Strength of the church lies in organizations – Presiding Bishop reveals

The Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Asamoah-Gyadu, has emphasized the vital role of church organizations in nurturing Christian discipleship, fostering maturity, and building fellowship within the Methodist tradition.

He delivered the remarks during the official opening of the Christ Little Band’s 13th Biennial Conference at Dawhenya, held under the theme: “Christian Discipleship and Maturity.” The gathering brought together delegates and members from across the country to reflect on how Christian organizations continue to serve as pillars of growth, service, and unity in the church.

Speaking with passion, the Presiding Bishop emphasized that one of the greatest strengths of the Methodist Church Ghana is its network of organizations. According to him, these groups provide an environment where members not only grow in their knowledge of God but also develop a strong sense of belonging and identity.

“Through our organizations, God has helped the Methodist Church to grow,” he said. “They are places where we learn about God, strengthen our discipleship, and come together as a family of faith.”

Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu explained that organizations such as the Christ Little Band serve as training grounds for Christian living. They are places where members, particularly the youth, encounter fellowship, discipline, and service while learning the values of humility, devotion, and commitment to the gospel.

He noted that discipleship, at its core, is about more than individual growth. It is about maturing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, developing Christ-like character, and working collectively to advance the mission of the church. “Christian maturity is not attained in isolation,” he stressed. “It is cultivated within the fellowship of believers, in places where we challenge, inspire, and uplift one another.”

The Presiding Bishop also observed that in today’s fast-changing world, where communities often struggle with fragmentation, the role of church organizations has become even more significant. They provide stability, moral guidance, and spiritual grounding, equipping members to live faithfully in both church and society.

The Christ Little Band, one of the Methodist Church’s historic organizations, has for generations embodied this vision. Established to bring believers closer to Christ through fellowship, simplicity, and service, the group has been instrumental in nurturing young Christians across Ghana and beyond. Its biennial conference serves as both a platform for renewal and a space to reflect on how the organization can continue to remain relevant in modern times.

In line with the conference theme, “Christian Discipleship and Maturity,” the Bishop called on members of the Christ Little Band, and by extension all Methodist organizations, to recommit themselves to building vibrant spaces where faith is nurtured, communities are strengthened, and Christ is made known.

The gathering at Dawhenya marked yet another reminder of how the Methodist Church Ghana continues to draw strength from its rich organizational life, where faith and fellowship intersect to shape the church’s witness in society.

As the conference proceeds, delegates are expected to deliberate on strategies to enhance discipleship, deepen maturity among members, and reinforce the mission of the Methodist Church Ghana in an ever-evolving world.