Rev. Taningbola 30 Years in Pastoral Ministry

Reverend Zachariah Olubayo Taningbola gives thanks to God for his 30 years of service in pastoral ministry and acknowledges God’s full support in the ministry.

Biography of Reverend Zachariah Olubayo Taningbola:

 Reverend Taningbola hails from Eruwa, Ibarapa East LG, Oyo State. His father is Prophet Daniel Akanji Taningbola, and his mother is Dorcas Ayanbinmi Taningbola. He received his call as a servant of the Most High God on May 7, 1994.

He served as a student pastor at Aboju Baptist Church Elekara, Oyo, and later at Ajagba Baptist Church, Ajagba, Ola Oluwa LG, Osun State from 1994 to 2003. Since 2003, he has been serving at Arigbajo Baptist Church, Wasinmi. Rev. Taningbola attended Joint Baptist Pastors’ School, Oyo from 1992 to 1994. He also studied at ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja, Kwara State from 2000 to 2002, and at Baptist College of Theology, Lagos from 2009 to 2012. He completed his education at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State in 2015.

Rev. Taningbola reflected on his 30-year journey in the ministry and how it has shaped his current state. He mentioned that he initially planned to become a police officer in Nigeria during his primary and secondary school years. However, after finishing secondary school in 1987, he felt called to the ministry, which changed the course of his life.

He shared a personal testimony from his father, who revealed that a man of God had prophesied that Rev. Taningbola and his elder brother would serve as servants of God in the future. Despite initial uncertainty, the revelation became a reality in his life, and he expressed gratitude for God’s faithfulness, miracles, and mercy over the past 30 years.

Rev. Taningbola acknowledged the challenges he faced, including being underpaid while serving in his first church. To overcome this, he ventured into farming and found additional support through prayer. Additionally, he faced personal attacks and false accusations, but he chose to forgive and persevere in his ministry, relying on God for strength.

As he reflected on his experiences, Rev. Taningbola advised young and aspiring ministers to ensure they are genuinely called to serve in the ministry and to prioritize their relationship with God over material gain. He emphasized the importance of endurance and faithfulness, regardless of the size or status of the church they serve.

Furthermore, he recounted moments where he witnessed miracles, including praying for a sick baby who ultimately survived and an incident involving a potential stove explosion that was averted by divine intervention.

Overall, Rev. Taningbola’s story highlights the challenges and triumphs he encountered during his 30 years of ministry, underscoring the importance of faith, perseverance, and reliance on God’s provision.