When Faith Falters: Leadership Transitions and Community Dynamics in Akonelu-akonala

Exploring the Impact of Evangelists on a Catholic Community’s Journey Through Unity, Division, and Renewal

Was the problem the evangelist, or was it the mission itself? This is the central question that emerges from the remarkable story of Akonelu-akonala, a thriving Catholic community whose faith journey was shaped, shaken, and ultimately revived by the leaders who served them. What follows is a reflection on leadership, community, and the fragile bonds that hold faith communities together.

Background: A Thriving Catholic Community

In the early 1980s, Akonelu-akonala was more than just a collection of towns and villages; it was a vibrant tapestry of Catholic faith and service. United in purpose, the community sought guidance and leadership to navigate the complexities of growth and diversity. As is often the case, the appointment of an evangelist was seen as the key to sustaining their spiritual vitality.

The Era of Eustace Mgbejika

Enter Eustace Mgbejika, the first evangelist to set foot in Akonelu-akonala. Young, zealous, and filled with conviction, Mgbejika brought not just ideas but a spirit of unity. He transcended territorial boundaries and mentalities, weaving together a community with "one voice, mind, and strength." More than just preaching, he "unionised who they were with the gospel he preached through his way of life," building up the community both spiritually and socially.

Mgbejika’s approach recalls the words of M.D Arnold: “A good leader leads the people from above them. A great leader leads the people from within them.” Under his leadership, Akonelu-akonala was uplifted, inspired, and set on a path towards growth. Although he drew up plans for a church building, it was said, echoing biblical wisdom, that he was not the one destined to construct the physical house of God.

Transitions and Turbulence: Subsequent Evangelists

The community’s fortunes changed with leadership transitions. Bonaventure Ugwu-ijiji followed Mgbejika, bringing a different set of ideas and a more outgoing personality. While he attempted to build on his predecessor’s achievements, he soon faced resistance, challenges to his authority, and divisions among those who sought autonomy.

One unpopular decision was his redesign of the church structure, which he justified by calling the previous design "simplistic and outmoded." The imposition of change, without communal buy-in, led to dissatisfaction, highlighting the delicate balance leaders must strike between vision and consensus.

The next evangelist, Allen Onyeocha-ojii, saw even greater turmoil. Far from uniting the people, his approach "was out to divide Akonelu-akonala community." As crises erupted among various groups, youths, mothers, fathers, and even native religionists, faith began to unravel. The once-unified Catholic community started to fragment, and the rise of Pentecostalism signalled a turning point. As the community splintered into new denominations, the question of leadership loomed large.

Community Crisis: Loss of Unity and Faith

Over the years, some fifteen evangelists came and went, each leaving behind stories of frustration, confusion, and even threats of violence. The community that had once been a beacon of faith was now marked by division, stagnation, and a weakening of the bonds that had once united them.

Reflecting on such crises, theologian Henri Nouwen observed, “Community is first a quality of the heart. It grows from the spiritual knowledge that we are alive not for ourselves but for one another. Community is the fruit of our capacity to make the interests of others more important than our own.” In Akonelu-akonala, that sense of selfless service seemed to falter, replaced by contention and the erosion of communal faith.

The Turnaround: Paul Onyeoma’s Restoration

Redemption came in the form of Paul Onyeoma, a young and enterprising evangelist whose leadership echoed that of Eustace Mgbejika. With a focus on discipline and humility:

His eyes did not see beyond what they should see. His mouth did not speak more than what it knew. His ears only heard what was necessary for the mission.

Onyeoma made it his mission to revive the faith, restore peace, and rebuild the community.

He travelled tirelessly, knitting together the rich and poor, visiting homes, hospitals, and festivals, committed to “bring the people back to the faith they once knew.” His approach demonstrates what leadership scholar John Maxwell often asserts: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Slowly, unity was rekindled, and faith began to flourish once more.

Analysis: Leadership or Systemic Issues?

So, who or what was to blame for the tumult in Akonelu-akonala, the evangelists, or the mission itself? The evidence suggests that both matters. Strong, empathetic leadership can inspire unity and resilience, while poor transitions or a lack of communal involvement can breed division and decline.

The Akonelu-akonala story is a powerful illustration of this truth. Leadership styles, personalities, and approaches matter immensely, but so does the broader mission structure and the willingness of the community to adapt and participate.

Conclusion: Lessons for Faith Communities

The story of Akonelu-akonala is one of hope, caution, and reflection. It demonstrates the transformative power of inspired leadership, the dangers of imposed change, and the resilience of community spirit. Faith communities everywhere can learn that leadership is not just about authority or innovation, but about servant-hearted engagement, shared vision, and the willingness to listen and adapt.

Ultimately, the answer to Akonelu-akonala’s central question may be it was not simply the evangelist or the mission, but the dynamic interplay between them, and the hearts of the people they served.