Methodist Church Ghana Marks 190 Years of Growth, Global Impact at 190th Anniversary Lecture

Presiding Bishop highlights lay leadership, diaspora role in sustaining global Methodism

The Methodist Church Ghana has marked 190 years of existence with a reflection on its spiritual growth, social influence, and global reach, during a public lecture held to commemorate the 190th anniversary of global Methodism.

Delivering the keynote address at the anniversary lecture in Accra, Presiding Bishop, Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Asamoah-Gyadu, traced the church’s journey from its historic roots in British Methodism to its current status as a vibrant, autonomous African denomination.

“Since 1961, as many of you know, we have functioned as an autonomous denomination from our historical origins in British Methodism under the motto, ‘Thy Kingdom Come,’” he said.

“The Kingdom comes when God reigns upon His people and rules in the affairs of the Church of Jesus Christ.”

According to the Presiding Bishop, Ghanaian Methodism has not only spread throughout the country but also across the world establishing congregations in Europe, North America, and Australia. He noted that the Ghanaian Methodist community in the UK is helping to keep Methodism alive in the land of its origin.

Internally, he emphasized, Methodism has reached even the remotest corners of Ghana — a feat largely made possible by the efforts of lay persons rather than official church missions.

“Very few of our societies were started by pastoral or executive action. Many were born when members transferred to new locations, held class meetings in their homes, and formed communities of faith,” he explained.

While actual membership numbers are difficult to verify, current estimates place the Church’s adult and youth population between 700,000 and 800,000. The church’s influence also extends through its many educational institutions, including a fully chartered university, as well as hospitals, care centres, and rural outreach programs.

Bishop Asamoah-Gyadu also acknowledged the contribution of Methodists in public and political leadership, affirming that the Church’s impact on Ghanaian society is both spiritual and developmental.

He concluded his address by honouring the Wesleyan foundation of the Church, built by John Wesley, the preacher, and his brother Charles Wesley, the hymn writer. Their vision of a disciplined, mission-driven faith what they called “experimental Christianity” continues to guide the Church’s path today.

The lecture was part of activities lined up to celebrate 190 years of Methodist witness globally, as well as to reflect on the evolving role of African Christianity in the 21st century.