Coronavirus: Churches must comply with ban on social gatherings - Rev Wengam

The Lead Pastor of the Cedar Mountain Chapel of the Assemblies of God, East Legon, Accra, Reverend Stephen Wengam has welcomed the reviewed directives by government to better deal with the scourge of the new Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The disease has killed more than 5,000 people worldwide and continues to spread in even far flung countries like Ghana which are worlds away from Wuhan in China, from where Covid-19 is claimed to have originated.

President Akufo-Addo on Sunday announced a number of measures, including a month-long suspension of schools and social gatherings including church services, pending a review of the situation.

Read also: Coronavirus: Akufo-Addo suspends weddings, funerals, church services and closes schools

Responding to the measure as it affects Christian worship and church organisations, Reverend Stephen Wengam said the church has no option but to comply with the directive.

“We as Christians are enjoined to obey the governing authorities. Romans 13:1-3 is specific about this and we should also not forget this is for our own good health. Secondly, the rationale behind the directive is reasonable and positive. The rationale is to stop the spread of the pandemic and that is also the concern and the prayer of the church.”

Romans 13: 1-3 reads “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.”

Asked what the church intends to do to reach its members while the temporary ban is in force, more so if Christians should abide by the Biblical enjoinment not to forsake the assembling of the saints, Reverend Stephen Wengam said based on that scripture as quoted at Hebrews 10:25, the Cedar Mountain Chapel has some creative and innovative ways by which to reach members without flouting the Presidential directive.

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“Fortunately, we have been streaming our services online on Youtube and Facebook and we also post recorded versions on our website, so we would just use those mediums. At the time of services, the pastors and a five-member choir would be present for services, so that we engage them (members) while they are at home.”

Asked how the Covid-19 inspired directives will impact Christianity, Reverend Wengam explained that the impact can be manifold, both positive and negative.

On the positive side he said the new conditions make a better appreciation of media, particularly new media and its associated social media platforms, as one is able to reach most members of the congregations, even if not all.

“There are those without smart phones and data, so in times like this you cannot reach them, however, most can be reached online, which is definitely far better than not reaching anybody at all.”

On the converse, he said physically meeting each other in church serves as great encouragement for many, especially the weaker in faith or new converts, as the testimony of one person tends to encourage others a lot. “Again seeing each other brings a sense of unity, oneness and togetherness. This is going to be difficult to replace.”

Again on the negatives he said the new environment will have a negative impact on the finances of churches.

According to Rev Wengam, the four-week ban will impact the payments of tithes and offerings of the members of various churches.

He said the church for instance has about seven members of staff, and wondered how they would be paid, beside utility bills, and maintenance. He said even though some members could support church activities via mobile money, the church would definitely suffer financially.

NB: This an updated version of the interview granted Citi FM on Monday, March 16, 2020 by the Lead Pastor of the Cedar Mountain Chapel of the Assemblies of God, East Legon, Accra, Reverend Stephen Wengam which formed the basis of a Graphic Online story on the church’s position on the new directives spelt out on Sunday, March 15 by President Akufo-Addo, to deal with the Convid-19 pandemic.

Our earlier story on Reverend Wengam’s responses with the headline - Coronavirus: Ban on social gatherings will affect finances of churches negatively - Rev Wengam [AUDIO] - dwelt only on aspects of the interview which gave the impression that he spoke only about what the church stands to lose in these challenging times. – Editor.

Listen to Rev Wengam's interview with Citi FM below