News feature: A David has risen – Olives Creative Arts Ministry
David: A Man After God’s Heart
On Saturday, 4th April 2026, the Olives Creative Arts Ministry, a creative ministry of the Mount of Olives Congregation, Patasi, in the Asante Presbytery, staged an excellent production titled “David: A Man After God’s Heart” at the Mount of Olives Auditorium, Patasi Estate, Kumasi.
About Olives Creative Arts Ministry
The Creative Arts Ministry is an evangelistic arm under the Missions and Evangelism Committee of the church, dedicated to preaching the Gospel through drama, dance, music, and other creative expressions. It made its debut stage production in December 2024 with a Christmas special featuring the nativity of Christ. In April 2025, the ministry staged another show titled “The Ultimate Sacrifice,” depicting the ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ—an enormous success.
Beyond stage productions, the Creative Arts Ministry spearheads media and publicity for the church and assists other ministries with creativity, innovation, and promotion during special celebrations and events. Notably, the Olives Creative Arts Ministry collaborated with the Asante Presbytery Public Relations Unit in the publicity for the recently concluded 2026 National Crusade held in Kumasi.
The Production
The latest production, “David: A Man After God’s Heart,” is the third of its kind and recorded a remarkable attendance of over 700 people, despite heavy rainfall across parts of Kumasi that evening. Designed not only as a presentation but also as a ministry tool, the production engaged the entire congregation—particularly the youth—while advancing the church’s evangelistic mandate.
The concept centred on the life and spiritual journey of David, drawing from key scriptural moments such as his anointing, victory over Goliath, rise to kingship, and heart of worship toward God. These scenes were carefully woven together to present a holistic portrayal of David as a man who, despite his imperfections, remained deeply connected to the heart of God.
The Transitions
The transitions were seamless, with every performer ready for the next action. The integration of contemporary and choral music, liturgical dance, choreography, and poetry recitals accompanied by the talking drum added moments of spiritual reflection, emotional depth, and a strong sense of Ghanaian and Presbyterian heritage.
Preparation
Preparation for the production involved several weeks of coordinated effort across multiple teams, beginning as early as January 2026. Script development, casting, and rehearsals were carried out alongside logistical planning for costumes, props, stage design, and technical support. Rehearsals played a critical role in refining performances and ensuring cohesion among the various components of the production.
Connecting with Other Groups
The Olives Creative Arts Ministry worked closely with both the contemporary and chorale choirs, producing a musical magnificence that elevated the David production. Despite limited resources, the commitment and teamwork of participants contributed significantly to the overall quality of the event.
On the day of the performance, the programme flowed smoothly beginning with a prayer session, followed by praise and adoration, the purpose of gathering, and an exhortation from the Minister‑in‑Charge. The stage drama then commenced, and the evening climaxed with a sensational Jama praise session led by the Gospel Jama Praise Group from Ashtown Presby.
The Audience
David attracted a wide and diverse audience—from children to adults, families to individuals, and people from other denominations. Both conservatives and contemporaries sat captivated, fully immersed in the thrilling presentation.
The occasion was graced by Very Rev. Dr. Sam Prempeh, former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana; Rev. Benson Osafo Kantanka, immediate past Chairperson of the Asante Presbytery; Rev. Samuel Adu‑Gyamfi, Clerk of the Presbytery; Rev. Samuel Kwaku Darko, Asante Presbytery Director for Mission and Evangelism; and Rev. Bernard Gyimah Antwi, Public Relations Officer for the Asante Presbytery. The Mount of Olives Session, along with other distinguished members of the public, were also present to witness David.
Creative Arts for Youth Involvement
The event achieved notable success in youth involvement. A significant number of young people participated actively—as cast, crew, and audience members. This reflects the effectiveness of creative arts as a medium for youth engagement and supports the broader vision of building a youth‑friendly church.
Conclusion
Overall, “David: A Man After God’s Heart” was a successful and impactful event. Despite logistical and financial constraints, the team managed to deliver a compelling masterpiece—one that the Presbyterian Church of Ghana can proudly associate with.
It fulfilled its purpose as both a creative and spiritual initiative, demonstrating the power of the arts in ministry and evangelism. With intentional improvements and investment in planning and resources, subsequent productions have the potential to achieve even greater levels of excellence and influence.
The Olives Creative Arts Ministry is indeed one to watch for the future.
By: Rev Bernard Gyimah Antwi, Asante Presbytery PRO