The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, has outlined foundational principles to guide the church's  new pastors as they begin their service.

According to him their success in ministry would be determined not by their titles, but by their heart, service, and spiritual depth.

He stated this while delivering a compelling and inspirational message to newly promoted exhorters and probationers at the 2025 National Orientation Programme held at the Ringway Gospel Centre Assemblies of God in Accra.

Address

Rev. Wengam shared that these pillars would not only shape their effectiveness but would also define their legacy in ministry, encouraging the ministers to live and serve in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

"Your legacy will be the true proof of your ministry, to pursue a ministry that outlives you” he said.

He warned against the desire for titles or recognition, advising the new pastors to focus on humility and selfless service.

“Let your heart be in service, not in being served,” he emphasised.

The General Superintendent called for unwavering commitment to the church and its mission. He discouraged disloyalty and gossip within the church, stressing the importance of unity and integrity.

“Don’t speak ill of the organisation you belong to,” he said.

Further adding that regardless of where they were assigned whether in a remote village or a major city, the pastors should pursue excellence and growth in ministry.

“Think big, dream big, and don’t limit what God can do through you” Rev. Wengam challenged them.

He encouraged the pastors to present their work and ministry well, even with limited resources.

“Whatever you have, make it look good, promote high standards in ministry. Excellence is a mindset” he said.

Above all, he urged the new ministers to remain deeply connected to God and prioritise prayer, the Word, and spiritual discipline reminding them that true ministry flows from a strong relationship with God.

Practical guidance

The General Secretary of Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Ernest Birikorang, also addressed the gathering with practical insights on church governance, structure, and ministerial ethics.

He encouraged the pastors to maintain a consistent prayer life, saying, “Pray without ceasing,” and outlined six key focus areas for ministry growth: Reach, Rebuild, Reform, Restore, Reposition, and Rebrand.

Rev. Birikorang advised the pastors to familiarise themselves with key sections of the church’s constitution and manual especially articles 8 and 9, which outline the church’s corporate structure hinting on understanding the role and function of the church board.

“You should also study Article 29, which deals with disciplinary actions, and Article 30, which addresses dispute resolution” he said.

He concluded by urging the new ministers to uphold the highest standards of ministerial ethics, follow the church’s code of conduct, and remain informed on the church’s programmes and operations through the official manual.

Orientation programme

The National Orientation Programme serves as a critical platform to spiritually, ethically, and administratively prepare newly appointed ministers for service. It reflects the Assemblies of God’s enduring commitment to raising a spirit-led, ethical, and effective pastoral workforce to drive national transformation through the gospel.

The event brought together over 500 new ministers, including exhorters and probationers, from across the country.