The Methodist Church Ghana has commissioned 83 Ministers, as Ministers-on-Trial, at three separate colourful ceremonies on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
Out of the 83 ministers, 10 were females and 73 males.
After successfully completing the Trinity Theological Seminary and Theological Education by Extension (TEE) for a period of 3 years, they are to commence their probation as Deacons also for a period of three years.
Happening concurrently, 28 of these Ministers were commissioned at the Wesley Cathedral Accra, 27 at the Thomas Clegg Methodist Chapel-Kaneshie, and 28 at the Ebenezer Methodist Cathedral-Madina.
Beginning with the presentation of candidates, the Presiding Bishop-Most Rev Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, examined them with a public testimony asking God to give them strength, wisdom and understanding for the work ahead of them.
Speaking on the theme, “My calling to fulfill,”, the Presiding Bishop urged the new ministers to focus on their work as ministers and not give heed to the incessant views of people who don’t believe in Christianity and constantly speak ill about it because it sits in the economy of God and humanity. In this way, they will be purposeful.
He said the call to ministry is a great divine gift for the church and the people, encouraging them to come to terms with the power of the Holy Spirit in their calling because the Holy Spirit animates them for the mission.
He noted that leaving the Holy Spirit out of their mission means they have no ministry and will be weak because the Spirit of God grants Christians the power and grace to do everything.
He admonished them to go out there and speak the truth, as the truth liberates the oppressed. He stressed that they have the task of bringing meaning to life and that God has called them to bring healing, happiness, and joy to the brokenhearted despite the conundrums and challenges faced by the world.
After fitting in the Clerical collar by their respective Bishops, they were presented with Bibles, certificates, and the signing of register followed.
These newly commissioned Ministers were accompanied by their spouses, family, friends and society leaders.