Profile of Venerable Dr. Gershinen Paul Dajur, Bishop-Elect of the Missionary Diocese of Keffi-Karshi

 

Venerable Dr Gershinen Paul Dajur hails from Fwor community in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State and was born on 12 March 1980, into the family of Nde Paul Shikduna Wukpi (late) and Nana Naomi Paul Dajur. 

His birth into a Christian environment shaped his early devotion to God and pursuit of knowledge. Even from childhood, he distinguished himself with a disciplined mind, an eagerness to learn, and a sense of responsibility that would define his life and ministry. 

His primary education at Myet-Nemel Primary School (completed in 1992) was followed by secondary education at Government Secondary School, Ampang East, Kanke, where he graduated in 1998 as the best student of his set.

With a strong academic foundation, young Gershinen proceeded to the Federal College of Education, Pankshin, where he earned a Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) in Christian Religious Studies and Social Studies in 2001, graduating with multiple academic distinctions. 

His commitment to both theology and education deepened, and by 2006, he completed a Bachelor of Divinity degree at the Christian Institute, Jos. Recognized as a promising young theologian, he pursued postgraduate studies abroad at the Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, USA (now Trinity Anglican Seminary), where he obtained a Master of Arts in Religion (Systematic Theology) in 2010.

Driven by an enduring passion for scholarship and ministry, the Ven. Dr. Dajur went on to secure two doctoral degrees in Christian Religious Studies, specializing in Theology and the Philosophy of Religion: first from the Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta, in 2014, and later from Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State, in 2020.

His doctoral research explored critical themes such as Jesus’ teaching on loving enemies within the context of religious violence and theological responses to contemporary challenges. Alongside this, he acquired a Diploma in Computer Studies in 2012, demonstrating his openness to integrating technology into education and ministry.

The Ven. Dr. Dajur’s call to ordained ministry culminated in his ordination as a Deacon in December 2004 and as a Priest in December 2005 in the Diocese of Jos, by the Most Rev’d Dr Benjamin Argak Kwashi, in the Diocese of Jos. His early pastoral postings were diverse and formative, beginning as a Curate and later Vicarin rural and urban parishes across Plateau State. 

Between 2005 and 2010, he ministered as the Pioneer Vicar of St Joseph’s Church, Gurup, Curate of St Paul’s Pankshin (now St Paul’s Cathedral), Vicar of St Christopher’s Church, Rayfield, and Chaplain of Children’s Ministry in Jos Diocese. 

In 2010, he was appointed Chaplain to the Archbishop of Jos, a role he held with distinction for many years. His close work with episcopal leadership during this period refined his skills in administration, diplomacy, and pastoral care. 

Simultaneously, he served as Editor of the New Times Newsletter, an instrument of communication within the diocese. His ministry expanded to cathedral duties at St Luke’s, Jos, and he also oversaw pastoral work in Rayfield and other parishes. In recognition of his diligence and leadership, he was preferred Canon in 2015 andelevated to Archdeacon in 2018.

In 2018, the Church of Nigeria through the Primate, the Most Rev’d Dr Nicholas D. Okoh, entrusted him with its highest administrative office, appointing him as General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). At the age of 38, he became the youngest priest in the history of the Church to hold this position, a mark of extraordinary confidence placed in his ability by the General Synod of the Church.

For more than seven years now, Dr. Dajur has served under two successive Primates of the Church of Nigeria, first, the Most Rev’d Dr Nicholas D. Okoh and the current Primate, the Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, administering the vast affairs of the Communion with an unblemished record. 

His leadership of the Secretariat is characterized by integrity, diligence, promptness, and humility. He has earned a reputation as the trusted “go-to” person for Archbishops, Bishops, and Clergy across the nation, ensuring that diocesan documents, communications, and critical information are delivered efficiently. 

Colleagues and superiors alike commend his detribalized spirit, his ability to relate warmly with people across Nigeria’s diverse cultures, and his capacity to foster unity within the Church.

Alongside his national responsibilities, he continues to exercise pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Abuja, where he has served as Assisting Priest at St James, Asokoro; Basilica of Grace, Gudu; and All Saints, Wuse Zone 5. Since 2024, he has been Archdeacon of Gwarinpa Archdeaconry and Vicar of St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Gwarinpa.

Dr. Dajur has combined pastoral ministry with a rich academic career. For more than a decade (2006–2018), he served as a Lecturer at Christian Institute, Jos, mentoring future clergy and lay leaders. He pioneered the Online Postgraduate Studies program at the Institute, expanding access to theological education. 

His educational leadership includes service as Principal of St Luke’s Anglican College, Jos (2015–2018), Principal of St Piran’s Anglican High School, Jos (2012–2013), and Pioneer Principal of John Kwashi Memorial College, Pankshin (2005–2006). Currently, he lectures as an Adjunct Lecture at St Francis of Assisi Theological College, Wusasa, Kaduna State, and sits on the Boards of Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta, and St Francis of Assisi Theological College. His teaching philosophy bridges rigorous theology with pastoral application, aiming to shape servant-leaders for the Church.

The Ven. Dr. Dajur’s ministry extends beyond Nigeria. From 2008 to 2010, he served as Associate Priest at Grace Anglican Church, Diocese of Pittsburgh (ACNA), USA, gaining valuable cross-cultural experience. He has represented the Church of Nigeria at numerous global gatherings, including GAFCON (Dubai 2019) and (Kigali, Rwanda 2023), the Global South Conference in Cairo (2019), and the World Council of Churches 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany (2022). He has also been actively involved with the All-Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), where he currently serves as an Economic Justice Ambassador.

His international engagements also include theological conferences in Uganda, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as ecumenical dialogues in Tanzania, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, and the Holy Land. His contributions in these spaces reflect his passion for unity, justice, and the witness of the African Church in global Christianity.

His journal articles have appeared in respected platforms, addressing subjects such as divine love, perseverance in suffering, Christian ethics, and the role of scholarship in ministry. He continues to write widely, including devotional and theological essays shared through media and digital platforms.

At just over four decades of life, The Ven. Dr. Gershinen Paul Dajur has already left a profound mark on the Anglican Church in Nigeria and beyond. His life embodies a rare blend of scholarship, administrative excellence, pastoral devotion, and ecumenical vision. From the classrooms of Plateau to the corridors of national and international leadership, his journey testifies to God’s grace and the Church’s investment in a new generation of leaders.

He continues to serve with the conviction that ministry is not merely a profession but a vocation of faith, love, and service. His legacy grows daily not only in the structures he oversees and the books he writes but in the lives of countless men and women he has mentored, taught, and pastored across Nigeria and the world.

Known for his humility, discipline, and servant-heart, the Ven. Dr. Dajur combines academic rigor with pastoral warmth. Though holding one of the most demanding offices in the Church of Nigeria, he is deeply approachable and relational, making time for clergy and laity alike. His colleagues describe him as detribalized, trustworthy, and consistent, a man whose leadership is marked by inclusion, fairness, and a pastoral concern that extends even to administrative duties.

Outside ministry, he enjoys singing, playing musical instruments, farming, mentoring young people, and traveling activities that reflect his holistic view of life and faith.

The Ven. Dr. Gershinen Paul Dajur is happily married to Mrs. Michelle Misel Tabitha Dajur, an astute educationist and dogged administrator with a PhD in view. She is also a skilled teacher, fashion designer, and caterer, and serves faithfully in ministry alongside her husband as a Vice President of all Girls’ and Women’s Organizationsand the marriage is blessed with Godly children.

This profile was adopted from ACNN