The National Heads of Seminars (NHS) of the New Apostolic Church, West Africa, met in Accra from Friday 1st to Saturday 2nd December, 2023, to discuss doctrinal, liturgical, developmental and other issues/topics relating to the Church. This came off under the facilitation of Apostle Martin Rheinberger from Germany.

The participants were; Lead Apostle Benjamin Ohene-Saffo (Ghana), Lead Apostle Vincent Yedenou (Benin), Apostles Asare (Ghana), Amevoh (Togo), Wreh (Liberia), Saffa (Sierra Leone), Leno (Guinea), Kpegasin (Nigeria), Chi (Cameroun); District Rectors Bouo (Cote d´Ivoire), Bidjang (Cameroun), Venancio (Equatorial Guinea), Gbeza (Gabon), Yovo (Togo), Sunu (Ghana), Danso (Ghana) and Shepherd Urua (Nigeria).

The seminar began with an opening prayer by Lead Apostle Yedenou, followed by opening remarks by Lead Apostle Ohene-Saffo and the introduction of each participant. The agenda for the meeting was then shared and a welcome video message from the District Apostle, Michael Enrich, was played to all gathered.

Some topics discussed over the 2 days included;

• The Reactivation of Inactive Congregations
  This included both the statistics, status on active and inactive congregations in the West African countries, planning and finding-easy-to-implement action lists and mitigation for unforeseen church issues.
• Education
  This also included ways to increase and improve both Confirmand and Sunday School Class attendance, newly enrolled teaching manuals and as well as quick reports on completed seminars. Feedback was sought on the new, more effective seminar format for Beginners/Masters. Also, youth care with its objectives, activities and expectations as well as education on Stop Sexual Misconduct were discussed.

• Doctrinal Development (Witchcraft, Salvation, etc.)
  The Church’s understanding of salvation, witchcraft and others was discussed. Also, thoughts from the Chief Apostle was shared on the matter.
• Ministry and Guide for Ministers
  This included the use of the Church’s materials via the intranet, internet, newly enhanced ministers’ guide (for both male and female ministers), ready text hymnals in both English, French and local Ghanaian languages.

On the second day of the seminar, participants took turns to discuss the following;

• The 2024-Year program which included both the District Apostle Michael Enrich and Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider visits to Ghana.
• Divine services and media reporters arriving from Zurich to the sub-region.

Each participant was enthusiastically eager to return and spread the information received to their various countries. This made the hearts of the seminar team happy as they look forward to meeting again in next year.