Clergy challenged to broaden scope

Accra, Dec. 13, GNA- The Reverend Dr. William Adu-Adjei, a Senior lecturer of the NorthWestern Christian University College (NCUC), Kumasi Campus on Saturday observed that the over spiritualization of church activities and programmes have not helped issues facing some congregations. This, Rev. Dr Adu-Adjei said, has made the pastor only 'heaven-ward' and actually non-existent and unaware of the many socio-economic as well as leadership - managerial and organisational issues, which now forms about 50 percent of modern 21st century church dynamics. He said it had become clear that modern day pastors who want to excel and be role models needed to retool, re-engineer and broaden their horizon through education when it come to church organisational knowledge, managerial, leadership, research and analytical skills. Rev Dr Adu-Adjei made these remarks at the graduation of six Ministers of the Christ Apostolic Church International (CACI) from the Oracle University College, Kumasi an affiliate of the NCUC Florida, USA in Accra.

The University conferred on the graduands, including Apostle Stephen Kwame Ntow Amoani, Chairman CACI, who received Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Mission Theology and Church Administration while Apostle Percy Konotey, Territorial Apostle for Accra West received Master Degree in Applied Theology and Organisational Governance.

Others who received Masters Degree in Applied Theology and Organisational Governance were Apostle John Adjormo Gama, Mission Director, CAC, Rev. Augustine Bugyei, Rev. George Yeboah and Rev. Joseph Sekyi Rev. Dr. Adu-Adjei said his interaction with some churches over the past two years had brought to bear some degree of ignorance, lack of insight and understanding that had engulfed the church in its quest to build, develop and manage the church and its material, financial and human resources.

"The Church must understand its own capabilities and environment in which they operate," he added. Apostle Dr. Amoani told the congregation that they were living in a sophisticated world where knowledge was paramount hence the need to tap the values in education. "Any leader who therefore shuns the acquisition of knowledge may not survive or exhibit good and acceptable leadership" Apostle Dr. Amoani was grateful to the NCUC for providing him with practical knowledge, saying the courses at the university were relevant and well-tailored to meet the challenges and demands of the present generation.

"Ensuring that our Ministers in particular, cultivate the desire to upgrade their knowledge was therefore my prime concern," he remarked. The CACI chairman who spoke about the need to empower women, encouraged members the Church's Women's Ministry to enrol at the university. Dr. Edward Ade, Rector, NCUC noted that one of the problems facing Africans today was the excuse; "I don't have money, I don't have time," saying, "if we continue like this we will continue to beg." He therefore urged all to invest in time and money in order to acquire knowledge. 13 Dec. 08