By Alex Ababio
Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged Christians not to shy away from politics, but rather get involved to create change for the country.
Speaking at the induction service for the Lead Pastor of the Cedar Mountain Chapel, Rev. Stephen Wengam, as the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, Mahama called on Christians to contest for elective offices, go to Parliament, advocate, and participate in creating a sense of direction for progress and prosperity in the country.
He noted that there is nothing in the Bible that stops Christians from participating in leadership, adding that if they have the ability to do so, they should not hesitate.
New Executive Presbytery Officers of the Assemblies of God Church Outdoored
During the induction service for the new General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Wengam, the New Executive Presbytery Officers of the church were also outdoored.
The officers elected to steer the affairs of the church include Rev. Dr Godwin Tito Agyei as Assistant General Superintendent, Rev. Dr Ernest Birikorang as General Secretary, and Rev. Dr Simon Abu Baba as General Treasurer.
The event was attended by a host of personalities, including former Chief Justice Georgina Wood, who is also a member of the church.
The Church’s Role in Society
Mahama noted that the church’s existence is not only to pray for leaders but also to offer suggestions and guidance to leaders.
He stressed that the church exists in society, and whatever happens in society affects it.
He cited the current economic crisis affecting Ghanaians, which he noted also affects church congregations across the country.
Therefore, he urged the church to continue speaking out whenever it thinks things are not going properly.
He also commended the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) for its recent letter to the government offering suggestions on what to do in the middle of the country’s economic crisis.
The Need for Balanced and Non-Partisan Utterances from Clergy
Mahama urged members of the clergy to be balanced in their utterances irrespective of the government in power.
He emphasized that they should not be quiet when one government is in power and loud when another is in power.
According to him, they must always speak the truth to whoever is in office because it affects the lives of their congregation.
Change and Progress in the Assemblies of God Church
Mahama noted that change is a permanent phenomenon created by God.
He added that change is what makes the world progress because when it happens, things move to another level.
He cited the Assemblies of God Church and praised Rev. Wengam, who is taking over from Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, for the fantastic work done.
Mahama pledged his support for the construction of a Centenary Village for the Assemblies of God Church, one of the initiatives outlined by Rev. Wengam.