The Director of the Church Life and Nurture (CLAN) Department of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana Rev. Andrew Shardow has charged the 2025 graduating class of the Ramseyer Training Centre (RTC), Abetifi, to minister with integrity, godliness, and the right focus in contemporary times.
He was speaking at the centre’s third graduation ceremony for the Licentiate in Ministry programme, held since the approval of the new curriculum. In his address on the theme: “Ministering with the Right Focus in Contemporary Times: Lessons from Paul’s Advice to Timothy,” Rev. Shardow congratulated the graduates, reminding them that ministerial training has always been a defining practice of the PCG and continues to be central to the Church’s mission.
Drawing from Paul’s pastoral letters to Timothy, Rev. Shardow urged the graduates to remain steadfast at their posts, cultivate godliness, flee the love of money, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and gentleness.
He outlined seven key lessons as a charge to the graduates: staying their post – remaining present in heart, mind, and spirit to protect congregations from harmful influences; training for godliness – avoiding frivolities and pursue spiritual growth that adds value to ministry; pursuing righteousness and faith – fleeing the love of money and embracing purposeful living.
The rest are discipling others – entrusting he faithful word to others who can teach and nurture; handling scripture faithfully – rightly dividing the word of truth without distortion; avoiding moral decadence – resisting the spread of arrogance, selfishness, and ungodliness in society and preaching the word – being ready in season and out of season, enduring suffering and fulfilling the work of an evangelist.
Rev. Shardow concluded by appreciating the RTC faculty and staff for their sacrifices in preparing the candidates for commissioning, affirming that the centre continues to play a vital role in shaping ministers for the growth and health of the PCG.
