“The Gospel is not swallowed by culture, neither does it destroy it; rather, it interprets and transforms culture.” Rev. Dr. Ernestina Afriyie

The historic city of Kumasi, a cultural hub of Ghana, played host to a momentous occasion as the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) held the 3rd Bicentennial Public Lecture under the illuminating theme: “PCG’s Efforts at Engaging the Christian Gospel with Ghanaian Culture – Successes, Shortfalls and the Way Forward.” The event, a convergence of theological scholarship, cultural insight, and national significance, brought together church leaders, traditional authorities, scholars, and members of the public to reflect deeply on the dynamic interplay between faith and culture in the life of the church.

Delivering the keynote address was Rev. Dr. Ernestina Afriyie, a Senior Lecturer at Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon, whose thought-provoking presentation traced the historical roots, challenges, and triumphs of the PCG’s encounter with Ghanaian culture over its nearly 200-year journey. She argued passionately that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, while eternal and unchanging, must find meaningful expression in every culture it meets and in the Ghanaian context, this requires deliberate, faithful, and thoughtful engagement.

“The Gospel is not swallowed by culture, neither does it destroy it; rather, it interprets and transforms culture,” Dr. Afriyie asserted. Citing early missionary encounters, she recounted how the Basel Mission’s initial failure to contextualize the Gospel alienated many locals. However, the turning point came in 1843 with the arrival of Afro-Caribbean missionaries who helped bridge the cultural gap, validating indigenous identity within Christian practice. “That cultural sensitivity became the seed for authentic engagement,” she said.

The lecture highlighted key areas where the PCG has achieved significant success in cultural integration particularly in the realms of worship, language, healing, rites of passage, and women’s ordination. The use of local languages in preaching and Bible translation, the adaptation of indigenous prayer forms in liturgy, and the inclusion of culturally significant rites such as naming ceremonies and funerals, were lauded as strides toward making the Gospel truly Ghanaian.

“From drumming and dancing to community-based prayer and deliverance services, these elements reflect the heartbeat of the Ghanaian Christian,” Dr. Afriyie noted. She also praised the bold step taken in 1976 to ordain women into the ministry, aligning with both Ghanaian tradition and biblical justice.

Yet, the lecture did not shy away from addressing the shortfalls. A key concern raised was the church’s often cautious approach toward traditional institutions such as chieftaincy. “While chiefs have been allies of the church from the beginning, there remains theological discomfort and ambiguity about full collaboration,” Dr. Afriyie observed. She called for renewed dialogue and respectful theological reflection to bridge this gap.

Other areas needing attention include refining the church’s liturgies to better integrate customary marriage and funeral rituals, and deepening theological education around spiritual gifts and healing ministries to curb excesses while affirming cultural spirituality.

Rev. Dr. Afriyie concluded her address with a call for intentional research and bold theological innovation that does not compromise the Gospel but rather ensures its relevance and power in Ghana’s evolving cultural landscape. “The future of the PCG’s mission lies in a robust, faithful embrace of Ghanaian cultureone that reflects the image of Christ in our own stories, values, and identities,” she said.

The event was chaired by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, Moderator of the General Assembly of the PCG, who also served as host. He expressed gratitude for the insights shared and emphasized the church’s commitment to meaningful dialogue between culture and faith as it prepares for its 200th anniversary in 2028.

Also in attendance were some Chairperson, Clergy, Politicians, a host of Traditional, students and academia.

Nana Akyamfoɔ Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, Asafohene and Akwamuhene of the Akwamu Divisional Council in Kumasi. He represented His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, affirming the ongoing relationship between the church and traditional authorities. In his brief remarks, the Asafohene underscored the value of mutual respect and collaboration between church and chieftaincy in shaping Ghana’s moral and spiritual direction.

The lecture series forms part of PCG’s Bicentennial commemorative activities, designed to deepen reflection on the church’s journey, renew its theological vision, and inspire new partnerships for national development.

As Ghana grapples with modern challenges of identity, spirituality, and social cohesion, the PCG’s resolve to engage culture with the light of the Gospel could not be more timely. From the vibrant sounds of local worship to the solemn prayers for national transformation, this lecture echoed one profound truth: Jesus Christ must feel at home in Ghana.