Church Leaders Urged to Focus on Service, Not Titles

The Presiding Bishop of the Tabernacle Praise Association of Churches International, York, South Carolina (USA), Bishop Alfred Jackson, has called on church leaders to prioritize service and soul-winning over titles and positions.

Speaking to the Daily Guide during a two-day leadership conference in Kumasi, Bishop Jackson emphasized that spiritual gifts outlined in Ephesians 4—including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—were given for the equipping of the saints and building up the body of Christ, not for personal glorification.

“Holding a title does not mean you are doing the work of ministry,” Bishop Jackson stressed. “Anybody can have a title, but God has not called us to seek titles. A bishop is the chief servant in the Lord’s church. Even Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.”

He cautioned leaders against seeking recognition through positions, reminding them that Satan is not intimidated by titles but by the power and anointing of God at work in believers’ lives. “You can have five titles, but without the anointing, the devil is never afraid of you,” he said.

On his part, Pastor F. Lendor, Lead Pastor of Tabernacle Praise Church International, Kumasi, explained the conference theme, “Experiencing Divine Overflow”, with reference to John 7:37-38. He said the theme highlights God’s abundant blessings, which are meant to overflow into the lives of others.

“Experiencing divine overflow means having more than enough for yourself and extending the blessings to others—whether spiritual gifts, finances, or talents,” Pastor Lendor noted.

The two-day conference, which runs from October 2 to 3 at the Kumasi branch of Tabernacle Praise Church International, has drawn participants from across the region. Topics discussed include biblical leadership, evangelism, the power of the Holy Spirit in believers, and financial stewardship.

Facilitators included Dr. Melvin G. Miller, Elder Latonya Buchanan, and Evangelist Linda Simpson, who traveled from the United States to minister at the event.

Organizers expressed hope that participants would return to their churches with renewed passion for ministry, a deeper understanding of leadership, and a commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God.