The Most Revd. Dr Christian Okon Ekong Archbishop and international President of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria holds from Afaha Etok, in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, born on December 26, 1965.
He started his academic exercise in Lutheran Primary School, Afaha Etok and proceeded to Government Technical College, Abak in 1976. in 1981 he acquired both City and Guilds of London Intermediate and West African Schools Certificate (Ordinary Level).
Christian secured admission to Thames Polytechnic, United Kingdom to study Building Technology in 1982. He was not fulfilled in any endeavour until he got enrolled into the Lutheran Seminary, Obot Idim Ibesikpo in 1985 for a Two-Year Evangelist Training Programme. On completion, Christian Ekong was commissioned and Evangelist of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria and assigned to Calabar in 1987. Evangelist Ekong found his Para-pastoral ministry very delightful because, there, he first met his “femme fatale” Offionganwan who was a very charming youth and a student of Holy Child Girl’s School, Calabar.
After two years of Evangelist ministry which he doubled as the Calabar District Secretary, Christian had admission back to the Seminary for Full Pastoral Course in September, 1989. Within the four-year period of studies Christian had a one-year Vicarage Programme of six months in Abueke-Nta, Imo State and another six Months in Kasuk Qua, Calabar. The Lord prospered his ministry with growth. He graduated as a Pastoral Candidate of The Lutheran Church of Nigeria as the best academic student with tops in Greek, Use of English, Old and New Testaments,Homiletics and Church Administration in July 1993.
On commissioning as a Pastor, he was assigned to Port Harcourt to serve Rumuomasi and Azuabie congregation. But on reaching there, he found another young congregation without a minister. He extended his services to the Lutheran Church, Iriebe, till his transfer to Jos, Plateau State in 1995. In Port Harcourt he designed and built the LCN Rumuomasi and founded Lutheran Nursery/Primary School, Azuabie.
Pastor Christian Ekong was ordained a Reverend in January 1996 and appointed a Circuit Superintendent of Jos till his transfer to LCN 37 Enwe Street, Uyo in September 1. 1999. In Uyo, he was confirmed a District Superintendent till his appointment as the National Secretary of the Church and transfered to the National Headquarters, Obot Idim Ibesikpo.
While in Uyo, he founded Congregations, upgraded some that were weak and set up a very high standard of spiritual and administrative structures. He built from start to finish the Lutheran House, Abak Road, Uyo. He made his money from his private practice as a Building Technologist and supported his ministry.
Rev. Christian Ekong served as the National Secretary of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria from 2003 to 2008. Rev. Christian Ekong was overwhelmingly elected as the 7th National President of The Lutheran Church of Nigeria and installed to office in January, 2009. he is the first consecrated and enthroned Archbishop of the Lutheran Church, who transformed the Church from congregational to episcopal form of Church government.
Archbishop Christian Ekong is a transformational and capacity Christian leader of International recognition.
Outside the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Rev. Christian Ekong was the Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) Akwa Ibom State – 2000 – 2003
Most Rev. Christian Ekong served as President – Lutheran Communion in West Central Africa (LUCCWA) 2010 – 2018.
President, International Lutheran Council Churches, Africa 2010 – 2018
Adjunct Professor, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
Board of Trustees Member – Hillcrest International Schools, Jos 2010 till date
Board of Trustees member – Christian Council of Nigeria – 2018 till date
Chairman Board of Directors/Trustees of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria 2009 – till date
Dr Christian Ekong holds a Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies from Concordia Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
Master of Business Administration in Business Management, University of Uyo.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management, University of Uyo.
The Most Rev. Dr. Christian Ekong is author of many articles in international Journals and his book, “Straightening Integrity and Accountability in Church Leadership.” He is a dedicated preacher, teacher, and Radio and Television speaker -broadcasting “The Devotional” daily in Passion FM, Love FM and PRTV Radio; “Lutheran Quarter Hour in Youtube every Sunday and AKBCTV and Spectrum TV.
The Most Rev. Dr. Christian Ekong is happily married to Offionganwan. Together, they have four lovely children.
To God be the Glory!
