Ethnicity and Urban Christian Mission: A Study of the Meridian and West Volta Presbyteries of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana
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Johannesburg South African Theological Seminary
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This thesis examined the urban mission practices and monolexical focus of the Meridian, West Volta, and Ashanti Presbyteries of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG). All congregations primarily worship in Ewe. The EPCG, in its mission, hasn't yet served the needs of non-Ewe-speaking Ghanaians. The thesis explored the relationship between ethnicity and urbanization on one hand and Christian mission on the other. It then examined the implications of these concepts considering the Ewe ethnic identity of the EPCG and the prospect of building an inclusive church. In a globalized world where urbanization has reshaped Christian missions, this study partly aimed to assess if the church has transcended its monolexical orientation.
The central issue driving this research is how the EPCG's monolexical composition impacts its mission and expansion. In its ministry as an agent of the "Great Commission" within an urban multi-ethnic domain, the EPCG holds limited appeal to other ethnic groups, affecting its vision and mission attainment in Accra-Tema's pluralistic urban space. The dominant use of Ewe has led to the EPCG, even in urban settings, being branded as an ethnically-based church. The question remains: should a church reflect and commit to the ethnically diverse population it serves?
The research question: How can the EPCG, with its closed ethnic identity, reach out in a multi-ethnic urban context in response to the Biblical mission mandate? Richard Osmer's theological reflection model provided the methodological framework.
The findings suggest that the Great Commission's ideals of multi-ethnic mission and cultural diversity should inform urban mission activities. The study revealed that God's purpose of mission for all people everywhere is Biblically-based. Therefore, mission, whether home or away from home of origin, should embody the ideal aim of reaching out to all. There should be no barriers to membership based on racial, ethnic, language, social, educational, or economic considerations.
While worshipping in the language of choice is appropriate, monolexical churches may not be ideal in all situations. Churches must develop a multicultural Christian witness in cosmopolitan urban spaces. As the EPCG moves into urban communities, it needs to expand beyond its homogeneity and appeal to heterogeneous groupings.
The EPCG needs to recognize that the Great Commission and the cross of Christ embrace the diversity of people in the twenty-first century's globalizing world, where diversity is the reality.
Keywords
Mission of the church, Evangelicalism, Missions