An Examination of the Holistic Ministry Approach of Classical Pentecostal Congregations in Amasaman, Accra, Ghana
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Johannesburg South African Theological Seminary
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The main research objective was to help provide tools in the form of a curriculum for congregation leaders to catalyse and prioritise a holistic ministry approach. The research problem stemmed from the fact that the three Classical Pentecostal congregations in Amasaman continually miss out on embarking on any clear, practical strategies to improve the congregants’ and society’s quality of life. The main research question that guided the literature review was: What would it look like to develop a holistic ministry that improves the quality of life among three classical Pentecostal congregations in Amasaman? To answer this question, I asked four sub-questions: What is the current situation regarding holistic ministry in those congregations? What insights does the existing literature give us about these congregations’ approaches to ministry? What are the theological and biblical principles behind holistic ministry? And how might these congregations adopt and prioritise a holistic approach to ministry? The research found that, firstly, since the inception of “Classical Pentecostal” churches in Ghana in the past six decades, little attention has been given to a holistic approach to ministry within the study area. Secondly, data revealed that some members ignorantly brought their traditional mind sets into the ecclesia. They only need spiritual growth at the expense of socioeconomic development. This phenomenon gave the congregation leaders the liberty to not plan to alleviate poverty within and without the congregation. Thirdly, those weaned off the traditional mind set are of the view that the pastors only care for their personal socio-economic growth at the expense of the poor congregants and the society. Last but not least, the data showed that the leadership was not equipped to handle ministry holistically.
In conclusion, the researcher suggested that (i) congregational leaders should partner with the government and other local businesses to find jobs for the people in society. (ii) mobilise resources through annual offerings and solicit funds from philanthropies to open skill training centres to empower the congregants and society socio-economically. (iii) impress upon government and political leaders to fulfil their promises for community development. The congregational leaders are to adopt and prioritise the suggested practical strategies in the working spirit of the four models: The Early Church model, the Agabus-Paul model, the InnerCHANGE South Africa model, and the Jesus’ Social Ministry model.
Keywords
Pentecostalism, Church