On Monday 4th December, 2023, all the Apostles and Bishops in Ghana assembled at the Erata Hotel for a seminar. The Head of Seminars for West Africa, Apostle Martin Rheinberger (Germany) was the key facilitator and led the meeting. 

New to the seminar were Apostles Quansah (Cape Coast), Akubia (Volta North), Opoku Mensah (Nkawkaw) and Annan Mensah (Dunkwa).

Following an opening prayer by Apostle Otchere (Sunyani), Apostle Asare (Accra), the National Head of Seminars in Ghana, organised proceedings. He regularly interjected the meeting with songs which made the seminar lively and interesting.

The activities for the year 2023 were discussed: 

• Reviving inactive congregations
• Increase in the execution of Confirmation classes 
• Refresh on sexual misconduct
• Enforcing recommended teaching approach on Church doctrine
• Internet access and literacy for every local teacher

There was also a review and discussion on the District Apostle’s message to the minister. The key themes for discussion and learning were: 

• Jesus' example of washing the feet of His Apostles
• Leaders being “at eye level” with ministers and members
• Being true humble servants of God.

Lead Apostle Ohene-Saffo also shared information and led an analysis on the divine service attendance and offerings in Ghana. 

Other topics for discussed included:

• Accessing Church intranet on mobile devices
• Introduction to the NAC-Ghana website and published reports

The leaders practiced how to access the website on their mobile devices and computers. They were urged to cascade this information to all ministers.

• Training and teaching materials for Sunday school teachers

Apostle Otchere (Sunyani) an experienced seminar tutor shared a few thoughts with our Reporter.

Speaking to a “seminar guru” as he is affectionately known, and having hinted of his upcoming retirement, our reporter was curious to know how he has successfully conducted seminars in his working area.

Apostle Otchere responded: “For me, the willingness of the participants to learn and practice what they are taught has made seminars successful in my area. And you could tell the improvement in how minsters perform acts of baptism and as well as the adaptation to the changes in liturgy over the years. This has also been very evident in their sermons; one could tell they have learnt and are carrying out the lessons. They have adapted well.” 
“Yes, we are sometimes faced with financial problems, but the ministers have always been interested and attended seminars very well. The ministers are always prepared to adapt to changes. Even in their preaching, one could see that the changes are being effected.  So, it is a success story in my area. I must also commend the trainers in my area; they have been enthusiastic about their duties and tasks.”

Apostle Otchere also shared some of the struggles his ministers go through to attend seminars: “Of course, we have some areas that are far away in the hinterlands. Ministers must hire motorbikes to come to the seminar centres and that makes the cost of transportation very high for them. Although the minsters are managing to cover the differences themselves.”

Having hinted of his retirement, Apostle Otchere spared a thought about seminars in Sunyani going forward: “In the last 2 years, I have worked tirelessly to complete all outstanding seminars to give my successor a fresh start. It is my hope that the success story in Sunyani continues.”