Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong has said nothing, but the truth. Churches all over the world invest in strong, profitable enterprises to sustain ministry and support the less privileged in society. They build universities, hospitals, media networks, real estate, banks and technology ventures. That is how they fund evangelism, charity and development.
READ: Ken Agyapong calls for stronger church–state partnership to tackle unemployment, moral decline
Right here in Ghana:
The Methodist Church Ghana owns Methodist Investments & Properties Ltd.
The Assemblies of God, Ghana, holds shares in Prime Insurance Ltd.
The Church of Pentecost owns Pentecost University, the Pentecost Convention Centre and extensive real estate and agricultural projects.
The Catholic Church is a major private landowner with universities, hospitals, schools and commercial properties.
ICGC owns Central University and invests in media and other ventures.
Lighthouse Chapel International manages Anidaso Mutual Fund, a publishing house and global properties.
Perez Chapel International operates major media and hospitality businesses.
Action Chapel International owns media properties and commercial buildings.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church owns Valley View University, radio stations and health assets.
The Salvation Army runs schools, farms and commercial activities that fund social welfare.
The Presbyterian Church of Ghana owns insurance interests, schools, hospitals and significant land banks.
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If this is wrong, then the global Church is wrong, because:
The Catholic Church worldwide is one of the largest investors with banks, commercial real estate, hospitals and global securities.
The Church of England manages an investment fund worth over £10 billion and owns vast prime real estate including iconic commercial buildings in London.
The Latter-day Saints Church has investments exceeding $100 billion with major retail and commercial properties.
Hillsong Church invests in media, music publishing and property across continents.
The Southern Baptist Convention in the United States invests in banking, education and media assets.
RCCG of Nigeria builds commercial cities, universities and real estate to support ministry.
The Anglican Church of Kenya, the Methodist Church in Nigeria and Winners Chapel own universities and major properties powering their mission work.
So why is financial wisdom suddenly being twisted into an anti-church agenda in Ghana? Why are respected fathers of the faith not condemning Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, yet a few loud prosperity merchants who survive only on offerings are crying the most?
Their fear is clear. A financially independent Church cannot be held hostage by manipulative preaching.
Encouraging Ghanaian churches to invest in factories is a call to build robust Christian institutions that will fund evangelism, education, healthcare, poverty alleviation and national growth. A wealthy Church is a defender of the poor, not a burden on them.
Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong spoke the truth, nothing but the truth and the whole truth.
Salvation is free. Ministry is not.
A financially empowered Church is a stronger partner for national progress.
God bless Ghana and the Body of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Shalom!
By: Prince Adjei – Guy Gee
