A call to unwavering attentiveness to the voice of Christ has been made to newly consecrated catechists as they prepare to undertake ministry within the Church. Delivering a sermon on the theme: “Total Obedience,” Rev. Enoch Adjei Pobee challenged candidates to ground their service in listening to Jesus at all times for effective ministry, drawing from Luke 5:1–11, with particular emphasis on verse 5.
Preaching from the account of the miraculous catch of fish, Rev. Pobee anchored his message on Peter’s response to Christ: “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net.” He described this moment as a defining expression of faith—obedience not based on results, but on trust in the authority of Christ.
In a reflective engagement with the candidates, the preacher posed a probing question: “When and who called you?” He stressed that clarity of calling is essential in ministry, reminding the catechists that only they could give a sincere and personal response to such a question.
Rev. Pobee drew parallels between the biblical narrative and the realities of Christian ministry. He acknowledged that, like Peter and his companions, ministers often face exhaustion, frustration, and apparent fruitlessness. “There are moments,” he stated, “when you will toil, become stressed, lose hope, and feel as though your labour yields nothing.” Yet he insisted that such experiences must deepen reliance on Christ, who intervenes at the appointed time.
He emphasised that obedience to Christ does not depend on favourable circumstances. Just as Peter responded to Jesus despite a night of failure, ministers today are called to act in faith even when results are not immediately visible. According to Rev. Pobee, the turning point in ministry is not human effort but the willingness to heed the voice of Christ.
In a series of evocative reflections, he declared: “When emptiness meets Jesus, it becomes fullness; when depression meets Jesus, strength emerges.” These words affirmed the transformative power of Christ in the life and ministry of believers. He urged the catechists to cultivate a posture of constant listening, noting that effective ministry flows from attentiveness to divine direction rather than human strategy alone.
Encouraging the candidates further, he reminded them that Christ determines the timing and direction of ministry. Their responsibility, he said, is to remain available, obedient, and spiritually discerning. He concluded that a ministry shaped by consistent listening to Jesus would not only endure challenges but also achieve lasting impact.
The sermon was followed by the formal Act of Consecration. The Clerk of Presbytery, Rev. K. K. Asante Sarpong, presented sixteen candidates to the Chairperson, supported by the Lay Representative, Mrs. Adwoa Annor, and members of the Presbytery Council.
In a significant moment of recognition, the Clerk read the curriculum vitae of each candidate, highlighting their training backgrounds at the Abetifi and Nsabaa Lay Training Centres. This was followed by the administration of vows, during which the candidates publicly affirmed their commitment to serve faithfully in the ministry of the Church.
With the taking of these vows, the candidates were duly consecrated, marking the beginning of their formal service as catechists. The ceremony concluded with prayers and blessings, committing the newly consecrated catechists into the hands of God for guidance and strength.
The sixteen catechists included: Rita Ampofo, Hannah Gyimah‑Ackah, Andrews Agyei, Desmond Asora Atanga, Daniel Amoako Konadu, Amos Incoom, Gabriel Darko Owusu, Robert Afenyin Dompreh, Eric Addo Ansah, Victor Quartey‑Papafio, Kwasi Antwi, and Richard Amoh Tenkorang. The rest are Daniel Azundem, Felicia Iddrisu Yeboah, Monica Zinabu Ntim, and Benjamin Opoku.
By: Rev. Immanuel Wiafe, Ga West Presbytery P. R. O.
