By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Ho (V/R), Aug. 14, GNA – Right Rev. Dr Lt Col. Bliss Divine Kofi Agbeko (Rtd), the outgoing Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG), has called for continuous reforms within the Church to make it relevant to the changing needs and realities of contemporary society.
He said as a Reformed Church, the EPCG must embrace continuous transformation while remaining firmly anchored in its Presbyterian heritage and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Rt. Rev. Dr Agbeko made the call when he addressed the opening ceremony of the 12th General Assembly of the EPCG in Ho.
He said the Church had historically relied largely on biological growth but needed to become more intentional in retaining, nurturing and empowering the younger generation to ensure its sustainability.
He said his call for a new level of postmodern ministry, including reforms in aspects of worship, was aimed at creating spaces where young people could feel a sense of belonging, develop their talents and grow in the Christian faith.
“Reformation is not a one-off event. It is a continuous duty to transform, to meet the needs of our times, while keeping the wheels of the Gospel alive and firmly anchored in our Presbyterian roots,” he said.
Rt. Rev. Dr Agbeko expressed satisfaction with the emergence of experiential worship services in several congregations, many of which were being led by young people.
He cited initiatives including Dela Praiz at Dela Parish in Ho, Kafui at Mount Sinai in Akosombo, Beauty of Worship at Lashibi in Meridian, Dinner with the Psalmist at Lorenz Wolf in Tema, Trinity Praise at Madina and Authentic Worship Experience at Dansoman.
He described the development as evidence of renewed vitality in youth ministry and urged the Church to give greater attention to the Youth Resource Centre being constructed at the EPCG Headquarters to support youth development.
The outgoing Moderator, however, said the Church was at a crossroads and needed to respond to emerging social, economic, technological and environmental challenges affecting its members, particularly the youth.
He said young people were asking deeper questions about faith, human sexuality and Christian doctrine, while communities were also grappling with climate change, environmental degradation, sanitation challenges, flooding and drug abuse.
Rt. Rev. Dr Agbeko expressed particular concern about the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media platforms, especially by young people, saying technology could be exploited for destructive and criminal purposes.
He therefore called for stronger measures by both the state and the Church to address the negative use of digital platforms and ensure that offenders were held accountable where necessary.
He also proposed the development of a policy to regulate the use of social media by Church members in matters relating to Church affairs.
He acknowledged the positive role of social media in spreading the Gospel and promoting positive behavioural change but stressed the need for responsible use.
“Social media is relevant and its application can help us reach out and deliver the message of God for acceptable change in character and virtuous life,” he said.
Rt. Rev. Dr Agbeko urged the EPCG to remain open to innovation while ensuring that every reform strengthened the Church’s mission and prepared it to serve Christ and society effectively across generations.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Christabel Addo