Wharton Methodist Church Trains Leaders

The Rev. Henry Wharton Methodist Church in Accra has organized a seminar on effective leadership for its members. The seminar was attended by the leadership of the church, including leaders of the various organizations. Addressing the participants, the Very Reverend B.B Boyetey, Superintendent Minister of the church, exhorted the leaders to be bold in making certain decisions that would aid the growth of the church. �Church leaders should not meekly follow the dictates of the church but should be courageous enough to change what must be changed for the benefit of the church�. He further urged them to eschew old habits that had over the years been the barrier to the growth of the church, and rather strive to become exemplary leaders. �Some of our leaders do not even abide by the rules of the church,� he said, �how then can we influence our followers to actively participate in the activities of the church�, he added. The Very Rev. Boyetey expressed concern that some church leaders accepted leadership positions but were not ready to adhere to the church�s principle that all leaders should attract and nurture members. The superintendent minister emphasized that �a church leader must have followers, otherwise he is not a leader.� Church leaders, he stated should identify people and mentor them to take up positions when they complete their term. He also pointed out that the Methodist Constitution demanded that leaders should be accountable to their members. By this provision, the leaders are to be assessed yearly by the members, who can ask for their removal from office, if they are found not to be living up to expectation. Very Rev. Boyetey stated that unfortunately, many of the churches are not strictly enforcing this provision, enabling many of the leaders not to live up to their responsibilities. He commended the Rev. Henry Wharton Methodist Church for organizing the seminar and expressed the hope that it would be sustained. Rev. Ernest N. A. Aryeetey, minister in charge of the church said the seminar was a wakeup call for the leaders to review their roles expected of them vis a vis what they are doing now. He stressed that effective leadership was key to the growth of the church and urged the leaders to take up their responsibilities with all the dedication and commitment it deserved.