By Emmanuel Nyatsikor
Kpong (E/R), Aug. 07, GNA – Right Rev Dr Lt Col Bliss Divine Agbeko (rtd), the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG) Thursday stated that the Word of God should pass through a clean vessel so as not to be contaminated.
“God is holy, His Words are holy, so those who carry the Word to others should be holy,” he said.
Rt Rev Dr Lt Col Agbeko stated this when he addressed delegates at the official opening of 37th National Catechists and Evangelists at Kpong.
The three-day conference which is being attended by over 200 delegates from all the 16 presbyteries of the church, is on the theme “cleanliness is next to Godliness: Keep clean.”
The Moderator noted that the word of God should not be defective but rather arrest, infect, affect and bring growth to those who hear it.
He stated: “As carriers of the Word, light, love and justice of God you must stay away from anything that will defile your body, spirit and soul.
“The Word of God should be able to break a hardened heart to repent and turn on a new leaf.”
Rt Rev Lt Col Agbeko told the delegates to keep clean “inside out” adding that their presence, not only on the altar in the chapel but everywhere, should convince people that they were the carriers of the Word.
“Cleanliness that begins from the inside affects the outside, bringing positive change to the way you talk and act,” he said.
He noted that most congregations of the Church were shrinking because of the poor quality of the Word being preached in those congregations and the quality of the carriers.
The Moderator urged the delegates to always see to it that their motives and actions brought glory to God and growth to the Church and themselves.
He asked them to be at the forefront of environmental cleanliness, conservation of water bodies and protection of fauna and flora.
The Moderator pledged the support of the Standing Committee to the Union and assured that their challenges were being addressed.
Rev Dr Lawson Kwaku Dzanku, the Clerk of the General Assembly of the Church, entreated the delegates to help address the challenges being faced in the implementation of the “N-Pay Policy” of the Church.
The N-Pay (Nyanui Pay) system is an online digital collection and payment platform introduced by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, to process tithes, offerings, assessments, and levies digitally across its nationwide branch network
Rev DrDzanku said: “the condition of service of Agents of the Church can only improve if we are faithful in doing what the Policy demands from us.”
Catechist Francis Y. Siegu, the National President of the Union, in his welcoming address urged his colleagues to uphold discipline and integrity in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities even in the face of challenges.
“As much as it depends on us, let us endeavour to forge and maintain cordial relationships with our Pastors, members of our congregations and communities and help build bridges,” he said.
The President stated that the leadership of the Union was working around the clock to improve the welfare of members.
He intimidated that the Constitution of the Union would be promulgated at the conference.
Present at the conference were Presbyter Dr Salomey Praise Otami Abutiate, the Presbyter Executive of the General Assembly of the Church and Rev Philip Atsiago, the Moderator of the Eastern Presbytery of the Church.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah