PRESBYTERS SCHOOLED

11th November 2019 

The Asante Presbytery marks another memorable graduation for three hundred and forty (340) trained Presbyters. This is the second batch of Presbyters to be graduated after the commencement of the training.

The graduation comes after a series Training of the Presbyters to equip them with the requisite knowledge and skills to lead the various congregations they find themselves. This training comes off as a diligent response a General Assembly decision to take all Presbyters through the foundation syllabus prepared and used by the Ramseyer Training Center (RTC), Abetifi. In addition, the Asante Presbytery has added other subjects like Church Growth as the church pursues the vision of 1.5 agenda.

Present at this all important occasion is Rev. Benson Osafo Kantanka (Chairperson, Asante Presbytery), Mr. David Boakye Kesse (Lay Representative to GAC) and other Reverend Ministers. In attendance is representatives from RTC, the institution that issued the certificates to the graduating Presbyters, Rev. Mrs. Afia Ban Asemiah and Rev. Joseph Akoma Cromwell.

Mr. David Boakye Kesse, speaking at the occasion admonished graduands to grow the church by setting good examples to members and non members of the PCG. Presbyters are also to collaborate with the Agents (Ministers and Catechists) to work at ministering to everyone but not to quarrel and create factions in the church.

Evang. I. G. Boakye addressed the Congregation on behalf the graduands. He expressed their heart felt appreciation to PCG for this training programme aimed at equipping all Presbyters in the church, he said, “we are most grateful.” Reading from John 6:70-71, he urged his colleagues to make good use of the training they have received in order to fit for their divine calling. He added that, being a Presbyter comes as a promotion and position but it should be known that it comes with pains through the many sacrifices.

Speaking on behalf of the RTC Director, Rev. Mrs. Afia Ban Asemiah (Lecturer, RTC) extended warm regards from RTC to everyone and how the Director, Rev. Gideon Buernor Puplampu had wished to be present but for an equally important engagement.
She mentioned that, in every learning process one must unlearn to re-learn. She explained this educational principle as the moment a learner reach the “ahaa…” or “oh! OK” stage during the learning process. She further urged the graduands to make their newly acquired knowledge and skills push others to say, “oh! OK…” or “Ahaa…” knowing the tremendous improvement in their leadership skill. She further tabled RTC’s plans and training programmes being rolled out and asked that as soon as the letters or information comes out everyone – Lay and ordained must endeavour to be part.
The Chairperson, Rev. Benson Osafo Kantanka congratulated graduands and thanked the facilitators for their sacrifice and dedication.

The training programme continuous to see all current and would be Presbyters well equipped for their calling. As Minister and Catechists are trained for their call, so it important to the Presbyters.