Meet Bishop Ande Emmanuel

Bishop Ande Emmanuel was elected into the episcopacy December 7, 2024 at the 10th Quadrennial session of the West Africa Central Conference held December 5th – 8th at Western Premier Hotel Accra Ghana.

He was consecrated December 8, 2024 and assigned bishop of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria and Mission Districts of Senegal and Cameroon, which includes these annual conferences:

• Central Nigeria Annual Conference
• Northeast Nigeria Annual Conference
• Northern Nigeria Annual Conference
• South (Nigeria) Annual Conference
• Southern Nigeria Annual Conference

Early Life

Bishop Ande Emmanuel was born in Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria, into a devout Christian family of Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Ikimunbi. His parents were committed United Methodists, with his father serving as a lay preacher who started the United Methodist Church in Nukkai, Jalingo, in their family living room. This congregation became one of the largest United Methodist Churches in Taraba State and nurtured Rev. Ande, shaping his journey toward discerning God’s call to pastoral ministry.

Education and Ordination

Bishop Emmanuel’s academic journey began at Government Day Secondary School, Nukkai, Jalingo, where he earned his Senior Secondary School Certificate of Education (SSCE). He went on to earn a Diploma in Christian Ministry (DCM) and a Diploma in Christian Religious Education (DCRE) from the United Methodist Banyam Theological Seminary, Bambur, Taraba State. He then pursued a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) from the Reformed Theological Seminary, Mkar, Benue State, Nigeria, and completed a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) at Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C., USA.

Bishop Emmanuel was ordained as a Deacon by Bishop Arthur F. Kulah in Nigeria and later as an Elder in full connection by Bishop Julius C. Trimble at the Iowa Annual Conference in Des Moines, USA.

Ordained Ministry

Bishop Emmanuel has served in diverse ministerial roles, including:

• Pastor in Charge at the United Methodist Church Yelwa Abbare, Nigeria.
• Associate Pastor at United Methodist Churches in Sabon Gari and Mayogwoi, Jalingo.
• Pastor in Charge of the United Methodist Church Cathedral, Jalingo.
• Conference Youth and Young Adult Director and Conference Secretary of the Southern Nigeria Annual Conference.

His international ministry includes working as Camp Counselor at Wesleywoods Camp and Retreat Center, Iowa; Library Assistant at Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.; and as an intern with the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS), where he focused on conflict resolution, African concerns, and advocacy in Capitol Hill.

Bishop Emmanuel has also been a consultant on congregational and community engagement for the GBCS, teaching the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Superintendency

Bishop Emmauel served as the Administrative Assistant to former Bishop John Wesley Yohanna and Assistant to the Interim Bishop John Schol of the Nigeria Episcopal Area. He has also served as Vice Chairperson of the Conferences Legislative Committee at the 2020/2024 General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.

He is the author of several successful project proposals that led to the establishment of the UMC Hospital, UMC Radio Station, and UMC Chapel in Jalingo, as well as the acquisition of UMC land in Kurmi, Takum, Jalingo, Gombe, and Keffi.

Bishop Emmanuel envisions a mission-focused West Africa Central Conference and plans to prioritize clergy well-being, youth leadership development, and initiatives in evangelism, education, healthcare, and sustainability across West Africa.

Family

Bishop Emmanuel is married to Lami Ande Emmanuel, a loving and supportive partner. Together, they are blessed with three children: Goodness Ande Emmanuel, Mercy Ande Emmanuel,  and Shalfolomi Ande Emmanuel..

Publications and Awards

Bishop Emmauel has authored several books, including:

• Managing Religious Crises in Nigeria: Perspectives on Christian and Muslim Relations (2008).
• Reformation of the Pastoral Vocation: A Way Forward in Managing Church Conflict (2009).
• Tribute to His Lordship Bishop Arthur F. Kulah: A History of United Methodist Church Struggle in Nigeria (2010).

He also co-authored the 2024 edition of The Disciplines devotional of the Upper Room.

Among numerous awards, Bishop Emmanuel received the 2024 Award of Excellence in Preaching from Gospel Fanfare and the Award for Outstanding UMC Leadership from the Southern Nigeria Annual Conference Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

Vision

Bishop Emmanuel’s episcopal vision focuses on ending tribalism, fostering inclusivity, and advancing the mission of the United Methodist Church across Nigeria and West Africa. He is dedicated to creating a sustainable and unified church that equips future leaders and strengthens its global witness.