By Daphne Uduneje
Drawing on nearly three decades of missionary experience in Liberia and other countries, Bishop James G. Smith, founder of Life and Power Global Ministry in Liberia and owner of St. James Revival Assemblies, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening grassroots churches, equipping ministers, and promoting effective Christian leadership across nations.
The renowned Nigerian-born clergyman made this commitment during a two-day ministerial conference organised by St. James Revival Assemblies on October 23 and 24, 2026, at Foursquare Gospel Church, Iba Housing Estate, Lagos.
Tagged “Strength for the Journey of Ministry,” with the theme “Raising Strong and Effective Church,” the conference provided a platform for pastors, church leaders, and ministers to receive spiritual encouragement, practical ministerial guidance, and renewed motivation for service.
According to Bishop Smith, the gathering brought together dozens of churches and ministries, particularly independent and grassroots congregations seeking opportunities for growth, mentorship, and ministerial development. During the interview, he referred to approximately 68 churches, while the event report recorded 64 churches and ministries in attendance.
The conference reflects Bishop Smith’s longstanding vision of ensuring that smaller churches and independent ministries receive the encouragement, training, and guidance they need to fulfil their God-given assignments.
Originally from Delta State, Bishop Smith spent 11 years pastoring in Nigeria before embarking on missionary work in Liberia approximately 29 years ago, according to his interview.
His missionary journey has involved church planting, ministerial training, and outreach beyond Liberia, with a growing burden to extend his work to other nations.
Explaining the motivation behind his ministry initiatives, Bishop Smith noted that many independent and grassroots churches often feel neglected or lack access to the structures, mentorship, and resources available to larger denominations.
He believes that the growth of the Christian faith should not be measured solely by the size of a congregation but also by the quality of its spiritual foundation, leadership, discipleship, and commitment to evangelism.
“Although the giants are here, there are still a handful of independent churches,” he observed, explaining why his ministry has continued to reach out to smaller congregations.
For Bishop Smith, the mission is clear: to encourage ministers, strengthen their capacity, and help churches fulfil their responsibilities without leaving anyone behind.
A major focus of Bishop Smith’s work is providing a supportive environment where independent churches can learn, grow, and collaborate without feeling intimidated by larger ministries.
He explained that smaller congregations sometimes struggle to maintain their identity and membership when larger churches establish a presence in their communities. His initiative therefore seeks to provide an avenue for encouragement, mentorship, and capacity-building.
“The truth of it is that we are all working for one God, one purpose, one kingdom. All of the churches, whether a small church, grassroots church or giant church, we are all doing the same thing,” he said.
He added that collaboration among Christian leaders could help strengthen the wider Church and expand its impact on society.
Through ministerial gatherings such as the Lagos conference, Bishop Smith hopes to create opportunities for pastors to exchange ideas, receive guidance, and become more effective in their assignments.
The initiative also offers mentorship to ministers who are willing to learn and develop their leadership capacity.
According to him, the objective is not to compete with established denominations but to strengthen the wider Christian community by helping independent churches develop the structures and spiritual discipline necessary for sustainable growth.
The conference theme, “Raising Strong and Effective Church,” reflects Bishop Smith’s conviction that a successful church requires more than a congregation, a building, or a prominent leader.
He identified prayer, evangelism, discipleship, continuous training, accountability, integrity, and effective administration as essential elements of a strong and sustainable church.
In his teaching on spiritual warfare, Bishop Smith referenced Ephesians 6:10 and 2 Corinthians 10:3, reminding ministers of the importance of spiritual preparedness and perseverance.
He encouraged pastors to confront the challenges of their generation responsibly rather than leave unresolved battles for their children.
“Battles you cannot defeat are left for children to inherit,” he said.
His message challenged ministers to take their spiritual responsibilities seriously while remaining committed to raising believers who can withstand challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
In another teaching, “The Necessity of Power in the Last Days,” Bishop Smith stressed the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God through His Word, prayer, and fasting.
He also cautioned ministers against turning personal convictions and traditions into doctrines that are not universally supported by Scripture.
One of Bishop Smith’s strongest messages at the conference was the importance of discipleship and continuous ministerial training.
He explained that bringing people into a church is only the beginning of the responsibility of Christian leadership. Members must also be taught, guided, and equipped to understand the vision of their church and participate meaningfully in its growth.
Drawing from the example of Jesus Christ and His disciples, Bishop Smith emphasized that a church’s long-term strength depends on its ability to raise people who can sustain its mission across generations.
“If you have three members, and you disciple them, you have a church. If you have 20 members, and the 20 members are properly discipled, they can turn the city upside down,” he said.
