Date of publication: Friday 1 August 2025
A Glorious Farewell: Bishop Jacob Afolabi and Pastor Elizabeth Afolabi Retire After 29 Years of Ministry
By Ijeoma Ukazu, Editorial Associate
Friday 18 July 2025
Under the glowing chandeliers of the Mosaic Convention Centre, Ottawa the air buzzed with joy and reverence. It was a day etched in golden ink in the hearts of many, a day to honour two beloved spiritual leaders who had devoted nearly three decades to serving God and their community. Bishop Jacob Afolabi and his wife, Pastor Elizabeth Afolabi, were officially retiring from full-time ministry after 29 years of faithful service.
The grand hall, filled to capacity, bore witness to a beautiful convergence of generations and stories. Those who had been joined in holy matrimony by Bishop Afolabi, those whose children had been blessed and baptized under his ministry, and those now in ministry themselves because of his influence, along with family, friends, fellow clergy, and well-wishers, gathered to celebrate the legacy of the Afolabi’s and the church they founded: Christ’s Chapel Bible Church.
The celebration began with spirit-filled harmonies from the church’s young Christian choir. Their voices rose in joyful praise, each note resonating with gratitude and reverence. This was more than just a tribute—it was worship born of deep respect for leaders who had walked the walk, nurtured a spiritual family, and lived the word.
Dressed in cream African lace, Bishop Afolabi stood tall, his shoulders not just carrying the elegance of tradition, but the weight of a legacy built on faith, sacrifice, and enduring love. Beside him, Pastor Elizabeth, adorned in a vibrant Aso-Oke head tie, beamed with quiet strength. As she greeted friends, family, and fellow ministers—many of whom had travelled from across Canada—her smile spoke volumes about a life well-lived in service.
Their journey began in June 1996, when the Lord led the couple to start a church in Ottawa’s east end. With just six adults and four children, Christ’s Chapel Bible Church was born. Today, the church has grown beyond borders, extending its reach to Africa, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Through mission work and spiritual mentorship, the Afolabi’s have helped raise generations of believers, ministers, and community leaders.
As the celebrants stepped to the podium to share their reflections, Bishop Afolabi offered heartfelt thanks to all who had journeyed with the church—those who served, prayed, and gave. He blessed them and prayed that God would continue to prosper their lives.
Pastor Elizabeth followed with a short chorus and words that echoed humility and truth. “There is no church without the people,” she said. “The church cannot function without the people, and there is no progress without the people.” She thanked everyone for their presence, their love, and their sacrifices over the years.
Their son, Jide Afolabi, also took the stage, speaking on behalf of the Afolabi children. His voice filled with emotion as he reflected on the spiritual foundation his parents laid—not only for the congregation but for their family.
“You know him as a Bishop,” Jide said, “but we know him first as our father, long before he answered the Lord’s call. What you see today is just the surface. His ministry has gone beyond the pulpit—it’s lived in hospitals, at coffee tables, through late-night phone calls. He’s been there when no one was watching.”
Also present was Bishop Canute Blake, under whom Bishop Afolabi once served as an assistant pastor. Now the Overseer of Eastern Canada and the longtime pastor of New Life Covenant Centre, Bishop Blake recounted their early years together.
“When Bishop Afolabi came to Canada, he thought he would continue his engineering career,” Bishop Blake shared. “But God had another plan. Through him, lives were transformed—including mine and my family’s. His ministry has left an imprint on the Ottawa Church of God and beyond.”
He continued, “I never saw him merely as an assistant. He was someone sent by God. Our ministries merged in purpose, and our lives were forever changed.”
Bishop Blake read from Isaiah 1:17–20:
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed… Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…”
He said the passage captures the essence of Bishop and Pastor Afolabi’s ministry—a life of justice, truth, and godly courage.
He concluded, “You have laboured well. The seeds you have sown are producing a rich harvest. Enter your new season with joy and assurance, for He who began this good work will bring it to completion.”
A touching tribute came from Sister Hyacinth Telfer, a retired Canadian Armed Forces member and the church’s spoken word artist. She honoured the Afolabi’s for being pillars of strength, a guiding light, and an unwavering spiritual compass that had led the church from glory to glory.
As the baton of leadership was formally passed to Apostle Dr. James Quainoo, a solemn but celebratory moment followed. The Afolabi children joined their parents at the podium, and Bishop Blake returned to offer a powerful prayer of blessing over the family.
In that moment, it was clear that Bishop Jacob and Pastor Elizabeth Afolabi retirement was not an ending to their race with faith and dignity, but it was a harvest. A new chapter of rest, reflection, and perhaps new callings begins, but their impact will echo for generations to come.
