The Anglican Diocese of Tema has ordained six priests and four deacons, charging the newly ordained clergy to embrace lives of sacrifice, humility and faithful service as they begin their ministries in the church.
Those ordained to the priesthood were Rev. Fr Abraham Bortey Kodjoe, Rev. Fr Emmanuel Teye-Mensah Mensonfio, Rev. Fr Daniel Tetteh Awuley, Rev. Fr Isaac Kojo Andoh, Rev. Fr Edward Adjetey Tetteh and Rev. Fr Richard Greene-Ackon.
The new deacons were Fr Gabriel Seth Mensah Okley, Fr Michael Nii Odai Quaye, Fr Jonathan Mensah Sowah and Fr Percy Nii Otu Narteh.
The ordination service, held at St Stephen Anglican Church, Tema, last Saturday, was officiated by the Bishop of Tema, the Rt Rev. Dr George Kotei Neequaye.
It drew clergy, family members, parishioners and well-wishers from across the diocese to witness the admission of the new clergy into ordained ministry.
Sacrificial service, devotion
Delivering the sermon, the Assistant Priest of St Nicholas Anglican Church, Lashibi, Rev. Canon Eric Kwaku Agba, reminded the ordinands that priesthood was "not a promotion to privilege but a demonstration of sacrificial service."
He said ordained ministry demanded a complete break from one's former way of life, unwavering commitment to Christ and a willingness to bear the cost of discipleship.
Drawing lessons from the call of Elisha in 1 Kings 19, Rev. Canon Agba said those called into ministry must be prepared to surrender personal ambitions, forsake worldly attachments and devote themselves wholeheartedly to God's work.
He also referenced the Epistle to the Hebrews, describing Jesus Christ as the perfect and eternal High Priest whose example every minister should emulate.
He urged the newly ordained clergy to pursue lives marked by holiness, integrity, humility and faithful service while relying completely on Christ.
Referring to Jesus' restoration of Peter in John 21, Rev. Canon Agba said genuine ministry must be rooted in unconditional love for Christ and compassion for God's people.
He explained that Christ's command to Peter to "feed my sheep" remained the foundation of pastoral ministry, and should guide every ordained minister.
Uprightness
The St Nicholas Anglican Church Assistant Priest cautioned the newly ordained clergy against pride, greed, financial misconduct, sexual immorality and the misuse of church resources, stressing that ministers would ultimately be accountable to God for their stewardship.
He further encouraged them to remain faithful in their marriages, raise Godly families, submit to the guidance of senior clergy and persevere in prayer, obedience and humility.
He reminded the congregation that ministry was sustained not by titles, authority or personal ambition but by obedience to God, holiness and sacrificial love for His people.
Concluding his sermon, Rev. Canon Agba urged the priests and deacons to count the cost of discipleship, remain steadfast in their calling and faithfully shepherd the flock entrusted to them.
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