By Rihana Adam
Accra, Oct. 31, GNA – Pastor Mensa Otabil, Chancellor of Central University, has inaugurated a Doctor of Ministry residency programme at the Daniel Institute, a seminary of the International Central Gospel Church, to strengthen theological education and enhance Christian leadership in Ghana and beyond.
The programme, designed to run for three to four years, offers five areas of specialisation: Biblical Studies and Apologetics; Youth and Children’s Ministry; Christian Counselling; Missions and Evangelism; and Christian Educational Leadership.
In his address, Pastor Otabil challenged doctoral candidates to become critical theological thinkers and ensure that their ministerial practices were consistent with the Christian doctrines they professed.
He said theological education should go beyond memorising biblical passages to examining difficult questions, understanding the historical development of Christian beliefs and applying Scripture responsibly to contemporary challenges.
He noted that the growth of Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity in Africa must be accompanied by intellectual depth, rigorous research and meaningful contributions to global theological scholarship.
He urged the candidates not to pursue the programme merely for academic titles but to use the knowledge gained to deepen their faith, sharpen their judgement and improve their ministerial practice.
He said serious theological reflection was necessary to help Christian leaders examine their beliefs, address inconsistencies in their practices and provide sound guidance to their congregations.
Pastor Otabil expressed the hope that the programme would deepen the candidates’ understanding of Christian doctrine and encourage further research, including PhD studies where appropriate.
Professor Samuel Kwasi Dartey-Baah, Vice-Chancellor of Central University, said the programme represented an investment in Christian leaders who combined spiritual maturity, intellectual preparation, moral integrity and responsible service.
He said the Doctor of Ministry programme would bridge advanced academic research and practical ministry, enabling experienced ministers to investigate challenges affecting their congregations and develop evidence-informed solutions.
It was also expected to strengthen pastoral leadership, improve church administration, encourage reflective ministry and cultivate a stronger research culture among Christian leaders.
He urged the candidates to approach their studies with humility, discipline and academic integrity, stressing that a doctoral qualification carried the responsibility to demonstrate learning through competent and faithful service.
He called on church leaders and partners to support ministers pursuing further education and create opportunities for research findings to benefit congregations and communities.
Dr Charles Owiredu, the Academic Director of Daniel Institute, said the programme marked a significant milestone in the Institute’s efforts to strengthen theological education and prepare Christian leaders to respond to increasingly complex challenges facing churches and society.
He said it integrated academic scholarship, spiritual formation and practical ministerial experience to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for effective leadership.
He expressed appreciation to the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Board of Regents, faculty, management and staff of Daniel Institute and Central University for their contributions towards establishing the programme.
Daniel Institute, established in 2009, has developed educational pathways in church ministry and theology, including certificate programmes, the Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Arts in Sacred Ministry and Master of Philosophy in Theology.
The launch brought together university leaders, faculty, ministers, and doctoral candidates among other guests to mark the introduction of the Institute’s first doctoral-level programme.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe