Ejura: The Ghana Baptist Convention (GBC) has ordained 92 ministers, including eight women, with a charge to uphold integrity, demonstrate exemplary conduct, and remain faithful stewards of God's flock. The ordination ceremony was part of the Convention's 63rd Annual Session at the Baptist Women's Retreat and Resource Centre in the Ejura Sekyedumase Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the session, spanning five days, revolved around the theme 'Revived to Reach Out: Proclaiming Christ in Every Community' (Romans 10:14-15). Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku, Vice President of the GBC, elaborated on the ministerial journey within the Convention. He highlighted that candidates called into ministry, affirmed by their local churches, underwent theological training at institutions approved by the Convention. Subsequent interview and endorsement processes, including a formal interview by the Ministers' Conference on behalf of the Convention's Presidency, assessed their readiness and doctrinal soundness.
Rev. Oppong-Poku explained that the ministerial journey comprises three stages: licensing, endorsement for full membership of the Ministers' Conference, and ordination, setting candidates apart for lifelong ministerial functions. Rev. Enoch Nii Narh Thompson, Executive President of the GBC, along with Rev. Oppong-Poku and Rev. Victor Brew, President of the Ministers' Conference, laid hands on the candidates, prayed, and anointed them before presenting certificates to complete the ordination process.
Delivering a sermon titled 'Be a Faithful Steward of God's Flock' (Acts 20:28), Rev. Dr. Felix Owusu, Accra Coordinator of the Ghana Baptist University College (GBUC), charged the newly ordained ministers to keep their churches open to both believers and non-believers. He emphasized reducing attrition rates in churches while focusing on personal spirituality in their ministerial duties. Rev. Dr. Owusu stressed the importance of maintaining a habitual relationship with God through prayer and the study of Scripture, enabling ministers to learn from Christ, live like Him, and represent Him effectively.
Rev. Dr. Owusu also cautioned the ministers to be mindful of their personal conduct and maintain integrity. He urged them to lead by example, serving as moral and spiritual models for the church and the wider community, reflecting positive attitudes at home and in the workplace. He advised them to delegate responsibilities to others to avoid overwhelming themselves in their ministry.
Rev. Thompson emphasized the significance of a personal relationship with God and making Scripture study central to Christian life. He stressed that Christianity should be grounded in God's teachings rather than feelings. He encouraged love for those seeking to know Christ and the larger community, affirming that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the solution to the world's problems. Rev. Thompson acknowledged that while governments strive to address societal challenges, the gospel offers hope and discourages harmful activities among young people.
Some of the newly ordained ministers expressed gratitude for the honor and pledged to justify the confidence placed in them by diligently advancing God's ministry.