DELIVER ON YOUR MANDATE...Rev Nagba urges churches (PAGE 46, JAN 20, 2011)

THE Chairperson of the newly created Upper Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Rev. Esmond Wasau Nagba, has urged churches to focus on their core business of evangelism, discipleship and church growth in order to draw more people to God.
Rev. Esmond Wasau Nagba made the call during an induction service for the new Presbytery Clerk, Rev. Martin Lamisi Sebire, at the Peniel Congregation of the PCG in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.
Speaking on the theme: “Chosen for the mission of the Father,” Rev. Nagba, said orthodox churches in the country would regain their past glories only if they shunned negative attitudes and demonstrated God’s love through commitment and dedicated services.
The induction service brought together members of the newly created Upper Presbytery.
The Upper Presbytery was carved out of the Northern Presbytery and has Bolgatanga as its main station. It is the 16th Presbytery within the General Assembly of the PCG. It also covers other five districts of northern Ghana, including Wa, Bawku, Gambaga and Garu Tempane.
In his sermon, Rev. Nagba expressed concern about the way the orthodox churches had veered from their core mission and mandate of communicating God’s word to unbelievers through evangelism.
He said in the past, people were attached to the orthodox churches due to the exemplary Christian lifestyles portrayed by its members but “the situation today is nothing to write home about”.
He stressed the need for a greater attitudinal change among the faithful to redeem their lost image.
Rev. Nagba stated that churches must not only preach the good news, but they should also affirm it by the attitude and conduct of their members towards God and mankind.
He called on churches to devote their time to God, charge their congregations to do away with backbiting and the “pull him down” attitude to ensure their growth, both physically and spiritually.
Rev. Nagba also challenged them with the responsibility of sharing God’s word with unbelievers wherever they found themselves.
While inducting Rev. Lamisi Sabire into office, Rev. Nagba tasked the congregants to co-operate with him to ensure his effective administration.
In his acceptance speech, Rev. Lamisi Sebire expressed gratitude to the church for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his commitment to discharge his official duties with humility, faithfulness and obedience to the service of God and the church.