Strategies to enhance church planting in Accra Newtown District, Accra City Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, Ghana

Abstract

The church’s main focus is on planting new churches. When the Lord Jesus Christ was about to ascend to heaven, He gave his disciples the mission to go to make disciples among all peoples (Matt 28:19). Previously he had instructed them that “on this Rock, [that is Jesus Christ], you will build my church” (Matt 16:13ff). On several occasions, Ellen G. White (EGW) emphasized this mandate. White admonished that everywhere we go, we should try to establish a group of Christians who will stand with us in advancing the moral bar and advancing both the rich and the poor. When churches are created, more people will volunteer to work with the poor and outcasts. Do such churches exist today according to the expectations of our Lord in carrying out mission assigned by her Master? To ascertain this reality, the researcher analyzed the mission in Accra North District, of Accra City Conference of Seventh- day Adventist Church. The researcher focused on establishing the level of involvement of members in mission and church planting activities. To establish the situation, the researcher employed mixed methods. Sampled church leaders and members were interviewed in the churches’ involvement in mission. The research established that in the recent past, the district was very committed in church planting, but this passion died off. This has been caused by both internal and external factors. Externally, the growing presence of Muslim and Traditional communities has made the believers not to advance due to lack of proper training in dealing with this people group. Internally there has been some status-quo situation due to lack of funds, bureaucracy, one-man syndrome, misplaced priorities, and language barrier. In addressing these challenges, the researcher developed a mitigation plan that included awareness seminars, trainings, planning for mission with the church leaders and members, and execution of the plan. This process has ascertained those missions possible so long as the church is well prepared and directed in carrying out the Great Commission. Further, the use of proper mission approaches is key in the success of any church planting strategies.