Avoid Tribalism, Politics In Church – IBIS Chancellor
The Chancellor of the Immanuel Bible Institute and Seminary (IBIS) Ghana, Dr. Fred Opoku-Gyimah has cautioned the clergy against using the pulpit to preach tribalism and politics.
According to him, some members of the clergy have allowed politics and tribalism to divide the church in recent times.
This, Dr. Opoku-Gyimah said is unnecessary because Ghana is “one nation (with) one people.
The IBIS’ Chancellor’s comments comes at the time when The founder and leader of the Glorious Wave Church International Prophet Emmanuel Badu Kobi has come under harsh public criticism following some unsavory comments he made in his church about Ashanti, Fante and Ewe women that has since gone viral on social media.
But speaking at the 6th Graduation of the Institute in Accra, on the theme: Preparing Christ-Centered and Spirit-Filled leaders for a Global Revival”, Dr. Opoku-Gyimah tasked the graduand to desist from using the church for divisive tribal-politics.
“I want to advice you not to allow tribalism to divide you because we are one nation and one people. If you look at some Ghanaian pastors, they have allowed party politics and tribalism to divide them and the body of Christ”.
While urging the pastors to be great leaders indicated that the graduands must be models of leadership in their various churches adding that “people are doing extraordinary things because circumstances make demands on their potential.”
Dr. Opoku-Gyimah said the fresh pastors ought to in his words “Pray for the Methodist Church of Ghana for the stand they took not to let their leaders in Britain to change the policies of the Ministry to accept homosexuality which is a taboo in Africa.”
He noted that the body of Christ must “stand with them so that no one can change what our ancestors handed over to us.”
The National Director of the Institute, Dr. John Agyemang Boateng said knowledge is the fundamental key to success in any endeavor including ministry.
He stated that the 144 students including an 86 year old retired nurse graduating with various Degree Certificates in the 2017-2019 Academic year represent a 26 percent increase over the 2018 academic year.
Dr. Boateng believes “this remarkable growth is an indication that the Lord has been with us all through and through”.
In a valedictory speech, Dr. Emmanuel Pascom Tetteh Yornekper said the Institute has a sound biblical curriculum that seeks among others to bridge the gap between what is lacking and what is needed to be known and taught.
He said “as a matter of truth we have been carefully taught sound biblical and theoretical courses that are very much relevant to the need of the Bible interpreter of the 21st Century.”
IBIS-Ghana is affiliated with IBIS-New York, USA and has been in operation in the country for 12 years.
Established to build a strong foundation of theology, biblical knowledge, practical wisdom and personal character in the lives of individuals called to serve as leaders in local churches, IBIS-Ghana runs among other degree programs Bachelor of Theology, Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy.
Besides the Accra campus has campuses in Krobo, Assin-Fosu, Tema, Sunyani, Tamale and Asamankese in the Eastern Region.
Story By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson
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