Mission Audit’: Possibilities for Church Growth in Ghana

ISSUE 4 1/2021

A ‘Mission Audit’ (when carried out appropriately) will go a very long way to foster growth and build the Church.

By The Rev’d Fr Prince Anilov Mensah, Diocese of Ho, Ghana

The African continent within which the Anglican Church exists, has a largely tragic history which includes socio political, economic and religious chaos, bad governance and manipulation of ethnic and religious differences which have resulted in misery for the people. Many Anglican Christians have fallen for lies and have been misled, leaving the Church confused, discouraged and betrayed. The role of the Anglican Church has been seen as that of ‘custodian of moral principles and critical norms for spirituality’ that could result in the reformation of the society where the Church exists. Young people who are often seen as the future of the Anglican Church are faced with varying challenges within and outside the Church. The Church can sometimes overlook the potential roles for the young who may be left out when it comes to formulating policies. Young people face unemployment which will adversely affect the Church financially too. It is important for the Church to think of ways of reducing the impact of unemployment on young people. One way the Anglican Church in Ghana could thrive is by doing what I call a ‘Mission Audit.’ The youth (and the general membership) have God-given talents and skills which need to be identified, empowered and harnessed through

Anglican Church, Cape Coast, Ghana the organisation of regular conferences, workshops to help to build a very beautiful tapestry called the Anglican Church. A ‘Mission Audit’ (when carried out appropriately) will go a very long way to foster growth and build the Church. This can only be achieved if the Church identifies the gifts, skills and talents embodies by younger members, and empowers them to take up active roles in the Anglican Church in Ghana and on the global stage. It is important not to limit catechetical instruction to preparation for confirmation. It should be a lifeline in the Church’s ministry of teaching and building up the body of Christ. It is important for the Church to share the principles and beliefs of the priesthood with all believers, and thus empower and provide opportunities for all baptised members of the Church to exercise their ‘priesthood’ calling. It will help identify, develop and deploy the gifts, skills and talents of every member (especially the young) to build up of the body of Christ. As a highly mobile population, these processes should be owned and practiced by all Anglican congregations in the country, so that the young people can follow a well-planned and ordered growth path. This means that the Anglican Church in Ghana should begin to model a national church, not only in terms of presence but importantly in terms of practice, mission and vision. The Anglican Diocese of Ho in Ghana is making progress in assisting the youth. This is achieved through initiatives like the making of local clothes - Tie and Dye - periodical gatherings which seek to foster Christian unity and peaceful cohesion among the youth in the diocese and elsewhere. The church has prioritised what we call, ‘Youth Engagement’ - an initiative which seeks to provide a platform for interfaith and ecumenical conversations; this is not just among Anglican Youth but also with other denominational youth; where Christian acknowledge is shared and acquired. It is my fervent hope that the challenges and the solutions suggested for building up the youth in the Anglican Church in Ghana will be given the attention they need. Challenges tackled and solutions proposed could help the Church achieve the goal of increasing and propagating the gospel of Christ to the ends of the world as enjoined by Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:18-19. ■