By Deladem Nanevie, GNA
Tema, Aug. 24, GNA – The Methodist Church Ghana has ordained 83 new ministers into the ministry, charging them to regard their calling as a vocation of service, sacrifice and dependency on God’s grace rather than a conventional career.
The ordination formed part of activities marking the church’s 52nd Conference and was held simultaneously at three societies within the Tema Diocese: St Paul’s Cathedral in Community One, Mount Zion and Ebenezer.
Most Reverend Professor Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, officiated the ceremony at the St Paul’s Cathedral, where 33 of the ministers were ordained.
He was supported by the Administrative Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr William Mpere-Gyekye; the Lay President, Mr Kwasi Attah-Antwi; and former Presiding Bishops.
Presenting the candidates, Rt. Rev. Dr Mpere-Gyekye said the ordinands had undergone thorough examination, demonstrated sound theological knowledge and attained the required level of spiritual maturity for admission into Full Connexion.
The ordination ceremony included prayers and the laying on of hands, the robing of the new ministers, the presentation of Bibles and certificates, the signing of the official register and the right hand of fellowship.
Preaching on the theme; “Ministry as Service in God’s Empowering Grace,” Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu cautioned the new ministers against self-aggrandisement and placing personal academic achievements or spiritual experiences above the Gospel.
Drawing lessons from 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 and the Apostle Paul’s experience of the “thorn in the flesh,” he reminded the ministers that human limitations, health challenges and difficult relationships could serve as reminders for their dependency on God.
“Ministry goes with calling, sacrifice, and self-denial,” he said, stressing that ministers could accomplish nothing by their own strength without God’s grace.
The Presiding Bishop reminded the new ministers that the clergy were not superhuman and urged them to remain humble and recognise their human limitations, as they carried out their pastoral responsibilities.
On pastoral accountability, the Presiding Bishop said calls by congregations for the removal of ministers were unfortunate, stating that the greater reward of ministry should be the positive transformation achieved in the communities they served.
He urged the newly ordained ministers to maintain a consistent prayer life, remain resilient in the face of persecution and hardship, and serve their assigned stations with humility, integrity and dedication.
The ministers are expected to begin full-time pastoral duties across the church’s circuits.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Deladem Nanevie, GNA