By Emmanuel Gamson
Nkroful (W/R), April 25, GNA – The Sekondi Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana has held its 64th Annual Synod to reflect on past activities, deliberate and devise strategies to ensure the growth of the Church.
The four-day event, held at Nkroful in the Ellembelle District of the Western, brought together members of the Methodist Church from the various districts across the Region to take stock of previous year’s activities, highlight key accomplishments, and forge strategic planning for growth.
It was on the theme: “Discipleship: Growing into Christian maturity. Hebrews 6:1.”
The Most Rev. Prof. Johnson K. Asamoah-Gyadu, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, speaking at the opening of the Synod said the current Strategic Plan of the Methodist Church Ghana was hinged on transformation, revival, and growth, and encouraged members to keep that in mind.
He said the plan was to build a vibrant Christ-centred and spirit-led church for the holistic transformation of society.
“What this means is that in our worship life and other activities such as the various celebrations at the Society, Circuit, Diocesan, and Connexional levels, we must all aim at being firstly, a Christ-centred church.
“Secondly, to aspire together to consciously cultivate life in the Spirit for revival and renewal, and thirdly, to aim together at making our presence felt in society,” the Presiding Bishop stated.
The Most Rev Asamoah-Gyadu noted that Christians, particularly members of the Methodist Church must aim at building a church in which the fear of God was palpable.
He said their collective desire must be for the Methodist Church Ghana to be spoken of as a church in which the word of salvation was preached, the study of the word taken seriously, the sacraments celebrated with deserved reverence and filled with people who lived transformed lives.
He said: “When people discern that we are serious with God and his work, and that our lives are truly transformed in line with the Wesleyan identity of Scriptural holiness, it will strengthen our Christian testimony, and that is how growth will occur.”
Touching on strengthening children and youth ministries, the Presiding Bishop expressed worry that young people continued to complain not only of their marginalisation in church activities, but also the lack of any conscious attempt to cater to their needs.
Most Rev. Asamoah-Gyadu asked the church to continue to encourage young people and grant them the audience, spaces, and opportunities needed to let their presence count in the life of the church.
He wished the Diocese a fruitful Synod deliberation, and urged members to come out with measures that would help move the church forward in both spiritual and physical sense.
As part of the event, awards were presented to some retired teachers who served in the Methodist Education Unit in the Western Region, and other members for their exceptional contributions to the growth of the Church.
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