The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye has charged the newly inducted West Akyem Presbytery Chairperson, Rev. Charles Baah Ankrah to provide godly leadership anchored in Christ and grounded in biblical truth.
“Rev. Charles Baah Ankrah, you have been called at this time to occupy one of the highest leadership positions within the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. Yet your calling is not merely to occupy an office. You have been called to provide godly leadership rooted in Jesus Christ,” the Moderator said.
True Blessedness
Preaching on the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5 to 7, the Moderator reflected on the Beatitudes and the character expected of Christian leaders and believers. He explained that true blessedness, according to Jesus Christ, is not primarily measured by material success, wealth, social status or earthly achievements, but by our relationship with God and commitment to righteous living.
He observed that many people equate blessings with long life, prosperity, educational attainment, successful careers and family accomplishments. While acknowledging that material prosperity is not evil and can indeed be a blessing from God, he stressed that such things do not constitute the ultimate measure of blessedness.
“Jesus presents a different understanding of blessedness,” he explained, adding that those whom Christ describes as blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn over sin, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart and those who remain faithful even in the midst of persecution.
Character of Christian Leadership
The Moderator explained that meekness should not be mistaken for weakness. Rather, he described it as strength under control, the deliberate choice to exercise power with humility, restraint and wisdom. “The world teaches us that greatness comes through power, influence and possessions. Jesus teaches something radically different,” he said.
He pointed to Jesus Christ as the perfect example of such leadership, noting that although Christ possessed all authority, He demonstrated humility, gentleness, compassion and obedience to the will of God.
Legacy of Quality Leadership
The Moderator also commended the West Akyem Presbytery for its long-standing tradition of producing distinguished leaders for the Church.
“The West Akyem Presbytery has consistently produced distinguished leaders for the Church. Over the years, many of its chairpersons and ministers have risen to serve at the highest levels of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. This demonstrates the quality of leadership that has characterised this Presbytery, and it is my prayer that this rich legacy will continue under your leadership,” he said.
He urged the new Chairperson to draw strength from his relationship with Jesus Christ rather than rely solely on personal abilities and experience.
“Your past experiences have prepared you for this assignment. However, God is not calling you simply to repeat what was done in previous years. He is calling you to exercise a new dimension of leadership, leadership grounded in biblical truth and shaped by the example of Jesus Christ,” he stated.
Faithfulness to Christ and His Word
The Moderator further reminded Rev. Ankrah that his induction, coming immediately after the Church’s observance of Reformation Day, carried a significant message about faithfulness to Christ and His Word.
“As you assume this office, particularly on the day after Reformation Day, you must remember that the Church stands or falls on its faithfulness to Jesus Christ and His Word,” he emphasised. “It is your relationship with Jesus Christ that will bring the anointing and grace necessary for this task. If you walk closely with Christ, I assure you that you will go beyond those who have gone before you. But if you rely solely on your own strength, the work will become difficult,” he advised.
“Let the Presbytery walk with Christ. Let the Church honour Jesus Christ. Let the Church stand for what Jesus Christ stands for. If you serve the Lord faithfully, humbly and truthfully, you will have the support of the Church,” the Moderator said.
By Jerome Otchere
