Prophet Elijah calls for closer collaboration between chiefs and the church
The head of Wonderful Jesus Miracle Chapel International, Prophet Elijah the Cardinal, has urged Christian leaders to strengthen their engagement with traditional rulers, saying closer collaboration could help bridge the gap between traditional leadership and the church.
He said religious leaders should avoid viewing chiefs and other traditional authorities negatively because of their traditional responsibilities. Instead, they should engage them and provide opportunities for those interested in Christianity to deepen their faith and participate in church leadership.
Prophet Elijah made the appeal at an ordination service held at the church’s premises in Kpong in the Eastern Region, where Nene Olepeme Sakinor I, a traditional ruler in the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, was ordained as an apostle.
The ceremony formed part of a three-day revival programme held from October 23 to 25, 2026, under the theme, “Oh God! Let the Old Path Be Known,” drawn from Psalm 17:5.
According to Prophet Elijah, the decision to ordain the traditional ruler followed the church’s recognition of his knowledge of the Bible, preaching abilities and perceived spiritual calling.
He said the ordination would enable Nene Olepeme Sakinor I to contribute more actively to Christian ministry while continuing to discharge his traditional responsibilities.
Prophet Elijah maintained that traditional leadership and Christian ministry could complement each other, arguing that chiefs who embraced Christianity could use their positions to encourage godly values and promote the spiritual well-being of their communities.
He also encouraged traditional rulers who believed they had a calling to serve in the church to seek the necessary guidance and training.
The church, he said, was prepared to support such individuals through the ordination process and help them understand Christian teachings and the responsibilities associated with ministry.
For his part, Nene Olepeme Sakinor I described his ordination as an unexpected development, saying he considered it an opportunity to serve God and his people in another capacity.
He said his experience as a pastor and Bible teacher had provided a foundation for his new responsibility, which he believed would strengthen his ability to promote Christian values among his subjects.
The traditional ruler encouraged fellow chiefs to consider serving in Christian ministry if they believed they had such a calling, stressing that traditional leadership should be characterised by discipline, humility and a commitment to the welfare of the people.
He also said his new position would create opportunities to invite pastors and other church leaders into his traditional area, allowing for greater engagement between religious institutions and the communities they serve.
According to him, chiefs have an important role to play in promoting godly character and helping their subjects understand the relationship between faith, responsible leadership and community development.
He urged traditional rulers to approach their responsibilities with courage and a commitment to defending the interests of their people rather than pursuing personal benefits.
The ordination of Nene Olepeme Sakinor I highlights the intersection of traditional authority and Christian ministry, with the church expressing hope that closer collaboration between chiefs and clergy would strengthen Christian outreach and community leadership.
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