will not forget in a hurry.

At a point when I was serving under his leadership as a pastor, I had the opportunity to help him secure a job through a friend. I did what I considered a normal thing. I did not attach any special importance to it, and I certainly did not expect any reward.

I had done similar things for other people without receiving so much as a thank you. I never considered such assistance something that should attract compensation.

Then, one day, Pastor Arowosafe met me and handed me an envelope.

I was surprised.

Here was my Senior Pastor giving me an envelope because I had helped him with something. I did not need the money, and I had never expected anything in return. Yet, he considered it important to acknowledge what I had done.

That gesture opened my eyes to another important lesson that many Christians overlook.

The lesson was profound. Appreciation is not necessarily about the value of what is given. It is about the heart behind the gesture.

I also learnt something important about his ability to distinguish between ministry and business. He does not assume that spiritual relationships should eliminate the need for professional courtesy, appreciation or fairness.

He is a man who understands that being spiritual does not mean abandoning the principles of responsible human relationships.

Integrity beyond the church walls

I have also had opportunities to undertake some activities with Pastor Arowosafe outside the church environment. These experiences have further confirmed my observations about his character.

He is remarkably diligent and meticulous.

He pays attention to details and does not treat financial accountability casually. He can give you updates on expenditure down to the last kobo. He is not the kind of person who handles money carelessly or assumes that because people are Christians, questions about accountability should not arise.

This is a virtue that many Christians sometimes take for granted.

We must understand that financial integrity is not separate from spirituality. Transparency, accountability, honesty and diligence are important expressions of Christian character.

It is possible to be very active in church, preach powerful sermons, lead prayers and still fail the test of financial integrity. But Pastor Arowosafe has demonstrated to me that our Christian convictions must also be evident in how we handle resources and conduct transactions.

His meticulous approach is something I have come to respect greatly.

The humility of a man who does not need to announce himself

If there is one quality that deserves special mention, it is his humility.

Despite his professional accomplishments, pastoral responsibilities and experience, he remains approachable. He does not need to announce his importance before people recognise his value.

He carries his responsibilities without unnecessary display. He can engage in ordinary conversations, offer professional advice, provide spiritual leadership and relate with people without creating artificial barriers.

There is dignity in quiet confidence, and there is greatness in genuine humility.

And yes, he is still a lover boy!

Permit me to add another dimension to this celebration.

Pastor Arowosafe is also a lover boy!

Honestly, one could hardly imagine that he is celebrating 60 years. The way he relates with his beautiful wife, the affection they share and the playful moments they enjoy together are quite refreshing.

He has demonstrated that being a senior minister of the gospel does not mean abandoning the joy of marriage, friendship, companionship and romance.

It is beautiful to see a man who takes his spiritual responsibilities seriously and still finds time to enjoy the blessings of family life.

His relationship with his wife reminds us that marriage should not merely be endured. It should be nurtured, celebrated and enjoyed.

At 60, he is still giving us reasons to believe that love, companionship and laughter should remain important parts of the journey.

May their love continue to blossom!

Sixty years of grace, and many more years of impact

Pastor Arowosafe, as you celebrate this remarkable milestone, I want you to know that your life has made an impression on mine in ways that words may not fully capture.

You came into my life as an architect introduced by a senior friend. I encountered your professionalism before I discovered your pastoral calling. I admired your diligence before I experienced your spiritual leadership. I observed your humility before I became one of the pastors under your leadership.

And through these different encounters, I have come to appreciate that you are much more than the titles you carry.

You are an architect who understands that structures must be built on sound foundations. You are a pastor who understands that people must be developed beyond the pulpit. You are a mentor who allows others to make their decisions. You are a professional who understands accountability. You are a leader who gives without necessarily expecting a return. And you are a man who understands that Christianity must be lived, not merely professed.

You have taught me that ministry is about people, that professionalism is about integrity, that generosity is about the heart and that leadership is about making meaningful contributions to the lives of others.

I celebrate the architect in you, the pastor in you, the mentor in you, the husband in you and, above all, the man of God in you.

My prayer is that Almighty God will continually strengthen you, renew your strength like that of the eagle, preserve your health and grant you many more fruitful years.

May your oil never run dry. May your wisdom increase. May your ministry continue to experience unprecedented growth. May the Lord enlarge your coast, strengthen your family and reward your labour of love.

May your beautiful wife and children continue to enjoy God’s favour, protection and abundant blessings. May your home remain a sanctuary of love, peace and divine presence.

May the years ahead bring you greater opportunities to influence lives, build people, strengthen institutions and raise generations that will carry the values you represent.

And when the story of your life and ministry is told, may it be evident that you did not merely occupy a position, but used your opportunities to make a difference.

At 60, you are not merely celebrating six decades of existence. You are celebrating six decades of God’s faithfulness and a growing legacy of lives touched, structures built, destinies encouraged and treasures deposited in heaven.