Senior Lecturer at Trinity Theological Seminary and Minister in Charge of Charis Congregation, Spintex, Rev. Dr. Ernestina Afriyie, has encouraged newly ordained ministers of Batch Five to diligently take up the mandate of shepherding God’s people.
She described shepherding as the core duty of ministers and urged them to perform it faithfully and with deep spiritual sensitivity.
Preaching on the theme “Go and shepherd the flock” at the 2026 Ordination Service on Wednesday at Ebenezer Congregation, Kyebi, Rev. Dr. Afriyie began by posing a reflective question: “Why do we continue to do the work of priest?”
She explained that humanity’s separation from God “broke the heart of God,” prompting God to send His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to restore fellowship. “When Jesus said, ‘It is finished’ on the cross, He accomplished the reconciliation with God,” she said, adding that this act of redemption forms the foundation of Christian ministry.
Rev. Dr. Afriyie reminded the 15 ordinands that Jesus commissioned His disciples to teach, to speak of His works, and to lead people to believe in Him. “Ministers are not mediators between God and humans,” she stressed. “They are people called to make the name of Christ known to the world.”
She described the Church as God’s flock, emphasising that “God Himself through Christ is our shepherd.” Ministers, she noted, are both sheep and shepherds—followers of Christ who must also care for others. “Sheep are never safe without a shepherd,” she said. “They need care and protection. Sheep were seen as helpless creatures who could not do much for themselves — just like humans.”
Rev. Dr. Afriyie urged the ordinands to embrace their calling with humility, devotion, and a deep awareness of the responsibility entrusted to them. She encouraged them to shepherd God’s people with love, attentiveness, and a commitment to nurturing spiritual growth.