He warned that a large congregation without proper discipleship could remain spiritually immature and vulnerable to misleading teachings.
Bishop Smith therefore advocated regular training and retraining for church members and workers, noting that leadership development should be an ongoing process rather than an occasional activity.
He further explained that effective churches should operate through established systems rather than depend entirely on one individual.
In his view, a well-structured church should continue to function effectively even when its pastor is unavailable.
This emphasis on discipleship, institutional development, and continuity forms an important part of his vision for stronger and more effective churches.
Bishop Smith also addressed the importance of integrity and accountability in church administration, particularly in the management of church finances and other resources.
He maintained that accountability goes beyond financial records and includes responsible time management, transparency, and the faithful fulfilment of commitments made to church members.
According to him, church leaders should communicate clearly about funds received, expenditures, and the purposes for which resources are allocated.
“If the people give their money for a particular purpose, that purpose should be achieved,” he stressed.
He also urged ministers to respect time and organise church programmes in ways that demonstrate discipline and consideration for their congregations.
These principles, he explained, are essential to building trust, strengthening relationships between pastors and members, and establishing ministries that can endure across generations.
In addition to spiritual development, Bishop Smith encouraged ministers to take care of their physical health, get adequate rest, and seek medical attention when necessary.
The two-day gathering attracted several ministers and Christian leaders from different churches and ministries.
Among those who graced the event were Rev. Dr. Mike Adeleke, PFN Chairman of Ojo Province; Bishop Vincent Paye Bagnoon; Apostle Veronica Ujah; Apostle Dr. Eddo Sylvanus of Foursquare Gospel Church, Iba Housing Estate; Pastor Iboro Promise Freedom; Bishop Kingsley Azuka of City of Priests Mega Church; Bishop-Elect James Esuku; and international gospel artist Praise Eddo.
Other ministers and church workers also participated in the programme, contributing to the atmosphere of fellowship, learning, and spiritual development.
Bishop Smith expressed appreciation to the host pastor, Apostle Dr. Eddo Sylvanus, for providing the venue and supporting the conference.
He also acknowledged the facilitators and other participants whose contributions helped make the gathering possible.
The conference featured teachings on spiritual warfare, the necessity of divine power, ministerial discipline, and the responsibilities of church leaders in building stronger congregations.
Speaking with journalists, Apostle Mrs. Dorcas Okonye Azuka of City of Priests Mega Church expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the conference and revisit important spiritual teachings.
She encouraged female ministers to remain humble in their homes and deliberately make time for their families, emphasising the importance of balancing ministry responsibilities with family life.
Bishop Elect James Esuku, in his remarks to the press, addressed concerns about transactional approaches to ministry and perceptions that God’s power was diminishing.
He maintained that God’s ways remain unchanged, while urging Christians to establish personal relationships with Him and avoid allowing the misconduct of individuals to undermine their faith.
His remarks complemented the conference’s broader emphasis on integrity, sound teaching, and responsible Christian leadership.
Beyond ministerial training, Bishop Smith used the opportunity to express concern about teachings that promise quick success without sufficiently emphasising discipline, diligence, repentance, and commitment to God’s Kingdom.
Reflecting on his return to Nigeria after years of missionary service abroad, he called on churches to ensure that their teachings provide a balanced foundation for spiritual growth and responsible living.
He particularly urged Nigerian youths to draw closer to God and become active participants in the work of the Church.
According to Bishop Smith, Christian ministries have a responsibility to encourage values that support spiritual maturity, personal discipline, and positive contributions to society.
His message was a call for churches to strengthen their foundations and ensure that their influence promotes responsible choices among young people.
The Lagos conference forms part of Bishop Smith’s broader commitment to reaching grassroots churches and ministers in different locations.
During the interview, he disclosed that the initiative had also taken him to Bayelsa and Port Harcourt earlier in the year. He further indicated that a conference in Lekki was being planned for March 2027, subject to the anticipated schedule.
These engagements reflect his intention to build a wider network of ministers who can learn from one another, strengthen their congregations, and contribute to the growth of Christianity.
For Bishop Smith, the work is not simply about organising conferences; it is about developing people, building sustainable churches, and ensuring that independent ministries have access to the encouragement and guidance they need to flourish.
As the conference concluded, its central message remained clear: the strength of the Church lies not merely in its numbers or physical structures, but in the spiritual maturity, integrity, commitment, and preparedness of its people.
Through St. James Revival Assemblies and his wider missionary work, Bishop James G. Smith continues to champion a vision of stronger churches, better-equipped ministers, and a more united Christian community committed to serving God and society.
