A Shepherd at Seventy: Pastor Samuel O. Oladele’s Leadership Influence and Impact on Christ Apostolic Church and Society

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When a man attains the biblical milestone of three-score and ten, reflection naturally turns to the impact of his life and legacy. For Pastor Samuel O. Oladele, the President of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide, his 70th birthday is more than a personal celebration—it is a testimony of faithful stewardship, spiritual courage, and visionary leadership that continues to shape the church and society.

A Seasoned Leader with a Sacred Mandate

Pastor Oladele’s journey into ministry was not accidental; it was a divine calling cultivated through discipline, training, and decades of pastoral service. From his early days as a young minister to his present office as the spiritual head of CAC, he has carried the mantle of apostolic faith, preserving the spiritual legacies of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola and other fathers of faith while also preparing the church for modern realities.


Leadership Influence in Christ Apostolic Church

  1. Guardian of Apostolic Heritage
    Under Pastor Oladele’s watch, the CAC has seen a deliberate revival of its doctrinal purity, holiness emphasis, and prayer heritage. His leadership ensures that the church remains anchored on its biblical foundation while resisting the drift of modern-day compromises (Jude 1:3).

  2. Advocate of Unity and Reconciliation
    One of his greatest leadership strengths has been bridge-building. At a time when divisions and crises threatened the unity of CAC, Pastor Oladele has championed reconciliation, fostering dialogue and restoring relationships within the church’s global family.

  3. Builder of Institutions and Human Capital
    Pastor Oladele has emphasized ministerial training, theological education, and capacity development, ensuring that the next generation of leaders is well equipped both spiritually and intellectually. Seminaries and Bible colleges under CAC have received fresh attention and direction during his presidency.

  4. Prophetic Voice to the Nation
    Beyond the church, Pastor Oladele is respected as a national voice of conscience. His teachings boldly address issues of integrity, justice, and godly leadership in Nigeria, reminding both politicians and citizens that righteousness still exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34).


Academic & Ministerial Training

- Early Theological Training

At just 14 years old, Pastor Oladele began his ministerial journey, training under Pastors J. B. Akande and J. O. Ogundiran locally. He graduated from CAC Bible Training College in Akure in 1974, having trained under Mrs. O. O. A. Pearce and Pastor M. O. Faloye .


- International Theological Education

From 1977 to 1980, he studied at the International Bible Training Institute in Burgess-Hill, West Sussex, UK .

In the USA, he furthered his studies at:

Berean Bible College (San Diego, California)

St. Louis Christian College (Florissant, Missouri)

International Bible Institute and Seminary, Plymouth, Florida — where he earned a Master’s Degree in Theology

Haggai Institute for Advanced Leadership Training, Singapore .



Ministerial Career & Leadership Roles

Academic & Pastoral Roles

Upon returning to Nigeria in 1980, he served as a tutor at CAC Theological Seminary .

He went on to serve as an Assembly Pastor in Lagos (CAC Oke-Imole, Ijeshatedo) and in Ibadan (CAC Agbokojo) .


Rise Through Church Leadership

1991: Appointed District Superintendent, serving in various districts such as Sango (Ibadan), Oke-Igbala (Efon-Alaaye), and Eleta (Ibadan) .

1996: Elevated to Assistant General Superintendent .

2002: Became Chairman, and by January 2004, was posted to CAC Oke-Ado DCC as Chairman .


Senior Leadership within CAC Worldwide

Appointed General Superintendent (Elect) of CAC Nigeria & Overseas in 2014 .

Selected as the President (8th) of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide in October 2020, and officially inaugurated on 20 March 2021 .

As of March 2025, he marked 4 years in office, during which the CAC has initiated administrative restructuring, spiritual revivals, and expansion programs .


Academic Honorary Role

Serving as the Visitor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), a tertiary institution established by CAC. In this role, he provides visionary leadership and guidance to the university's mission of academic and spiritual excellence .




Honors & Recognitions

On 22 May 2025, Pastor Oladele received the title “Pillar of Faith”—the highest honor from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) South-West—in recognition of his exceptional spiritual leadership and character .

Impact on Society

Pastor Oladele’s influence extends beyond pulpit ministry. His advocacy for godly family values, community development, and youth empowerment speaks directly to the heartbeat of society. His life exemplifies that spiritual leadership is not withdrawal from the world, but engagement with it—bringing light into darkness.

Through his sermons, writings, and public statements, he has helped shape national conversations around morality, governance, and social responsibility. Many attest that his simplicity, humility, and wisdom make him a model of servant leadership.

Leadership at Seventy: A Legacy of Grace

As Pastor Oladele celebrates 70 years, his leadership continues to inspire ministers, laity, and the larger Christian community. His life proves that true leadership is influence, not by coercion but by character. Like the biblical elders of faith, he reminds the world that leadership is stewardship and that every generation must hand over the torch brighter than they received it (2 Timothy 2:2).



Conclusion

The celebration of Pastor Samuel O. Oladele at 70 is not just about years lived, but about impact made. His leadership in Christ Apostolic Church and his prophetic voice in society affirm that spiritual leaders can shape history when they lead with courage, humility, and vision.

As the CAC family and the global church rejoice with him, one prayer echoes across the land:
May his latter years continue to burn brighter, and may the impact of his leadership echo through generations yet unborn.



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