A minister being ordained
THE PRESIDING Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Most Reverend Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo has urged ministers of the Gospel to live exemplary lives as true disciples of Jesus Christ.
He said they should carry out their work as ministers not for personal gains or worldly recognition but rather to serve God Almighty with devotion and integrity.
Rev. Dr Boafo gave the advice on Sunday during the Commendation and Commissioning Ceremony of 59 Ministers of the church made up of 52 males and seven females to commence their probation as Deacons of the Methodist Church of Ghana.
In accordance with the Covid-19 protocols of social distancing, the 59 Ministers were divided into three groups for the event that took place concurrently at Mt. Olivet Methodist Church at Dansoman, Most Rev. Kwesi A. Dickson Memorial Chapel at Adjiringano and Bethel Methodist Chapel at Tema Community 8.
Quoting from 1 Peter 5:2-35, the Presiding Bishop admonished “be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain but eager to serve; not Lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
Rev Boafo said Christianity was currently under intense attack partly because of the ‘un-Christlike’ character portrayed by some pastors.
“Sadly, most pastors of late do not enter the ministry with the right motives but rather for ‘shameful gains’, they parade about as superstars and act in a very domineering manner.”
“You are under God’s authority and can’t live anyhow. The work of the ministry is a calling and not a means to enrich yourself.
You are not to lord over people but to rather be a worthy example to all and reflect the character of Jesus Christ,” he said.
He said church leaders or pastors are to care for the needs of their Congregation and protect them from troubles both within the Church and without.
The Presiding Bishop said they were also to continually feed the Church with only God’s word and no other doctrine.
“We live by only one Book, the Bible and that is what you should preach. God’s word will protect the Church from heresies. Jesus is the Bread of Life; feed your congregation with the word lest they die of hunger. If you serve God well, He will reward you accordingly,” he said.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri