The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has challenged churches across Ghana to return to preaching righteousness, arguing that the country's persistent corruption reflects a failure of discipleship rather than a shortage of Christians.
Speaking to Sunny TV at the Lausanne Workplace Forum, Apostle Nyamekye said the Church has a divine responsibility to shape society by living out biblical values in every sphere of influence.
The Lausanne Workplace Forum, which forms part of the global Lausanne Movement, encourages Christians to actively participate in God's mission by demonstrating biblical principles in the marketplace, education, governance, science, media, the arts and every other area of society.
"The Church Is the Light of the World"
Apostle Nyamekye reminded Christians that Jesus called His followers to be "the light of the world and the salt of the earth," stressing that believers should naturally influence society through Kingdom values.
"The Church is supposed to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. That is who we are," he said.
According to him, if Christians consistently lived according to the principles of God's Kingdom, many of Ghana's social problems, including corruption, would be significantly reduced.
Why Corruption Persists
The Church of Pentecost Chairman questioned why corruption continues to thrive in a nation where Christians make up the overwhelming majority of the population.
He argued that the problem is not a lack of churches but a failure to translate biblical teaching into everyday life.
"We are over 70 percent. If all of us are holding on to the teachings of Scripture, this should be reversed," he stated.
"The Problem Is Coming From the Pulpit"
In one of the strongest moments of his address, Apostle Nyamekye suggested that churches themselves must accept part of the responsibility.
He said many pulpits have shifted their emphasis away from righteousness and character formation.
"We are probably not teaching the right things. We are not basing our teachings on righteousness. If it is about anointing oil, what you eat, what you wear, who cares about righteousness?"
He stressed that unless churches intentionally disciple believers to become agents of transformation in society, corruption will remain entrenched.
Christians Must Transform Every Workplace
Drawing on the vision of the Lausanne Movement, Apostle Nyamekye urged Christians to carry biblical values into every profession and workplace.
He noted that believers should not separate their faith from their careers but should become examples of integrity in business, government, education, media and every area of public life.
He cited history, saying that when Protestant reformers taught biblical values and encouraged believers to influence society, communities experienced lasting transformation.
"When we do what they did, we can have the same results," he said.
Learn from Daniel and Joseph
The Pentecost Chairman encouraged Christians not to compromise their convictions out of fear.
He pointed to biblical figures such as Daniel, Joseph, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who remained faithful to God despite enormous pressure.
"If you're a Christian who is not focusing on Christ and wanting to bring glory to Christ, but you want to save your skin, that is not discipleship," he said.
Be the Conscience of Society
Apostle Nyamekye called on Christians to become the moral conscience of the nation by living lives marked by honesty, justice and righteousness.
He believes that when believers faithfully reflect Christ wherever they serve, the influence of corruption will diminish.
"If many of us go out there and our light is shining, the darkness will vanish."
He added that Christianity should not merely exist within church buildings but should shape the culture of society through transformed lives.
Christianity Must Be Lived
Concluding his message, Apostle Nyamekye challenged believers to move beyond attending church services and reading the Bible to actually obeying God's Word.
"It is not enough to be having churches. It is not enough to be going to church. It's even not enough to be reading the Bible," he said.
"The Bible is to be applied. Otherwise, there is no transformation."