ESCHEW PURSUIT OF MATERIAL GAINS (DAILY GRAPHIC, JULY 3, PAGE 15)

The Presiding Bishop-elect of the Methodist Church, Ghana, Rt. Rev. Professor Emmanuel K. Asante, has tasked ministers of the gospel to eschew pursuit of material things, an attitude that is assuming control of the church of Christ today.
Prof. Asante said this during a church service to commission 14 new ministers to begin a three-year probationary programme at the St Paul ’s Methodist Church in Tema.
The new ministers were made up of 13 men and a lady.
The outgoing Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Conference, Most Rev. Robert Aboagye Mensah, who administered the affirmation oath to the ministers, charged them to dutifully adhere to the reasons of their calling.
He said if they were in because of the gains they might accumulate, it would be better to hand over the baton of calling.
Preaching the sermon, the bishop-elect, who is also the Bishop of Kumasi, indicated that as shepherds, “your duty is to teach, evangelise and nurture the people; these are the principles of your calling”.
“You have not been called to pursue your own agenda, rather your commission is to seek the lost sheep,” Rev. Asante remarked.
Quoting from John 21:15-17, which partly reads, “So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, son of Jonas, Loveth thou me more than these? He said unto him, Yee Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He said feed my lamb, to substantiate his claim.
Rev. Asante said their calling was genuine, however, if they were in for money or fame, it would be better to surrender the robe and go into politics, because that was where popularity reigned.
He also expressed regret that preaching of falsehood had dominated Christendom today and added that as Christians who understood the key principles of the benefits of the kingdom, it was important to go out there and make disciples of all nations as they sought to rescue the perishing.
He cautioned the newly commissioned ministers not to seek their welfare and neglect the flock they had been called to serve but they should continue to nourish, counsel and pray for all manner of people under their fellowship.
He said as shepherds, they were the model for the sheep, and cautioned them not to be selective in their visitations to members who might be disadvantaged and should provide luxurious gift packages for them.
“As you go out to begin your role as probationary ministers, make His service your delight and He will also make your want His care,” Rev. Asante remarked.
The outgoing Bishop of Tema, Rt. Rev. Samuel Achamfouh-Yeboah, also attended the service. A similar ceremony was held at Bethel Methodist at Community Eight, where 15 other ministers were also commissioned.