Twenty newly elected Presbyters- 10 women and 10 men of the Hope Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Sakumono-Estates were on Sunday June 19 inducted into office for a four-year term.
Reverend Stephen Nii Lankwei Lawson, Sakumono District Minister of the PCG who performed the induction ceremony called on elders of Churches to see themselves as servants of God rather than lord it over members of the congregation.
He reminded the newly elected presbyters that the office they have been elected into is not political office neither is it a civil court or a chieftaincy institution but rather a call to shepherd God’s flock hence it calls for humility and the fear of the Lord. Preaching the sermon on the topic ” Let us cross to the other side of the lake” (Luke 8:22-39), Rev Lawson charged the Presbyters to move out of the comfort zone of the church, evolve new ways of doing things, in order to impact positively on church members and to then society.
Rev Lawson who is also the Minister-in-charge of the Church noted that the role of Presbyters is very challenging and called for constant prayers for God’s wisdom and guidance. “As new presbyters, begin to reflect what new forms of ministry we can pursue as a congregation. Let us leave the old ways of doing things behind and let’s explore ministry at the other side of the lake.”
He said the ministry on the other aside of the lake places more emphasis on the individual than the collective, adding that, as new leaders, they will be required to visit individuals in their homes to minister to their individual needs.
Rev Lawson said the ministry on the other side, focuses on restoration and transformation and urge the leaders to rise up to that challenge. He said there might be difficulties including sleepless nights, limited access to families and spiritual opposition in the ministry on the other side of the lake but that should not dampen their resolve to serve.
Rev Lawson concluded by reminding the presbyters of the word of the hymn, “A charge to keep I have and urged the presbyters to be embolden by the lyrics. He commended the outgoing session leaders for their sacrifices and commitment to the growth of the Church so far.
The outgoing presbyters were awarded with plaques while the incoming presbyters received certificates.
The newly elected presbyters are;
Males
- Mr. Prince Offei Larbi
- Mr. Eric Asare-Ansah
- Mr. Edward Odai Laryea
- Mr. Samuel Yaw Adu Oppong
- Dr. Kwadwo Odei Antwi-Agyei
- Dr. Emmanuel Kyeremanteng-Amoah
- Mr. Kingsley Yaw Ansah
- Mr. Sampson Asare Fianko
- Mr. Stephen Kofi Appiah Kwakye
- Mr. Phillip Ohene Opare Addo
Females
- Mrs. Elizabeth K. Amoyaw –Osei
- Mrs. Grace Bonda Sackey
- Mrs. Sophia Naa Ayorkor Fialor
- Mrs. Christiana Akrofi
- Mrs. Bernice Laako Natue
- Mrs. Lydia Asare Ansah
- Mrs Sylvia Ohenwaa Tetteh
- Mrs Kaizia Emelia Koomson
- Mrs. Vida Adu Gyamfi
- Mrs. Patience Arthur-Baidoo
Visit the church facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/hopepresby) for pictures of the event.
