Rely on God’s empowering grace … Methodist Presiding Bishop urges newly ordained pastors

The 52nd Conference of the Methodist Church Ghana concluded with an appeal to church ministers to uphold their calling and lean on God's grace while serving the congregation and society. In his address to the 83 freshly ordained priests, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Asamoah-Gyadu, emphasized humility, sacrifice, and self-denial as essential traits for ministry.

During a thanksgiving service held at the ordination ceremony in Tema, the bishop highlighted the biblical example of the Apostle Paul to demonstrate that ministers are not superhuman, but rather, operate through the strength provided by God's grace. He urged the newly ordained ministers to acknowledge their weaknesses and limitations, trusting in God's empowering grace to overcome the challenges, temptations, and pressures that come with the vocation of ministry.

Speaking about Paul's persistent prayers concerning his "thorn in the flesh," the bishop encouraged the clergy to pray continuously and trust in God's sovereignty during difficult times. By comparing the experiences of Moses, David, Samson, and Peter, Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu stressed that even flawed individuals can be used by God, provided they recognize the need for divine grace.

The bishop concluded his message by likening the ministers to "treasures in clay jars," fragile human beings entrusted with extraordinary power to serve God and his people. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in their calling, regardless of personal challenges, difficult relationships, health conditions, disappointments, or other obstacles that may arise.

Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu expressed his hope that, many years after their ordination, the Church would hear that these newly ordained ministers had done great things for God.