Church growth may be measured in numbers, but lasting growth is built through discipleship. That was the message from the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, during the opening of the 22nd National Evangelism and Church Growth Consultation at the Ramseyer Training Centre, Abetifi.
Addressing church leaders and evangelism directors from across the country, the Moderator acknowledged the Church’s Agenda 2 Million and the planting of 1,000 new congregations but stressed that discipleship remains the foundation of sustainable growth.
The consultation has assembled Presbytery Chairpersons, Presbytery Clerks, Directors of Mission and Evangelism and representatives of church groups and ministries. According to the Moderator, initiatives such as Agenda 1.5 and the current Agenda 2 Million demonstrate the Church’s commitment to growth and mission.
“Presently, Agenda 2 Million and the ambitious mission to plant 1,000 new churches testify to our shared vision of growth, and the conviction that every member is both a disciple and a disciple-maker,” he said.
He, however, challenged the notion that spiritual growth and numerical growth are separate realities. “Unfortunately, there are some who believe that when one grows qualitatively, it does not necessarily translate into quantitative growth. That is an error of mission,” he stated.
The Moderator maintained that healthy spiritual formation naturally produces church growth. “Take note of the fact that discipleship is a difficult form of growth, but it is a more sustainable form of growth,” he emphasised.
He urged congregations, districts and presbyteries to focus on empowering believers to share their faith, nurturing young people and strengthening discipleship structures capable of sustaining the Church’s mission for generations to come.
By Jerome Otchere
