Church warned of secular rule

The newly inducted general superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church in Liberia Rev. Dr. Edwin A. Gbelly, has been warned by his predecessor of secular politics in the church.

In a sermon delivered Saturday at the Sinkor Assembly of God Church under the theme, “Not so with you,” with text from Matthew 20:17 to 28,  outgoing General Superintendent Rev. Dr. Jimmy B. Kuoh cautioned that as per Jesus’ teaching, leadership in the church is not the same as secular leadership.

In the secular world, he said, leadership is about prominence, but that Jesus told his disciples “Not so with you,” stressing that instead, leadership in the kingdom of God is bout sacrifice.

Prior his sermon, Rev. Kuoh’s wife openly narrated how a phone user had texted her during the AG crisis in Liberia, threatening that she would become a widow, if her husband (Rev. Kuoh) did not resign.

But both Rev. Kouh and his wife openly announced their forgiveness to whoever may have offended them during his time of leadership, and also sought forgiveness for those they may have wronged as well.

Rev. Kouh informed the newly inducted Superintendent Gbelly that in the first year of leadership, there will be honeymooning between him and the people he will lead, but did not guarantee same the second year onward, because he said there will be split and opposition groups rising against the new leadership, while during the election year, they will say crucify him.

He cautioned Rev. Gbelly and his corps of officers to see themselves as servants of those there are to lead, because even in the secular world today, he notes, the style of dictatorship is not being honored.

In his induction statement, Rev. Dr. Edwin A. Gbelly promised that the church under his rule will ensure high spiritual standards, while emphasizing physical growth and development. Among other developments, he promised that the church will embark on the construction of a district superintendent’s residence and a Bible school in River Gee County.

He said the AG Church’s major project in Nimba will be the construction of a Bible school and district headquarters, while churches will also be planted in areas like Vaihun, Kolahun, Voinjama, Zorzor, Foyah and Salayea, respectively in Lofa County.

Before the induction ceremony on Saturday, Rev. Gbelly said the American Church had donated the amount of $50,000 to construct 10 low cost churches in rural Liberia.

Other officials inducted along with Rev. Gbelly are Assistant General Superintendent, Rev. Abenda F. Tamba; General Secretary, Rev. Emmanuel K. Zabay, Sr.; General Treasurer, Rev. Eric B. Targbeh and National Advisor, Rev. David T. Gwole.