As many spiritual people attend crossover services, heralding the new year, Christian clerics have identified the source, importance, and abuse of religious watchwords.
The clerics, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday, expressed worries that watchwords had become mere lifeless doctrine for some people.
Pastor Femi Bamidele of the Record Bearer International Outreach Ministries, Lagos State, sees a watchword as a guiding principle or theme that individuals or communities focus on throughout the year.
“This concept is particularly significant in various religious and spiritual traditions; it symbolises reflection, renewal, and a fresh start.
“It helps to set the tone for personal or communal growth in the coming year.
“It also helps individuals to reflect on their experiences, learn from them, and seek renewal.
“It’s helpful for guidance and focus, as it provides a focal point for setting goals and making decisions.
“It acts as a reminder of one’s intentions and aspirations, guiding actions and choices throughout the year,” Bamidele said.
He said watchwords could enhance spiritual and emotional support, helping individuals to stay connected to their faith and values.
Bamidele noted that watchwords could also provide fresh perspectives and a sense of purpose as people embark on the new year.
“For communities, a shared watchword can foster a sense of unity and collective purpose.
“It brings people together around common goals and values, strengthening communal bond as well as offering hope, which are essential for maintaining a positive outlook and resilience in the face of challenges,” he said.
Pastor Olasupo Odeleye, the Resident Pastor of All Nations Evangelical Church International Headquarters, Ibadan, described watchwords as scripture-based inspirations by God for every new year.
According to him, a watchword can be a Bible verse that gives a Christian strength, faith, and boldness after reading and meditating.
“Watchword is the most relevant scripture used in a year and can have different themes such as favour, protection, victory, blessings and deliverance and so on,” Odeleye said.
Pastor Muyiwa Olanrewaju, Lead Pastor of Calvary Global Harvest Ministry, Akure, Ondo State, said the fathers in faith started using watchwords through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration.
“Watchword is a word by the Holy Spirit that you confess throughout the new year for God’s intervention,” he said.
Watchword, according to him, is God’s powerful word, though most people now use it as a mere doctrine.
“The fathers in faith want their members to know the word of God off hand. It is, however, more than that.
“Once you confess it to your spirit, it will come to pass. So, every year, God communicates it to those who have a covenant with it,” Olanrewaju said.
Another cleric, Prophet Gilgali Akande of C. A. C. Ori-Oke Agbara Olorun Kosehunti, Ojoo, Ibadan, described a watchword as a doctrine symbolising protection, blessings, and breakthroughs for the new year.
“It is by the inspiration of God to churches, yet not every church uses it,” Akande said.
Also, Pastor Godwin Oluwafemi of the Mountain of Fire Ministries, Kwara State, traced the use of watchwords to the Bible, precisely to Habakkuk 2:1-4.
“It is the vision of what you want for yourself, your family, and your business for the new year.
“It is like a word of prophecy, as used by the Mountain of Fire Ministries, The Apostolic Church, or the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
“It is the prophesied statement for the year, day, or month as deemed fit or inspired by God for individuals or a congregation,” he said.
