By: Angela Adu-Asomaning and Alberta Asanewa Dwirah
A senior Clergy at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, Reverend Abraham Akoto, has criticised what he describes as the growing misuse of prophecy in some churches.
Speaking at the Meridian Presbytery Men’s Fellowship 6th Annual Conference Thanksgiving Service in Accra, Rev. Akoto warned that some Ministers of God are turning prophecy into a tradition or ritual, using it to assert control and enrich themselves. He stressed that genuine prophecy should come with divine guidance and must reflect God’s intent to redeem.
The conference brought together delegates from across the presbytery to engage in discussions about the church, the word of God, as well as the community.
Rev Dr Abraham Akoto cautioned some prophets over the way they deliver prophecies, warning that fear-driven messages can create unnecessary panic among the public.
He emphasized that “God reveals to redeem,” not to frighten, and urged prophets to deliver messages with wisdom, clarity, and compassion, always pointing people toward hope and solutions, not despair.
“Not every prophecy of a man of God should be announced. What is happening now looks like prophets are scaring the public. God will not always reveal negative things to his people. Prophecies shouldn’t always be negative but should be positive as well” he explained.
Rev. Dr. Abraham Akoto also called on members to reflect on God’s love and urged them to serve as shepherds to one another. He reminded the congregation of the biblical command to love one another. “Changing the love of God to his people, to humanity, for we need to be faithful about this generation now. God’s love is very important and is given to us to change lives. May we be guarded by the love of God so the church will be fruitful” he stressed.
President of the Evangelical Presbyterian Men’s Fellowship Samuel Akoetey explained the rationale behind conference and what they hope to achieve. “As men as agents of change in the church for sustainability purposes, we have to do things to ensure the work continues to move on and anything isn’t in place. We as men, are bringing positive change; it is our responsibility as men in the church to be able to ensure that things are done well” he added.
The Annual Conference was under the theme “Care for God’s Creation: The Role of Christian Men as Agents of Change in the Church.”
