Reject materialism, carnality and complacency – Rev Wengam urges African Pastors

Reverend Stephen Yenusom Wengam, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in Ghana, cautioned African pastors against materialism, spiritual complacency, and a detachment from spiritual discipline. He warned that these tendencies could tarnish the reputation of Christianity and diminish the quality of church worship. Wengam, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Africa Assemblies of God Alliance, made this appeal during his guest address at the National Pastors Conference of the Assemblies of God in Ethiopia.

The conference, themed "Fresh Revival To Pursue The Great Commission," convened church leaders to discuss the importance of a renewed spiritual commitment and effective evangelism across Africa. Wengam shared the stage with Rev. Dominic Yeo, the Global Chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship. He emphasized the importance of prayer, spiritual renewal, and church planting as central to the mission, asserting that a spiritually robust church, bolstered by active church planting, could bolster Christianity and expand its reach in Africa.

He reminded the pastors of the Assemblies of God's origins in the Azusa Street revival, emphasizing the need to maintain those spiritual practices that have historically bolstered the church. Wengam urged the present generation of church leaders to safeguard the spiritual integrity of the church while effectively responding to contemporary challenges in evangelism and Christian ministry.

His message underscored the responsibility of African churches to pursue revival as an ongoing spiritual commitment rather than a fleeting event. The General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in Ethiopia, Rev. Ayansa Obsi, praised Wengam's presentation, describing it as "excellent." This interaction between Assemblies of God leaders in Africa aimed to strengthen mutual cooperation and reinvigorate the Church's dedication to the Great Commission.

Wengam concluded his visit with the presentation of Ghanaian cultural tokens, such as fugu and ladies' necklaces, to members of the Executive Presbytery of the Assemblies of God in Ethiopia, marking a cultural exchange during his visit.