The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has issued one of his strongest calls yet for a renewed culture of worship within the church, challenging traditional patterns and urging a Spirit‑filled revival.
Preaching at the 10th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the Ga West Presbytery, he declared emphatically that “Presbyterians are not God’s chosen frozen.”
Drawing from the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4:7–26, the Moderator reminded the congregation that genuine worship is not defined by geography, tradition, or ritual. “Worship is not about a particular place,” he stressed. “It is not about a specific location, neither is worship about food or even a particular day. Worship comes from within.”
He cautioned Presbyterians and the larger Christian community against turning sacred places or long‑held practices into objects of religious dependence, noting that while such places may enhance spiritual experience, they must never replace authentic worship rooted in truth and the Holy Spirit.
Stop Managing People’s Worship
In one of the most striking moments of his sermon, the Moderator lamented what he described as excessive control over worship expressions in some Presbyterian congregations. “Some Presbyterians have become custodians of the church, managing even dance,” he observed.
He appealed to church leaders and congregations to create space for both young and old to express their devotion freely and reverently. “Let us allow both the young and the old to worship God in spirit and in truth.”According him, worship without truth becomes hypocrisy, while worship without the Spirit becomes dry religious activity lacking God’s transforming power.
A Church Prepared for the Future
The Moderator prayed that the next chapter of the Ga West Presbytery’s journey would be marked by authentic worship capable of attracting God’s glory. He encouraged congregations to cultivate worship that transforms lives rather than merely preserving tradition.
The Thanksgiving Service attracted several distinguished leaders of the church, including Rev. David Aboagy Danquah, Clerk of the General Assembly; Very Rev. Prof. J. O. Y. Mante, Immediate Past Moderator; Rev. Dr. Godwin Nii Noi Odonkor, Immediate Past Clerk of the General Assembly; Rev. Daniel Amoako Nyarko, first Chairperson of the Ga West Presbytery; Rev. David Sowateye Obli, Chairperson‑Elect of the Ga West Presbytery; and Rev. Gideon Pupolumpu, Chairperson‑Elect of the Dangme‑Tongu Presbytery.
Earlier, the host Chairperson, Rev. Enoch Adjei Pobee, warmly welcomed the clergy, invited guests, and congregants, expressing gratitude to God for His faithfulness throughout the Presbytery’s ten‑year journey.
As part of the celebration, special awards were presented to individuals whose contributions—both in cash and in kind—have significantly supported the growth and development of the Ga West Presbytery over the past decade. The service was led by the Clerk of the Ga West Presbytery, Rev. Kennedy Kofi Asante Sarpong, who coordinated the liturgy and guided the congregation through the thanksgiving celebration.
By Rev. Immanuel Wiafe
