“Never stab this Church in the back” Moderator Opare Kwakye tells Seminarians

The Presbyterian Seminarians of Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon (TTS) pay a courtesy call on the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the Head Office.

As a custom demand, the Students of TTS who are under the sponsorship of PCG receiving theological education and ministerial formation pay a visit to the Head Office to interact with the Principal Officers and staff. Such meetings give opportunity for the leadership of the Seminarians to present their concerns and activities on campus to the Moderator.

The acting Clerk of the General Assembly of PCG, Rev. Andrew Odjawo, Director for Ecumenical and Social Relations welcomed the seminarians and Rev. Dr. Charles Amarkwei to the Head Office.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Emmanuel Ntaah, the Chairman of the Presbyterian Students’ Union of Trinity Theological Seminary indicated to the Moderator that Presbyterian Seminarians are demonstrating in high esteem the Presbyterian discipline and continue to show academic prowess. He added that two Presbyterian lecturers at TTS have been promoted to Associate Professorship; Rev. Prof. Atta Edu-Bekoe and Rev. Prof. Samuel Ayete-Nyampong. Additionally, Rev. Dr. Martin Adu Obeng is the current Vice President of TTS, Rev. Dr. Ernestina Afriyie has also been promoted to Senior Lecturer status and Rev. Dr. Charles Amarkwei is now the warden for Odjidja Hall.

The Seminarians commended the Moderator and his team for various initiative programmes such as the prayer marathon, awareness creation to stop gender-based violence “Thursdays in Black” and consistent lent reflections on PCGTV as well as on PCG social media handles.

The Seminarians pleaded to be intentionally sent to only pastoral stations during their six weeks of off-campus attachment programme so that they could have Ministers to learn from. Their request is based on the challenges they usually face with accommodation, transportation, feeding, and funds. The Seminarians presented to the Head Office, a Television. 

Moderator

Addressing the Seminarians, the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the Seminary for the great work they are doing.

In response to their request, ModeratorHe explained to the Seminarians that, ministerial formation is from all angles of experience. Therefore, being sent to stations without ministers or catechists is also part of the formation process. He encouraged them to embrace their formation period and theological education with all humility.

The Moderator mentioned that great men do not emerge out of the bloom, but it takes sacrifices and determination to get there. He asked them to take their academic life very seriously, meanwhile, they must not just be looking for grades but look for information and knowledge as they are in the Seminary.

Rev. Nana Opare Kwakye counseled that, Seminarians must always be conscious of respecting those ahead and behind them in Ministry. Respect will draw many great mentors into their ministry as the Bible indicates, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14).

The Moderator shared with the Seminarians some things that must be on their hearts. On church growth, he urged that this must always be their focus since it is the heartbeat of God as read from Matthew 28. As the Church sets our ministry to the poor, we must as well not neglect the rich or the well-to-do. In addition, he touched on the Kuntunse project, the bicentenary celebration of PCG, and many others.

The Rt. Rev. Dr. A. N. Opare Kwakye mentioned that, as Seminarians and soon becoming Ministers of PCG, “never stab the church in the back.” The saying, grace is greener at their feet should speak to us as Presbyterians. Comparing the entire PCG with one denomination somewhere with few membership, leadership, branches, etc. is not the way to go. He asked that each one ought to be proud of being a Presbyterian and be bold enough to share the great achievements the Lord has done and is doing with us.

Finally, the Moderator cautioned the Seminarians on putting spiritual gifts above personal character development and growth. It is said, “Your charisma will take you there but your character will bring you back.” Papa asked the seminarians to bring on board whatever gifts and talents they have to the growth of the Church while they work on their spiritual growth into maturity and intimacy with our Lord Jesus Christ.