“Upheld Hands And Persistent Prayer”: Dr. Dayo Olomu Begins Ministry With Powerful First Sermon At St Alban’s, Croydon

The congregation of St Alban’s Church, Croydon, was filled with joy and thanksgiving on Sunday as newly licensed Lay Reader, Dr. Dayo Olomu, delivered his first sermon after being commissioned at Southwark Cathedral by Bishop Christopher.

Preaching on the theme “Upheld Hands, Persistent Prayer, and Proclaiming the Word,” Dr. Olomu offered a heartfelt message of gratitude, community, and shared faith, marking the beginning of his ministry among the people of St Alban’s.

“My heart is full of gratitude,” he began. “Your prayers, guidance, and encouragement over the past two years of my training at St Augustine’s College of Theology have carried me through. It is a blessing to begin this new chapter here — with you, where my ministry will find its home.”

Describing his licensing as a humbling and transformative moment, Dr. Olomu explained that the call to serve as a Reader — also known as a Licensed Lay Minister — comes with a threefold responsibility: to teach the faith, enable mission, and lead in both Church and society.

“In simple terms,” he said, “I am called to bring the Gospel to the heart of our community — to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ with compassion, clarity, and courage.”

Drawing on the day’s lectionary readings — Exodus 17:8-13; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; and Luke 18:1-8 — Dr. Olomu reflected on the strength of shared prayer and the power of persistence.

He likened Moses’ uplifted hands during Israel’s battle with the Amalekites to the spirit of unity within the Church:

“When Moses grew weary, Aaron and Hur came alongside him, holding up his hands until victory was won. This is the picture of the Church today — none of us can stand alone. We are called to be Aarons and Hurs for one another, upholding each other in prayer so that God’s purposes may prevail.”

Turning to Paul’s exhortation to Timothy, Dr. Olomu urged the faithful to remain steadfast in proclaiming the Word “whether the time is favourable or unfavourable.” He then linked this message to Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow, reminding the congregation that perseverance in faith is essential for every believer.

“Persistence is the heartbeat of discipleship,” he said. “To bring the Gospel to the heart of Croydon, we must be persistent in prayer, in compassion, and in witness — especially when the world seems indifferent.”

In a deeply personal moment, Dr. Olomu reflected on his own spiritual journey — from his upbringing in Lagos, through a successful professional career in London’s boardrooms, now transformed into a ministry of service.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon us,” he declared, “to proclaim freedom for the captives, to bind up the broken-hearted, and to bridge the sacred and the secular. God has a way of weaving our stories into His greater purpose.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Olomu shared a vision to strengthen fellowship within the parish — announcing plans to establish a Men’s Group at St Alban’s.

“It will be a safe and supportive space for men to pray, reflect, and encourage one another — a place where we can hold up each other’s hands through the challenges of work, family, and faith,” he explained. “When we strengthen one another, we strengthen the whole body of Christ.”

Concluding his sermon, Dr. Olomu reminded the congregation that Christian life is a shared pilgrimage sustained by mutual prayer and persistence.

“We are in this together,” he affirmed. “We are called to hold up one another’s hands, to be steadfast in prayer, and to proclaim the message — in season and out. Thank you for holding my hands up. I look forward to holding yours in return as we make Christ known in our community.”

The service ended with warm applause and an outpouring of affection from parishioners — a visible expression of unity and shared hope.

For the people of St Alban’s, Croydon, Dr. Olomu’s first sermon was more than an inaugural address; it was a spiritual call to perseverance, partnership, and prayer — a reminder that when hands are upheld together in faith, the Church becomes an unbreakable force for God’s kingdom.