Rev'd Seth Kissi Inducted as Minister-in-Charge of Trinity United Church

The Sermon was delivered by the Rev'd Dr J.O.Y. Mante, the Chairman of the Akropong Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church. Readings were from: Deut 6:1-9; Heb 9:11-14 and Mt 11:1-6 and the title was ARE YOU THE ONE WHO IS TO COME OR WE SHOULD LOOK FOR ANOTHER? Directing the whole Sermon to the new Minister-in-Charge,  Rev'd Mante traced the history of the question which forms his theme for the Sermon, when Obadiah asked the prophet Elijah a similar question when King Ahab wanted to see the Prophet on certain issues. John the Baptist was in prison and heard of all that Jesus was doing. Additionally, Jesus was John's cousin and John expected him to do something about his imprisonment, such as a miracle or something like that to get him released from prison; but Jesus did nothing and although John, at the baptism of Jesus, saw the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus like a dove, he still doubted and that was why he sent his disciples to Jesus to find out whether he (Jesus) was the one to come or they should wait for another. Jesus' response, according to Rev'd Mante, was not in terms of his qualifications or degrees obtained from any university, but his works: 'Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, and the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.' Rev'd Dr Mante's hope was that after a time of heading the Trinity United Church, Rev'd Kissi's spiritual profile will be that he had a greater impact on the congregation; and his 'classroom dynamics' will be the same as his 'Churchroom dynamics'; his morals and teachings will reflect in his lifestyle. Again Rev'd Mante said a pastor, apart from good education, must be able to spell the word 'pastor'.
P = Progressive: for no one wants to follow a leader who is retrogressive 1Tim 1:14 & Jer 29:7. God Himself has plans that will prosper us- morally and spiritually.
A = Availability: the church is too important for the pastor not to be available when the flock needs him, so the pastor must be available.
S = Sacrifice: The congregation will not sacrifice when they do not see the pastor making any sacrifices. Nothing great or important, Rev'd Mante said, is achieved without sacrifice. Anyone who sacrifices gets followers. No cross, no crown he concluded.
T = Teamwork: Allowing teamwork is difficult because there is the tendency, as a Minister-in-Charge, to think that one has all the skills and knowledge to do everything, but in the church are many gifts which must be allowed to operate. Rev Kissi should therefore play the coach's role in the United Church and allow members to play their respective roles.
O = Overcomer: Spiritually and morally to be able to help members to also become overcomers. To be an overcomer, the pastor must be prayerful; seeking God's face all the time.
R = Reverence: 1Tim 4:7 A pastor must train himself in godliness. This also is difficult but with meditation, prayer and fasting, the pastor will portray reverence.
The Rev'd Dr Mante concluded his sermon with a prayer for the new Minister-in-Charge for God's guidance and the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen him.