Immediate Past Presiding Bishop warns against unhealthy competition in the Church

The Immediate Past Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church Ghana, The Most Rev Dr Paul Boafo, has delivered a powerful call for unity, humility, and renewed purpose within the Christian community.

Speaking at the Christian Council of Ghana’s Ecumenical Convention Awards and Thanksgiving Service at the University of Ghana Central Cafeteria, he reminded believers that it is God who has brought the nation and the Church this far, urging Christians to rally behind the banner of Christ for greater impact.

Addressing the theme “Uniting the Body of Christ for Greater Impact,” he emphasised that the Church must take deliberate steps to make the Gospel accessible to all. He noted that the continued relevance of the Church in Ghana depends on its willingness to reach every person with the message of Christ and to stand as a spiritual force that speaks to the needs of society.

The Most Rev Dr Boafo stressed that Ghana, being a predominantly Christian nation, has no need for internal rivalry among churches or individuals. He reminded Christians that they share one identity in Christ, and as such, the idea of competition has no place in the kingdom. According to him, unity of thought and purpose is what strengthens the body of Christ and keeps the Church focused on its mission.

He warned the Christian community against embracing attitudes or behaviours that may divide the Church. Negative attachments, he cautioned, weaken the collective body, and thus leaders and members alike must consistently pursue actions that promote togetherness. For him, unity is not simply a strategy but a divine obligation.

Reflecting on the role of Christianity in national cohesion, he highlighted that the peace Ghana enjoys did not occur by chance. He attributed much of the nation’s stability to the presence and influence of Christianity, which has shaped values, strengthened communities, and nurtured harmony over generations.

Touching on the history of the Christian Council of Ghana, he recalled its establishment during the colonial era and its longstanding commitment to working across denominations to strengthen Christian witness in the country. He emphasised that joining Christian groups and fellowships is crucial for spiritual growth and for maintaining a sense of belonging within the wider body of Christ.

The Immediate Past Presiding Bishop also delivered a strong message against unhealthy competition within the Church. He noted that anyone who imagines that the Church is a place for rivalry only competes with themselves, not with the body of Christ. Competition over recognition, positions, resources, or influence, he said, breeds division and distracts the Church from its mission.

He urged Christians to cultivate humility, eliminate ego, and create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and supported. According to him, the Church is one in spirit, and anything that concerns the body of Christ should be a shared concern for all believers. Greed, selfish ambition, and internal battles, he cautioned, only weaken the Church and obstruct the work of God.