Christian Advocacy Ministry in African Christianity: The Nature, Prospects and Challenges in Ghana

Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong

doi:10.38159/motbit.2021351

Abstract

The contributions of the church to the social, economic and political growth of Ghana have been locally and internationally recognized. There is the need therefore, to subject the nature, prospects and challenges of the Christian advocacy of the church in Ghana to intellectual scrutiny to identify the issues that must be addressed for the church to perform its advocacy effectively. The study is an examination of the Christian advocacy ministry of the church in Ghana. It used both primary and secondary materials to generate data. Minutes and reports were examined for some primary information. The analysis of the available information points to the fact that the church must pay attention to niche management, capacity building of church leaders, enhance its public theology, creation of platforms for reflections, address the attacks on voices of wisdom, and direct attention to the role of the non-clergy in the advocacy ministry for its future Christian advocacy ministry. The study has added to knowledge in the disciplines of Church and Society and Public Theology. Keywords: Advocacy Ministry, Public Theology, African Christianity, Capacity Building, Public Witness

Highlights

The role of the church in the development of Ghana since its inception has been repeatedly acknowledged
The study is an examination of the Christian advocacy ministry of the church in Ghana
The study has added to knowledge in the disciplines of Church and Society and Public Theology

Summary

Introduction

The role of the church in the development of Ghana since its inception has been repeatedly acknowledged. Kudadjie and Aboagye-Mensah, Anquandah, Schweizer, Kwamena-Poh and Gifford have acknowledged the diverse contributions of the church to development through their various works. Kudadjie has identified Christian advocacy as one of the ministries that the church in Ghana must pay attention to. The roles that ought to engage the attention of the church include the Prophetic i.e., speaking out clearly and unambiguously on important issues, warning, counselling, exhorting and commending as is necessary. Transformation i.e., working for the transformation of Ghanaian society through effective evangelization and social action, 2009). Kwamena-Poh Vision & Achievement. (Accra: Waterville Publishing House, 2011). 5 Paul Gifford, Ghana’s New Christianity: Pentecostalism in a Globalizing African Economy. (Indiana University Press, 2004)

Methods

Conclusion