The Law of E F Hutton in John Maxwell’s Book, the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership says that when Hutton speaks everybody listens. Here in Ghana, I believe when Rev Dr Mensah Otabil speaks many people listen.
When Rev Dr Mensah Otabil started his ministry 31 years ago, on February 26, 1984 you and I may not have been there but I am sure that when he boldly declared what he was going to do with his church many people thought he was joking.
He started the church with a defining vision and mission statement. In the first place how many people even know the mission and vision of their companies let alone churches? Developing a formalized mission statement used to be something within the purview of companies and although churches normally have it not many people cannot relate to it. Every member of ICGC connects to the mission and vision of the church.
I am sure when he started his ministry many are those who said” he was “too known”. Indeed, years later, he has become “too known” because his name is a household name but in a positive sense. Dr. Otabil has become very well known for his sound teachings and practical interpretations of the Bible and for making the principles of the Bible a living word.
At the age of 31, ICGC has achieved more than a 31 year old could do. Without listing all the countless achievements of the church, I will like to state a few of Dr. Otabil’s contributions to the development of our dear nation, Ghana.
Leadership & Governance – “Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less”, says John Maxwell. The true test of a leader is to ask him to create positive change and I will like to add that Pastor Otabil has had a very positive influence on many people; young, old, local and international. He has indeed helped shape visions and influenced society through the teachings of Christ. No wonder he was recently adjudged the most influential Ghanaian according to ETV.
Religious – With over 500 licensed Pastors and many unlicensed ones, he continues to be a role model for people in Ministry especially his Pastors who have been trained in his Bible school. From a humble beginning with 20 people, he has become a shining example to hundreds of thousands of people. He is not only a pastor to those who attend his churches, but has a great influence on many people from other religions as well.
Economically – In my view, Dr. Otabil has contributed immensely to the development of this nation. In his own way he has helped provide employment to thousands who are either directly or indirectly employed by his organization. Pastors under his Ministry owe their Profession and livelihoods to him. The supporting staff in all the churches including Administrators’, Personal Assistants, paid workers, janitors, Musicians are among the list.
Let’s think about all the church projects that have been implemented and its financial impact and the income it has generated for people. These include Architects, Civil Engineers, Sound Engineers, Plumbers, Painters, planners etc. Many have also been inspired to started businesses and through that other chains of businesses have been created.
Consider the two main conferences Dr. Otabil organizes – Greater Works and Destiny Summit. These two conferences are attended by many delegates all over the world. We need to quantify the financial value of the two projects to appreciate what I’m talking about. All the speakers, delegates, their accommodation needs, transportation have economic benefits. Lets not forget the logistics, multimedia services, media spend i.e. Radio, TV, outdoor and publications.
Educational influence: Dr. Mensah Otabil is the Chancellor of Central University College, currently the biggest private university and comparable to any university in the world. His church’s CSR wing, Central Aid, provides scholarships to many people, not forgetting support for orphanages and the drilling of boreholes for communities. His Radio Ministry alone serves as both a spiritual and Educational ministry and charges people to live the values of excellence, leadership and integrity.
Dr. Otabil’s teachings have awoken the giants within many people and encourages them not to be dwarfed by the many challenging socio economic difficulties of the times. It is ironic that in the 80’s when the challenges of the day was pointing to hopelessness, an inspirational religious leader with a great vision emerged.
The lessons I have learnt from Rev Otabil are many. The key one is that we have to believe in ourselves and follow our passion. God created us for a purpose, and if we respond to that call, we can sit back and smile at our achievements someday. Your vision may be small now but if you follow it and work towards it, it could grow beyond the borders of this nation.
As we celebrate our independence in this “Dumsoric” environment this is the time to rise up and challenge ourselves and respond to the call to be different and productive. I believe there are many Mensah Otabils out there who continue to work hard to make Ghana a shining example in Africa and the world at large.
I am a big fan of John Maxwell and I love the John Maxwell’s Leadership Bible. If I were Rev Dr Mensah Otabil, this would be one of my many cherished dreams– in addition to the numerous books he has written I wish he would have a Mensah Otabil Leadership Bible.