The Methodist Church Ghana has officially opened its 52nd Annual Conference, with a strong call from the Presiding Bishop for renewed pastoral care, internal evangelism, and targeted support for young entrepreneurs.
In his opening address, the Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church Ghana, the Most Rev Prof Johnson Asamoah-Gyadu reminded congregants of the Church’s historical roots, noting that the conference system was first instituted by founder John Wesley to organize early Methodists. He affirmed that the Methodist Church Ghana remains an autonomous and independent body, governed by the Conference and led by an executive team comprising the Presiding Bishop, the Lay President, and the Administrative Bishop.
Declaring the 52nd Conference open, the Presiding Bishop stressed that the Church must not pursue its own agenda, but rather adhere to the biblical mandate to evangelize and win souls. However, he cautioned that soul-winning alone is insufficient without intentional follow-up.
“There are many people who, for one reason or another, remain on our membership rolls but no longer attend services,” he stated. “My expectation is that ministers and lay leaders will provide the pastoral follow-up needed to bring such persons back, the Presiding Bishop stressed.
He further urged the Church to move beyond assumptions that absent members have simply chosen to stay away. Many, he noted, are coping with illness, personal crises, or the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We would want to follow up on every person in our books and make sure that each one is cared for,” the Presiding Bishop said. “As a Church, we cannot solve all problems, but that does not mean we cannot solve any, prof Asamoah Gyadu added.
In addition to internal mobilization, the Presiding Bishop announced that this year’s conference would place a special emphasis on social intervention, particularly through an entrepreneurship program. The initiative will provide financial resources, workspaces, tools, and equipment to empower young people.
Acknowledging the role of the state, he noted that while the government has made efforts to address youth unemployment, it cannot do everything alone.
“The government promises a lot, and we have seen efforts in the last two years to employ young people. The government does its part, but the Church comes in to support and complement those efforts,” he explained.
He closed by wishing all citizens well and called on both the government and the citizenry to fulfill their respective obligations.
“We are able to do what we do because of the country we find ourselves in,” he said. “Let us fulfill our duties as citizens, and we expect the government to live by its promises alike.”
The 52nd Annual Conference continues with deliberations on the Church’s mission, administration, and community outreach for the coming year.
Journalist
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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