An Epistle to the Church in Ghana on Peaceful Succession

Dearly Beloved in Christ,
Grace and peace to you. We have mourned giants of faith, yet our grief has too often opened the door to confusion. “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Let us set our houses in order while our leaders yet live, so the gospel is not hindered.

Why this epistle
Across Ghana, transitions have turned into contests. Publicly reported tussles in parts of the charismatic and independent ministry space include Resurrection Power New Generation Church, Apostles Revelation Society, Musama Disco Christo Church, Kantanka movement tied to Apostle Kwadwo Safo, and seasons of re-alignment in Bethel Prayer Ministry International after Bishop Paul Owusu-Tabiri. I name these not to shame but to warn. Where constitutions are vague, property is personalized, and succession is sprung on the flock, the church suffers. “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).

A yardstick of peace: The Church of Pentecost

The Church of Pentecost shows that fervour and order can walk together. Leadership terms are defined. Retirement is honoured. Councils are empowered. Elections are predictable. Because the rules are clear and taught, transitions are neither a surprise nor a street fight. This is a blueprint for any church that seeks longevity. “Entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

Where we stumble
Many founder-led ministries concentrate preaching, policy, and purse in one person. Charisma births movements, yet charisma alone cannot sustain them. When illness or death comes, factions arise, heirs feel entitled, protégés claim visions, and courts become our referees. Moses did not leave Israel to guesswork; he laid hands on Joshua before the congregation (Numbers 27:18–23).

Retirement as a gift, not a threat
Succession should not begin at the graveside. Churches should adopt a clear retirement age for top offices, announced years ahead and honoured without exception. Sixty-five or seventy may fit different contexts, but the principle matters more than the number. A defined finish line invites mentoring, allows the church to test gifts, and lets leaders bless rather than battle their successors. “There is a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Governance that outlives charisma
Put your constitution in the hands and hearts of the people. Spell out eligibility, vetting, and how leadership is chosen. Separate spiritual office from administration so no one evaluates themselves. Teach these rules openly, not only to boards but to congregations. David prepared Solomon in public, gathered leaders, and handed over resources and plans so the work would continue (1 Chronicles 28–29).

Money and property in the light
Register land, trademarks, media channels, and bank accounts in the church’s legal name. Use dual signatories who are not related. Keep an asset register, back it up, and commission independent audits each year. Publish summary outcomes to members. “We aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man” (2 Corinthians 8:21).

Founder’s preference without family rule

If a founder senses a successor, even a biological child, put that preference in writing and table it before elders for testing against the same criteria used for others. Callings are discerned in the body. Final appointment should rest with a recognised council using a strong majority so the flock can rally behind the result. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

Peace before conflict
Adopt mediation and arbitration pathways in your constitutions so brethren do not rush to court. In transition seasons, speak with one voice through an authorised spokesperson. Publish the timetable and the rules. Hold member forums for questions. Guard records with role-based emails, shared drives, and handover checklists. “Where there is no guidance, a people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).

Culture that lasts
Rotate pulpits and empower teams so the church learns to trust a body, not a single voice. Protect whistle-blowers. Encourage sabbath for leaders. Practice succession rehearsals. Peter charges elders to shepherd willingly, not domineering over the flock but being examples (1 Peter 5:2–3). When the culture prizes stewardship over entitlement, transitions turn into testimonies.

A pastoral call to action
Leaders, set an age to step down and announce it now. Boards, dust off your constitutions and teach them. Founders, move assets into the church’s legal hands and bless a process you do not control. Congregations, pray for wisdom, ask for transparency, and honour those who finish well. If we codify what we confess and practice what we publish, funerals will become thanksgiving and headlines will tell of reconciled brethren.

May the Lord grant us wisdom to prepare, courage to obey, and humility to prefer Christ’s name over any family name. “Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). And may Ghana’s churches be known not only for fire on the altar but also for peace in transition.

With love and hope for Christ’s Church in Ghana,

Your brother and servant
Dr. Enoch Ofosu | Waterloo, Canada.

Email: [email protected]