Churh Of Christ: 6 Elders, 10 Deacons Ordained In Koforidua

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Six (6) Elders and Ten (10) Deacons of the old Estate branch of Church of Christ have been ordained to take up the leadership of the church for the first time since the establishment of the about half a century year old church.

The ordination ceremony which was slated for 28th December 2019 was successfully attended at the Old Estate Church of Christ. The all important program was coupled with series of song ministrations, prayers and words of advise.

Experienced elders of Church of Christ were present and was successfully chaired by Bro. Agyarko Adu with Elder Kingsley Adu as the special guest. In fact, the ordination committe led by Bro. Samuel Boateng showcased a controlled and a very beautiful occasion.

The elders, Deacons and church members were all advised to put up a behavior to enable a successful tenure of leadership.

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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH CHRIST, OLD ESTATES, KOFORIDUA.

The Koforidua Central Church of Christ started from a storey building popularly referred to as ‘’Husieni Abansoro ase’’. The life of this church spans a period of half a century. After the establishment of the church, two separate congregations emerged. In the late 1970s, these two congregations merged into what is now called the Koforidua church of Christ, old Eastate. The first preacher of the church was Bro Abraham Mante. After the exit of Brother Abraham as a preacher, other preachers who have served the church include Bros Daniel osei, Pius Gyamesi and Fred Onomah Asamoah. Currently, Brother Emmanuel Dawutey is the preacher. He succeeded Brother Onomah Asamoah about two (2) years ago. The current leadership of the Lord for how far He has brought us. May his name be praised, Amen.

QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS
1Tim 3: 3-7 provides the qualifications of elders as:
3 The saying is sure: *_ whoever aspires to the office of bishop *desires a noble task. 2Now a bishop *_must be above reproach, married only once, * temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, 3not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. 4arrelsome, and not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way- 5 for if someone does not know how much to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s Church? 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the devil.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELDERS
Responsibilities of Elders
The spiritual nature of the responsibilities of elders and deacons is the reason men are required to meet such extensive qualities in order to hold these offices. In these roles, men become the instruments of God in managing the lives of people and the affairs of the local church. They must, therefore be clean vessels, well fit for the master’s use (1Tim. 2:20-21).
Elders
A list of duties for elders can be compiled from New Testament texts which refer directly to elders and the things for which they are said to be responsible. These observations can be organized in the following ways;

1. Take the oversight
   i. Oversee the particular flock to which the Holy Spirit assigns them. (Acts 20:28).
   ii. Take the oversight of the flock willingly, and of a ready mind: Not by constraint, for filthy lucre or as being lords. (1Peter 5:2-3).
   iii. Take care of the Church. (1Tim. 3:5).
   iv. Watch and Rule (Hebrews 13:7; cf. Hez 13:16-21).
   v. Exercise the oversight (1Peter 5:2).
   vi. Be example (1Peter 5:2).
   vii. Consider matters – including doctrinal matters – with the whole church (Acts 15:4, 6, 22).
   viii. Ordain decrees – establish policy – the whole church (Acts 16:4; cf. Acts 15:4, 6, 22).
   ix. Receive items for and on behalf of the church (Acts 11:30).
   x. Ordain decrees (Acts 16:4-5).
2. Be available
   i. Labor among the people. (1Thessalonians 5:12).
   ii. Take heed unto all the flock. (Acts 20:28).
3. Feed
   i. Feed the flock of God. (John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28; 1Peter 5:2).
   ii. Speak the word of God. (Hebrews 13:7).
   iii. Labor in the word and doctrine. (1Tim. 5:17).
4. Exhort
   i. Watch for the souls of the people. (Hebrews 13:17).
   ii. Admonish the people. (1Thesalonians 5:12).
   iii. Warn the flock. (Acts 20:31).
   Iv. Give account for the people either with joy or with grief. (Hebrews 13:17).
   v. Hold fast the faithful word to exhort and to convince the gainsayers by sound doctrine. (Titus 1:9).
   vi. To stop the mouths of vain talkers (Titus 1:11).
   vii. To decide differences in the church. (Acts 15:6).
5. Minister
   i. Support the weak. (Acts 20:34).
   ii. Pray over the sick when called. (James 5:14).
6. Monitor Your Own Life
   i. Take heed unto themselves. (Acts 20:28).
   ii. Watch for wolves and perverse speakers among themselves. (Acts 20:31).
   iii. Labor, using their own hands to minister unto their own needs and the needs of those who are with them. (Acts 20:33, 34).
   iv. Remember Jesus’ words, ‘’It is more blessed to give than to receive”. (Acts 20:34).
   v. Be an example. (1Peter 5:3).
7. Maintain a faith that can be followed, demonstrating the end the conversation. (Hebrews 13:7).

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONGREGATION TO ELDERS

1. Know them and Esteem them. (1Thess 5:12-13).
2. Obey and submit to their rule. (Hebrews 13:7, 17) but not blindly compare (Acts 20:29-30).
3. Not to receive an accusation against an elder except if two or three give it. (1Tim 5:19).
4. Reproof them if they sin. (1Tim 5:19).
5. Support them in their work (1Tim 5:17).
6. Make their task one of joy. (Hebrews 13:17).

QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS

1. Deacons likewise must be serious, not double tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money;
2. They must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
3. And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons.
4. Women *- likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things.
5. Let deacons be married only once, *- and let them manage their children and their household well;
6. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEACONS

1. Labor in the Gospel, preaching Christ. (I Thess 3:2; Eph 3:7; Col 1:23; II Cor 4:1, 5).
2. Edify the saints. (II Cor 3:3; 1Thess 3:2).
3. Distribute financial aid (benevolence). (Romans 15:25; II Cor 8 and 9).
4. Carry massages of spiritual concern from one believer another. (Col. 1:8; Col 4:7: Eph 6:22).
5. Labor fervently in prayer for the spiritual welfare of other believers. (Col 4:12).
6. Be zealous toward other believers. (col 4:13; II Tim 1:17).
7. Comfort the hearts of believers. (Eph 6:22; Col 4:7).
8. Comfort believers concerning their faith. (I Thess 3:2).
9. Help and labor. (I Corinthians 16:15-16; Heb 6:10).
10. Refresh the imprisoned. (II Tim 1:16).
11. Seek to reconcile the lost (II Cor 5:18).
12. Express spiritual gift to one another. (I Peter 4:10). PROFILE OF THE ELDERS. PROFILE OF FRED ONOMAH – ASAMOAH Fred Onomah-Asamoah was born on 12th June, 1953 at Akyem Akooko in the Eastern Region. He hails from Akuapem Mampong in the Eastern Region. He is married to Ms. Valentina Kumi. They have been married for 39 years. He was baptized and added to the Lord’s church on 18th August, 1983 in Ada Road Church of Christ, Koforidua. Fred has four children, namely Emmanuel Asamoah, Rachel Onomah, William Cliffton Danquah and Susana Asantewaa Onomah. All of them have been baptized and added to the Lord’s church. Since his addition to the church, Fred has taken up several offices in the church including Secretary, Financial Secretary and Preacher. He is the immediate past preacher of this congregation.
13. PROFILE OF WILLIAM GYADU-ASIEDU (Phd)
    William Gyadu – Asiedu (Phd) was born on 9th May, 1966 at Asamankese in the Eastern Region. He hails from Larteh Akuapem in the Eastern Region. He is married to Mrs. Patience Gyadu-Asiedu. They have been married for 23 years.
    PROFILE OF FOSTER OFORI
    Foster Ofori was born on 30th July, 1964 at Koforidua in the Eastern Region. He hails from Akyem Akrofufu in the Eastern Region. He is married to Miss Faustina Otema Mantey. They have been married 26 years.
    PROFILE OF FRANCIS KWADWO AFADINA
    Francis Kwadwo Afadina was born on 22nd July, 1959 at Anyinam in the Eastern Region. He hails from Agoe in the Republic of Togo. He is married to Mrs. Paulina Afadina. They have been married for 26 years.
    PROFILE OF EBENEZER AFFUM-ABOAGYE
    Ebenezer Affum-Aboagye was born on 20th January, 1950 at Anum-Tosen in the eastern Region. He hails from Anum Boso. He is married to Mrs. Selina Aboagye. They have been married for 51 years.
    PROFILE OF JAMES BORTEY
    James Bortey was born on 29th October, 1959 at Koforidua in the Eastern Region. He hails from Nungua in the Greater-Accra Region. He is married to Mrs. Joyce Bortey. They have been married for 32 years.

PROFILE OF DEACONS
PROFILE OF EMMANUEL ANNOR
Emmanuel Annor was born 24th February, 1966 at Asamankese in the Eastern Region. He hails from Adukrom in the Eastern Region. He is married to Mrs. Barbara Annor. They have been married for 25 years.
PROFILE OF HENRY OSEI AGYAPONG
Henry Osei Agyapong was born on the 28th July, 1963 at Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Brong Region. He hails from Dormaa Ahenkro. He is married to Miss. Elizabeth Opokua. They have been married for25 years.
PROFILE OF DANIEL OSEI
Daniel Osei was born on 27th august, 1973 at Koforidua in the Eastern Region. He hails from Oyoko. He is married to Mrs. Lydia Osei. They have been married for 15 years.
PROFILE OF OPARE ASANTE
Opare Asante was born on 18th June, 1968 at Asamankese in the Eastern Region. He hails from Aburi in the Eastern Region. He is married to Mrs. Dora Opare. They have been married for 21 years.
PROFILE OF PAUL ATIMBILA
Paul Atimbila as born on 4th July, 1967 at Bibiani in the Western North Region. He hails from Kunkwa, Sandema in the Upper East Region. He is married to Mrs. Agnes Annobua Atimbila. They have been married for 10 years.
PROFILE OF STEPHEN BOAKYE ABABIO
Stephen Boakye Ababio was born on 15th August, 1972 at Asokore, Koforidua in the Eastern Region. He hails from Koforidua Asokore. He is married to Ms. Joyce Aboley. They have been married for 10 years.
PROFILE OF ERIC ASANTE
Eric Asante was born on 15th July, 1976 at Koforidua in the Eastern Region. He hails from Apirede in the Eastern Region. He is married to Mrs. Erica Asante. They have been married for 15 years.

PROFILE OF ISAAC BOATENG
Isaac Boateng was born on 5th March, 1957 at Kwahu Nkwatia in the Eastern Region. He hails from Kwahu Nkwatia in the Eastern Region. He is married to Mrs. Christiana Boateng. They have been married for 36 years.
PROFILE OF CHARLES ASAMOAH BOADU
Charles Asamoah Boadu was born on 11th June, 1974 at Akyem Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region. He hails from Akyem Kukurantumi. He is married to Ms. Helen Darkoa. They have been married for 18 years.
PROFILE OF GODWIN NUWORDU
Godwin Nuwordu was born on 17th October, 1975 at Koforidua in the Eastern Region. He hails from Ehie in the Volta Region. He is married to Ms. Ernestina Akrofi. They have been married for 10 years.
PREACHER IN – CHARGE
Emmanuel Dawutey bornon 17th February 1968 at Adonkwanta Akim in the Eastern Region of Ghana. He hails from Somanya and married to Ruth Yeboah from Anum for 11 years.

By: Radio1News|Ghana|Obido Nana Gyasi