One hundred and twenty-four (124) Lay Ministers from Koforidua and Effiduase districts in the Akuapem Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana have been equipped spiritually to enable them do effective work in the Church as Presbyters.
A colourful ceremony superintendent by the Akuapem Presbytery Chairperson, Rev Ishmael Dometey Asare was organized at Koforidua Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Ascension congregation.
The presbyters had to undergo ten weekends of intensive lectures.
Curricular of the lectures were drawn to teach and lead the Lay ministers through ministries including Church administration, Presbyter, Caretaker, Lay Preacher, Liturgy Leader, Evangelist, Counseling Team Member, Deliverance Team Member, Group Leader, Catechist, and Specialized Ministries including Children, Youth, Women, Men, Prisons, Market, Street Children, Aged etc.
The Koforidua District Minister, Rev Dr Kofi Amfo-Akonnor presenting the graduands said since the adoption of this formal training by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana to equip Presbyters, that held at Koforidua was the first of its kind and it would be replicated all over the Presbyteries in Ghana.
Rev Dr Kofi Amfo-Akonnor said the Presbyters come as God’s representatives and would be sent into all areas of life to be prophets of hope and reconciliation.
He said there is no lay down qualification into the Lay Ministry but to remain “the salt of the earth” they have to be biblical literate hence the need for biblical knowledge and training.
Rev Dr Kofi Amfo-Akonnor said other aims of the Presbyters are:
That the work of service may go on.
That the body of Christ is built up.
That members of the church should arrive at perfect man/womanhood.
That members of the church should reach a stature which can be measured by the fullness of Christ.
The Chairperson of Akuapem Presbytery, Rev Ishmael Dometey Asare expressed his joy and satisfaction of good work done to bring out the best in the graduands and to set them before the plough.
He told them to bear in mind that they are leaders and are bound to have followers who should be members of their congregation.
In his conclusion, the Presbytery Chairperson, Rev I D Asare said the Presbyterian Church of Ghana has set One million, five hundred membership as their target to be achieved in the next five years and would be expecting these trained Presbyters to put out all the spiritual skills achieved to support achieve the objective.
He encouraged them to be strong and be of good courage for the Lord is with them.
They should deny themselves, take up the cross and follow the Lord for the kingdom of God is come nigh unto them.
Each of the one hundred and twenty-four graduands were presented with a certificate.
