By Lawrencia Akoto Frempong
Tema, March 17, GNA – The Methodist Church of Ghana, Tema Diocese, has organised its maiden lectures to honour the contributions of stalwarts of the church in Tema.
It was on the theme: “Growing into Christian Maturity, Strengthening Church Structures at the Society Level for Growth.”
The maiden lecture of “The Rt. Rev. Joseph Yedu Bannerman, Rt. Rev. Dr Seth Aryee, and Brother Emmanuel Nii Laryea Lectures,” was in honour of Mr Laryea, the first lay chairman of the Tema Diocese, for his contributions towards the growth of the Methodist Church in the Tema Diocese.
The lecture forms part of a series of lectures initiated by the Connexional Lay Movement Council to honour Mr S.H. Amissah, the first Vice President of the Methodist Church Ghana, and all stalwarts within the various dioceses.
Professor Kwame Adom-Frimpong, the Chairman of the General Directorate of Finance and Development of the Methodist Church Ghana, said growing into Christian maturity meant passing through some processes in Jesus Christ to develop in faith, understanding, and character, and becoming more like Christ in thought, word, and deed.
Prof. Adom-Frimpong, who was the guest speaker, stated that this growth was essential for Christians to live a life that was pleasing and effective to God, adding that it involved deepening a relationship with God, an increased knowledge of His Word, and the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit.
He reiterated that Christians grew when they feed on healthy spiritual food and mature when they gain deeper knowledge of God and Christ.
Prof. Adom-Frimpong said that the church structure, which was built around three components; people, programmes, and systems, works together to create a synergy that helps the church fulfil its mission and serve its community.
He added that these structures outlined how a church operates, from the leadership roles to daily operations, and define who was responsible for what and how different roles work together to achieve different goals.
Prof. Adom-Frimpong noted that these structures helped ensure the church runs smoothly, stays focused on its mission, and meets the needs of its congregation.
He again stated that church growth could take many forms, which included an increase in its membership, a vibrant and active church community, and the deepening of spiritual growth among individuals.
“A growing church may see more people attending services, more people participating in church programmes and busier church activities that serve the wider community,” he added.
The guest speaker, however, added that growth was not only about numbers but also the quality of engagement within the church, which involved the expansion of the kingdom of God and the deepening of faith within the congregation.
He explained that having a clear church structure could help a church achieve its goals and purpose, stating that without it, the church could have unclear leadership and operational inefficiency, limiting its ability to carry out its mission.
Prof. Adom-Frimpong further said to strengthen the church for growth, Christians should not be too quick to select a leader but rather identify the potential of the person and define their roles and responsibilities.
He encouraged churches to embrace technology by virtually airing services throughout the various social media, build an inclusive culture to ensure unity, and offer mentorship and opportunities for young people to serve.
He further urged Christians to put in more efforts to ensure that the structures for the church growth work well to achieve the missions and visions set.
The Right Reverend Albert Ofoe Wright, the Acting Managing Director of the Methodist Book Depot Limited, urged Christians to continually be of service to God, the nation, mankind, and society.
He encouraged them to consistently and intentionally care for others while working together to fulfil their Christian duties.
Mr Emmanuel Nii Laryea, the first Lay Chiarman of the Tema Methodist Diocese and the focal person for the celebration, appreciated the diocese for honouring him and urged Christians to work wholeheartedly in the Lord’s vineyard without doubting the course.
GNA