By Michael Foli Jackidy
Peki-Dzake (V/R), July 25, GNA – Presbyters of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG), have been urged to uphold holiness, integrity and servant leadership to preserve the Church’s spiritual heritage and strengthen its Christian witness.
The call was made at the opening of the 18th Retreat and Leadership Training of the West Volta Presbytery Presbyters’ Union at the E.P. Seminary, Peki-Dzake, on the theme: “Embracing Holiness: The Presbyter’s Call to Cleanliness and Integrity.”
Delivering the keynote address, Togbe Dzeha III, Twafohene of the Peki Traditional Area and Dufia of Peki-Dzake, said the Gospel spread to Peki and surrounding communities through the sacrifices and dedication of missionaries, church elders, catechists, pastors and traditional leaders who embraced Christ and lived exemplary lives.
He said the Church was founded through God’s power and guidance rather than human effort, and urged contemporary church leaders to safeguard the spiritual legacy handed down to them.
“The Evangelical Presbyterian Church continues to stand today not because of human effort alone but because it is God’s divine work. As presbyters, we are custodians of this rich spiritual heritage, and we must preserve it for future generations,” he said.
Togbe Dzeha said holiness go beyond physical cleanliness and the maintenance of church buildings, stressing that it encompassed purity of heart, honesty, transparency, accountability, faithfulness in marriage and integrity in leadership.
He noted that integrity required consistency in both public and private life and urged presbyters to lead by example through their conduct rather than their positions.
Citing 1 Peter 5:3 and 1 Peter 1:15-16, he encouraged them to remain holy in all aspects of life amid growing concerns over corruption, dishonesty and moral decline in society.
He further encouraged participants to use the retreat for self-examination, repentance, spiritual renewal and recommitment to God’s calling.
Presbyter Samuel Dagadu, President of the West Volta Presbytery Presbyters’ Union, described the annual retreat as a vital platform for spiritual reflection, leadership development and capacity building.
He urged presbyters to address challenges confronting the Church, including declining commitment, irregular attendance, financial constraints and internal divisions.
“Our leadership must reflect holiness in our decisions, financial management and private lives. We are called to serve with clean hands, transparent hearts and unwavering integrity,” he said.
Presbyter Dagadu encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training sessions and allow the Holy Spirit to equip them for effective service in their congregations.
Rev Michael Kungu, Moderator of the Western Presbytery, called on the presbyters to remain the “light of the world” and the “salt of the earth,” noting that their voluntary service continued to be a pillar of the Church’s growth and stability.
He commended them for their sacrificial commitment, observing that many served faithfully without expecting material rewards.
“Our presbyters continue to serve sacrificially because they understand that their calling is a vocation. Their dedication remains one of the greatest strengths of the Church,” he said.
Rev Kungu urged participants to use the retreat to renew themselves spiritually, enhance their leadership skills and deepen their commitment to serving God and humanity.
Addressing the gathering, Togbe Deiga Kwadzo Dei XII, Paramount Chief of the Peki Traditional Area, said leadership in both religious and traditional institutions demanded continuous learning and personal development.
He reminded participants that Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, remained the ultimate model of leadership and commended the Presbyters’ Union for sustaining the retreat for 18 years as a platform for strengthening leadership and Christian service.
Togbe Deiga welcomed participants to Peki-Dzake and expressed confidence that the knowledge and experiences acquired during the retreat would positively influence their congregations and communities.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah