Rev. Stephen Wengam Urges Spiritual Renewal Among African Pastors Amid Growing Calls for Church-Led Social Action

Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, has issued a stern warning to African Christian leaders against the encroaching influences of materialism, carnality, and complacency. Speaking at the National Pastors’ Conference of the Ethiopia Assemblies of God in Addis Ababa, Wengam emphasized that these "worldly interests" threaten to undermine the integrity of the Christian faith and the image of the Church across the continent. The conference, themed "Fresh Revival to Pursue the Great Commission," served as a rallying point for leaders, including Rev. Dominic Yeo, Global Chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, to recommit to the foundational tenets of their movement.

During his keynote address, Rev. Wengam advocated for a return to the deep spirituality and prayer-centric roots established during the historic Azusa Street Revival. He argued that effective evangelism in Africa is contingent upon a sustained commitment to church planting and a rejection of superficial markers of success. This message was warmly received by local leaders, with Rev. Ayansa Obsi, the General Superintendent of the Ethiopia Assemblies of God, praising the impactful nature of the delivery. The visit also fostered cultural ties, as Wengam presented Ghanaian traditional items and souvenirs to the Ethiopian Executive Presbytery, highlighting the importance of intra-continental cooperation among religious bodies.

This call for spiritual vigilance coincides with significant developments in Ghana where religious institutions are being leveraged for social and infrastructure projects. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP Presidential Candidate, recently commissioned the newly constructed St. Jude's Catholic Church in New Weija, Accra. The project, born out of a commitment to the Lepers Aid Centre and Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell, includes modern amenities designed to support cured lepers at the Weija Leprosarium. This intersection of faith and social welfare underscores the dual role of religious leadership as both a moral compass and a catalyst for tangible community development.

Beyond infrastructure, security officials are also looking toward the pulpit to address rising social challenges such as youth delinquency. Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) James B. Mwinyelle has urged religious organizations to collaborate more closely with security agencies in educating youth about crime prevention. Commending the Kristo Asafo Mission for its philanthropic efforts, Mwinyelle noted that spiritual guidance must be paired with proactive community engagement to reduce incarceration rates. Collectively, these events reflect a broader trend across Africa where the Church is being challenged to move beyond ritual to focus on holistic impact—ranging from internal spiritual reform to external social justice and public safety efforts.