The Christian Journal Reporter
Yonkers, New York – Preparations were far advanced to welcome the Most Rev. Professor Emmanuel Martey, Moderator of the General Assembly and Church leaders of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana the world over.
The conference is been attended by all leadership of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana from Europe, Asia and North America. The opening ceremony was chaired by Rev. Dr Charles Gyan-Duah, Past Principal Officer. Word of exhortation was given by Rev. Dr Samuel Ayete-Nyampong Clerk of GA.
Most Rev. Professor Emmanuel Martey officially opened the 3rd Overseas Mission Field Conference of Delegates, District Leaders and other church administrators.
Most Rev. Professor Emmanuel Martey in his keynote address to the delegates, he said today, as a very brand new chapter is being opened in the history of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and it was made possible as a result of the decision taken by the 13th General Assembly of the Church mandating General Assembly Council to create two more Presbyteries one in North America and the in Europe to be added to the seventeen existing ones. With this decision, we are therefore mandated to create a “North American Presbytery” and a “Europe Presbytery” before the 14th General Assembly to be held in Abetifi, Kwahu in August 2014
It is on this propitious occasion that we have gathered to fulfill this mandate of the highest court of Presbyterian Church of Ghana that I formally welcome you all to Royal Regency Hotel, Yonkers in the State of New York.
The weeklong conference is under the theme: ‘The Fruit of The Holy Spirit: Vision, Expectation and Legacy.’ theme is linked with the theme for the last year’s General Assembly “Fruit of the Holy Spirit and the Believer.” From all the expositions given by both lay and ordained to the phrase “fruit of the Spirit,” it is clear that, as a Biblical metaphor for human behavior, the expression has been used by Paul to refer specifically to behavioral qualities to be manifested in the lives of Christian believers to reflect the transformation and the new life that has taken place within and among them.
He urge the North American branch which is yet to become a presbytery, that for each Presbytery to succeed, its leadership must first have a clear vision of where they want to go and what they want to achieve.
Secondly, there is the need for a well-defined strategy as to what is expected to be done in order to get there; and thirdly, a workable tactics must be put in place to show how and when to get there. Finally, everyone would like to see an overseas Presbytery that is able to leave a legacy which results in a ripple effect that will positively impact society.
For any overseas Presbytery of the PCG to fulfill its God-given Mission, the vision, expectations (of both leadership and membership), and the legacy it hopes to hand down to future generation must be meaningfully communicated to all stakeholders. To bring about the desired change, vision must first be communicated. Expectations play an important role in determining leadership effectiveness as well as the effectiveness of followers and therefore, sharing of expectations brings motivation in achieving goals. Besides, outlining of expectations will serve as a motivating factor to all stakeholders.
Other dignitaries who were looking forward to grace the occasion include the Mayor of the City of Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano.
The conference started on Tuesday, May 13 and will end on Sunday May18,2014.