Methodist Presiding Bishop urges newly inducted Goaso Bishop to serve with humility and rely on God’s grace

The Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church Ghana, The Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, has urged the newly inducted Bishop of the Goaso Diocese, Rt. Rev. David Hanson Wilson, to approach his ministry with humility, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility, stressing that divine grace must be matched with personal commitment.

Preaching at the induction service of Rt. Rev. Wilson as the 3rd Bishop of the Goaso Diocese, the Presiding Bishop said his sermon, titled “Called by His Mercy and Enabled by His Grace”, was a reminder that being called by God does not automatically guarantee success in ministry.

Drawing on 1 Corinthians 15:9–11, particularly verse 10, he highlighted Apostle Paul’s declaration: “But by the grace of God I am what I am. And his grace towards me has not been in vain.”

He said the passage demonstrated that while God’s mercy brings people into his service, his grace enables them to fulfil their responsibilities. However, those called to serve must also play their part through hard work, commitment and a willingness to prove themselves.

The Presiding Bishop cautioned the new Bishop against becoming a complaining leader, urging him to make the most of his tenure and focus on the responsibilities entrusted to him.

He illustrated the importance of personal effort by recounting advice from his academic supervisor following the completion of his doctoral studies. He said he was encouraged to establish himself through his work and expertise rather than expect recognition simply because he held a PhD.

He said the same principle applied to Christian leadership, where recognition should come through dedication and the quality of service rather than position alone.

Reflecting further on Paul’s account of his encounter with the risen Christ, the Presiding Bishop noted that the apostle considered himself unworthy of his calling because of his persecution of the Church.

He said Paul’s experience demonstrated how God’s grace could transform people considered unfit or undeserving and equip them for significant responsibilities.

The Presiding Bishop also drew on 1 Corinthians 1:26–29, which speaks of God choosing the weak and seemingly insignificant to accomplish his purposes, so that no one may boast before him.

He urged the newly inducted Bishop to recognise that his position was an expression of God’s grace rather than personal achievement.

He further used the biblical account of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew 20 to illustrate the nature of divine grace, explaining that God’s grace enables people to serve through his strength, even when they may not consider themselves deserving.

“Grace is about being enabled by God to function in his strength, although one is undeserving,” he said.

He emphasised that the message of the resurrection must first be reflected in the lives of those called to preach it, noting that a leader’s conduct, speech and actions could either strengthen or undermine the message of the Gospel.

The Presiding Bishop therefore urged Rt. Rev. Wilson to ensure that God’s grace was not wasted but translated into faithful service and effective leadership in the Goaso Diocese.