Pastors Urged To Uphold Christian Values

The Western West Africa Episcopal District (WWAED - Ghana, Togo, Cote D'Ivoire and Liberia) of the A.M.E Zion Church has held its annual International Pastors and Leaders Conference with a call on pastors to uphold Christian values.

A statement signed by Rev David Zungbey, the Episcopal Secretary and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Thursday said Rev Dr Joyce Aryee, the President of the Bible Society of Ghana made the call asking pastors to remember their status as role models in society.

Rev Aryee said holding on to Christian values as pastors would not only help to perpetuate the Christian faith, but would also deepen the bond of fellowship among believers.

The statement indicated that the conference, which was on the theme: 'Reviewing Our Practices through Faithful Christian Stewardship' was held from April 3-7, this year at the Pentecost Convention Centre in the Central Region.

The statement said the conference brought together more than 300 pastors and lay leaders from across the A.M.E Zion Church in West Africa, East Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom and other denominations.

The Conference, the statement said sought to equip pastors and leaders in the universal church with the necessary knowledge and skills set for effective ministries that impact positively on the society toward national development.

Rev J.O.Y Mante, the President of Trinity Theological Seminary said stewardship was more than financial management adding that it was the management of all God's creation and resources.

The statement said Rev Mante defined stewardship as responsible management of God's creation by human beings who had been created in God's image and were living as such.

Rt Rev Dr Hilliard Dela K. Dogbe, the Presiding Bishop of WWAED urged pastors to be mindful of their health by developing ways and means of balancing ministry with other aspects of life.

He said it would help reduce or avoid problems such as stress, burn out, depression, which were associated with poor self-management.

The statement noted that officials from GCB bank took participants through best practices in banking, while officials from Enterprise Group introduced participants to insurance products that would better enhance ministries and lives.

It said other highlights of the conference were; the installation of Connectional Lay Council Life Members, the inauguration of the Zion Club 100, and the ordination of deacons and an elder.

'Other notable speakers during the conference were Professor J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, the Vice President of Trinity Theological Seminary; Rev Dr Dwight Cannon, the Director of Global Missions of the A.M.E Zion Church at United States, Dr Mary Matthews, the International Lay of A.M.E Zion Church; Rev Dr Richard Gadzekpo, the National Director of Ghana Fellowship of Evangelical Students, Mr Henry Baye, the Head of Retail Banking for Ghana and West Africa at the Standard Chartered Bank,' the statement said.

GNA