President John Dramani Mahama has urged churches to complement evangelism with practical service to communities, stressing that Christian faith must be reflected in actions that improve people’s lives.
Addressing the 10th Triennial Congress of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship at the Accra International Conference Centre on Wednesday, October 14, Mr Mahama said the church’s mission should extend beyond preaching to addressing the everyday needs of people.
“Our witness grows when people see the love and compassion we proclaim in our own conduct,” he said.
He cited support for vulnerable children, compassionate healthcare, skills development for young people and assistance for struggling families as practical expressions of Christian faith.
The president said the theme of the congress, “Commissioned: One Mandate, Every Nation,” drew attention to the responsibility of Christians to spread the gospel while demonstrating compassion and respect for people across different communities and cultures.
He urged church leaders to ensure that their ministries responded to the circumstances, concerns and aspirations of the people they served.
“A young person who is anxious about employment must hear hope in our words. A family that’s under strain must find care within our fellowship. A person that is burdened by grief must find comfort amongst us, and someone who feels forgotten must discover that they matter,” he said.
Mr Mahama also called for stronger cooperation among churches across countries, encouraging congregations with greater resources to support those operating under difficult circumstances.
He said the congress should produce practical commitments, including partnerships among churches, programmes to mentor young people and initiatives to support education and healthcare.
According to him, the significance of the gathering would ultimately be measured by its impact on communities after delegates returned to their respective countries.
“The lasting story of this conference, this congress, will be written in the lives that we touch after the closing prayer,” he said.
The president further urged church leaders to make their congregations safe places for children and vulnerable people, emphasising the need for responsible conduct, clear safeguards and accountability.
He called for greater recognition of women’s contributions to church life and encouraged leaders to create opportunities for young people to ask questions, develop their abilities and take up meaningful responsibilities.
Mr Mahama also highlighted the responsibility of Christians in public office, saying their faith should strengthen their commitment to humility, honesty, integrity and service.
He said his responsibility as president extended to every Ghanaian, regardless of religious affiliation, including Christians, Muslims, adherents of traditional religions and people who profess no faith.
“Ghana’s religious diversity is our most precious possession, and we must continue to nurture the relationships that enable neighbours of different faiths to live, work, and care for one another,” he said.
The president, who attended the congress with First Lady Lordina Mahama, described the gathering as historic, noting that it was the first World Assemblies of God Congress to be held in Africa.
He welcomed delegates from across the world and thanked Assemblies of God Ghana, the organisers, volunteers and public institutions that supported the event.
Mr Mahama expressed hope that the congress would strengthen international relationships, promote peace and encourage delegates to return home with renewed commitment to serving their communities.
The three-day congress, running from October 14 to 16, brings together church leaders and delegates from various countries under the theme, “Commissioned: One Mandate, Every Nation.”
