Our Purposes are derived from the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37–40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). These are Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry and Mission
The Anglican Diocese of Zaria exists to glorify God, nurture faith, and advance the Gospel through structured and intentional ministry. Our purposes are firmly rooted in the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37–40)—to love God and love our neighbours—and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20)—to make disciples of all nations.
These scriptural foundations shape our every initiative, program, and ministry within the Diocese. They ensure that all activities are spiritually grounded, mission-focused, and community-oriented.
Core Purposes
The purposes of the Diocese are summarized in five key areas: Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, and Mission. Each is designed to guide the life and work of the Church and its members.
1. Worship
- To honor and glorify God in spirit and truth through vibrant, reverent, and meaningful worship.
- To create spaces where congregants can encounter God personally and collectively.
- To foster a culture of prayer, thanksgiving, and praise as the foundation of all diocesan activities.
Biblical Foundation: Matthew 22:37 — “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
2. Fellowship
- To cultivate authentic relationships among members of the Diocese, encouraging mutual support, love, and accountability.
- To provide opportunities for community bonding through social gatherings, ministry groups, and parish events.
- To strengthen unity within the Church while reflecting Christ’s love in relationships.
Biblical Foundation: Matthew 22:39 — “Love your neighbour as yourself.”
3. Discipleship
- To nurture believers into mature followers of Christ through teaching, mentoring, and intentional spiritual formation.
- To equip members with biblical knowledge, moral integrity, and spiritual skills for personal growth and effective ministry.
- To develop leadership at all levels of the Church, ensuring a sustainable legacy of faith.
Biblical Foundation: Matthew 28:19–20 — “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
4. Ministry
- To serve God and humanity by identifying and addressing the physical, social, and spiritual needs of individuals and communities.
- To engage in specialized ministries such as Youth, Women, Men, Children, Evangelism, and Social Outreach.
- To foster servant-leadership among clergy, lay leaders, and congregants.
Biblical Foundation: Acts 20:35 — “…It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
5. Mission
- To proclaim the Gospel, plant churches, and expand the reach of Christ’s kingdom within and beyond the Diocese.
- To mobilize resources and people for evangelistic, educational, and social transformation initiatives.
- To ensure that the Diocese’s activities reflect a holistic approach to spiritual and community development.
Biblical Foundation: Matthew 28:19–20 — “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
Integrating Our Purposes
Each diocesan program, ministry arm, and community initiative is designed to advance these five purposes. Whether through worship services, teaching programs, outreach projects, or leadership development, the Diocese ensures that every activity contributes to glorifying God, building relationships, forming disciples, serving communities, and expanding the Gospel.
Call to Action
The Diocese invites every member to actively participate in these purposes:
- Worship: Attend services and encounter God personally
- Fellowship: Build relationships and strengthen community bonds
- Discipleship: Engage in Bible study, mentorship, and personal spiritual growth
- Ministry: Serve in chaplaincies, guilds, and community projects
- Mission: Participate in evangelism, outreach, and church planting
Through faithful engagement in these purposes, the Anglican Diocese of Zaria fulfills its calling to reflect Christ in word and deed.
“Our Purpose defines why we exist—it is to love, to serve, to teach, to nurture, and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in every community within our reach.”