Methodist Church Ghana Commissions 58 Ministers into Probation Service
The Methodist Church Ghana has officially commissioned 58 newly trained ministers into probation ministry at a solemn yet vibrant ceremony held at the Kofi Ohene Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
The service, which attracted over 2,000 guests including past ministers, traditional rulers, regional ministers, and ecumenical partners, marked a significant milestone for the candidates who have completed their initial ministerial training.
The commissioned ministers are expected to begin a mandatory three-year probation period starting October 1, 2025, during which they will serve in various Methodist societies across the country. While on probation, the ministers will preach, teach, and carry out pastoral duties, but will not be permitted to officiate certain sacraments, including Holy Communion, until their ordination at the end of the probation period.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Reverend Professor Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, urged the new ministers to see their commissioning as the beginning of a journey of growth, service, and spiritual maturity.
“These ministers are not entering a period of rest. They are entering a phase of proving and growth. The journey ahead requires dedication, prayer, and community support,” he stated.
The bishop, who was himself commissioned 39 years ago, described the occasion as a deeply personal and historic moment. It is the first commissioning he has presided over since assuming office as Presiding Bishop.
He emphasized that ministry in the 21st century goes beyond preaching sermons.
“Christian ministry must be prophetic. It must bring good news to the poor and challenge the unjust structures of society. Leadership is about influence, and ministers must live as public examples of what they preach,” he added.
He further acknowledged the critical role of the spouses of the newly commissioned ministers, commending them for their support and urging them to remain pillars of strength throughout the ministry journey.
The 58 ministers will use the months ahead to prepare for their full-time assignments, with official postings expected by October. The Methodist Church Ghana operates a centralized governance structure, meaning the commissioning and deployment of ministers are coordinated by the church’s headquarters.
The commissioning service reflected the church’s ongoing commitment to spiritual leadership and national development, reinforcing the belief that ministers are not only called to serve the church but also the broader society.
