By Gifty Amofa
Accra, March 6, GNA – Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, has urged Christian leaders and believers to lead Christ like lives to shape church and country.
He said faith and dedication to God could guide people to achieve their aspirations while contributing positively to national development.
Mr. Bagbin was addressing participants at the Lausanne Christian Leadership Consultation held in Accra on the theme: “Christlike Leaders for Every Church and Place.”
The Speaker said his Christian faith had been a guiding force in his life and professional journey, recalling how he joined a Christian movement during his early years as a legal practitioner.
There are so many things that happen in society and those who want to remain grateful to God must belong to groups that encourage faith and spiritual growth.”
Mr. Bagbin noted that when people committed themselves to God and sought His guidance, they accomplish great things.
“When you give yourself to God and ask anything in faith, He will do it for you.”
“Whatever you want to do on earth, do it well because nothing is impossible with God.”
The Speaker described himself as “a product of God,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to join the gathering and thanking the Almighty God for His guidance throughout his life.
As a devout Christian from a Catholic background, he encouraged participants to remain steadfast in their faith and allow the teachings of Christ to shape their actions.
Mr. Bagbin also welcomed participants to Ghana, describing the country as hospitable and respectful, and expressed optimism about the future of Christianity in Ghana.
He said the advancement of technology, including Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, should be used for the good of society.
“The future is written in the Holy Book, as we move forward, we must use technology wisely and for good.”
He assured participants of his support and openness to collaboration, saying his doors remained open to those working to promote Christian values and leadership.
Apostle Opoku Onyinah, Former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost and Board Member of the Lausanne Movement, in his opening remarks, expressed gratitude to God for making the meeting possible.
He also thanked the Lausanne Movement Ghana for selecting him as Chairperson of the consultation.
Apostle Onyinah said the gathering marked an important moment for Christian leaders to share ideas, deepen their commitment to God and reflect on the future of Christianity.
He noted that Ghana was blessed with a vibrant Christian community and that the Church continued to play a significant role in national development.
“The consultation provides an opportunity for us to seek and learn together, especially on how to collaborate in raising the next generation of Christian leaders,” he said.
He urged participants to rely on the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as they sought the mind of Jesus Christ in their deliberations.
Apostle Onyinah stressed the need for long-term missionary planning, saying the mission of God required strategic and sustained efforts.
He explained that the consultation formed part of preparations toward a larger Lausanne Christian Leadership Consultation expected to be held in Ghana in August.
As part of the preparation, workshops and forums have been organised for Christian leaders and business professionals to discuss ways of demonstrating Christian values in their workplaces and communities.
He said one of the key objectives of the Lausanne Movement was to connect churches and christian leaders globally to foster collaboration and unity in advancing the mission of Christ.
“Networking is very important, we must bring church leaders together to hear from one another and see how we can collaborate to accomplish the mission God has given us,” he said.
He encouraged Christians to allow their personal lives to reflect Christ, noting that young people often learn more from what they see than from what they were told.
“Our Lord Jesus Christ lived among people and demonstrated the life of God through His actions, we must also let our lives speak to others,” he added.
Mr. Francis Owusu, International President of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, said the organisation envisioned every believer to become a soul winner.
He said the calling of Christians was not limited to church leaders but extended to every believer.
“Jesus has called Christians not just to warm pews but to win souls, without being a soul winner, you are not fulfilling your calling to the fullest,” he said.
Mr. Owusu urged all Christians to appreciate their responsibility to share the gospel and contribute to the salvation of others.
“Jesus came to save the whole world, He wants every believer to become His hands and mouth to reach other.”
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong