Bethel Baptist Church climaxes 50th anniversary

The Bethel Baptist Church at South Odorkor, Accra, has climaxed its 50th anniversary celebrations with a call on Christians to remain steadfast in faith and contribute to the moral and socio-economic transformation of the country. 

The Acting Head Pastor of the church, Rev. Gabriel Sekyi-Yorke, who made the call, said members of the Christian faith should uphold integrity and live by the word of God to impact society positively.

“The Christian faith is not only what we believe, but how we live,” he said.

He further encouraged Christians to refrain from harmful practices such as illegal mining and examination practices and instead become agents of national progress.

The 50th anniversary celebration, which took place on Sunday, September 7, was on the theme: “Celebrating the goodness of the Lord; abounding in every good work”.

As part of the celebration, awards were presented to long-serving and hard-working members of the church.

Members of the church, clad in their anniversary cloth, sang, danced and thanked God for how far He has brought the church. 

Growth

Rev. Sekyi-Yorke recounted the church’s journey expanding the Gospel’s reach in Accra by establishing five daughter churches, including the Mamprobi Baptist Church, the Liberty Baptist Church at Mataheko, the Bethel Baptist Church at Gbawe, the Bethel Baptist Church at Odorkor Official Town and the Bethel Baptist Church at Iron City.

He said the church had expanded spiritually and produced distinguished personalities who had contributed to national development.

New era

The former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana and retired Senior Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church, Rev. Dr Fred Deegbe, said the celebration was a time to look back at God’s goodness and a moment to commission the church into a new era of ministry.

He urged the church to adopt a 24-hour ministry approach and embrace the vision of becoming a “different kind of megachurch”, one that is spirit-led, community-rooted and mission-driven. “Bethel has the potential to become a megachurch, not just in terms of sitting capacity but in sending capacity.

You must raise people, empower them and send them out as missionaries,” he added.

Pastors

Rev. Deegbe called on pastors to go beyond preaching and prayer to teach members practical life skills, how to use their talents and resources, financial literacy and entrepreneurial innovation.

“It is good to pray and fast, but we must also teach our people to work. God blesses hard work, savings and investment,” he said.

He said this would ensure Christians become self-sufficient and impactful in society.

Moral

Touching on national issues, he expressed concern about recent examination malpractices, particularly at the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) level, involving even some mission schools.

“The church must not use its name to be associated with moral corruption.

Leaders must call such schools to order and lead a moral crusade to safeguard our nation’s integrity,” he said.

He further urged Christians to live ethically and demonstrate godliness in their workplaces, schools and communities, reminding them that leadership and integrity were central to the nation's future.