Swiftnews3 CEO, Daily Guide Correspondent David Afum Earns Diploma In Leadership and Biblical Studies
David Afum, Chief Executive Officer of Swiftnews3 Publications, Chief Editor of Swiftnews3 Online and Ashanti Regional Correspondent of Daily Guide, has earned a Diploma in Leadership and Biblical Studies from the School of Ministries (SOM)-Ghana.
Mr. Afum was among the first batch of students to graduate during the maiden graduation ceremony of the School of Ministries-Ghana held at Fire Trinity Ministry, Agric Aburaso, Kumasi, under the theme, “Going Deeper.”
The latest academic achievement adds to his theological credentials. In 2014, Mr. Afum obtained a Diploma in Theology after successfully completing two years of theological studies at the International College of Bible Theology (ICBT) and Faith and Fire Theological College and Seminary (FFTCS).
A total of 32 students graduated with Diplomas in Leadership and Biblical Studies during the ceremony. The graduating class comprised 23 males, representing 59.40 percent, and 19 females, representing 40.60 percent.
The event brought together church leaders, ministers of the gospel, students and invited guests from different parts of the country to celebrate the successful completion of ministerial and leadership training by the graduands.
Delivering the keynote sermon on the topic, “Divine Disappointment,” Regional Leader of the School of Ministries and Pioneer Network West Africa, Pastor Andrew F. Lendor, cautioned graduates against allowing character flaws to derail their divine calling and ministry.
Drawing lessons from Numbers 20:1-12, Pastor Lendor cited the example of Moses, who despite being one of the meekest men in Scripture and a faithful servant of God, failed to enter the Promised Land because of disobedience, pride and his inability to properly represent God before the people.
According to him, charisma, gifts, talents and spiritual abilities may open doors for ministers, but only godly character can sustain them in ministry.
“Charisma may take you to great heights, but character determines whether you stay there. Gifts, talents, miracles and powerful preaching cannot substitute for godly character,” he stressed.
Pastor Lendor identified three major mistakes Moses made that disappointed God: disobeying God’s instruction, speaking harshly to God’s people and taking glory that belonged to God.
He urged the graduates to remain humble and never forget that whatever success they achieve in ministry is by the grace of God.
“Always remember where God brought you from. It is grace that has brought you this far and it is grace that will take you further. Never take God’s glory for yourself,” he admonished.
The preacher further cautioned ministers to be careful in the way they relate to members of their congregations, stressing that leaders must accurately represent God before the people they serve.
Earlier, Apostle Dr. George Amoako Alhassan, National Leader of Pioneer Ghana, Founder and General Overseer of Fire Trinity Ministry International (FTMI) and Chief Executive Officer of the George Amoako Alhassan Foundation (GAAF), described the graduation ceremony as a historic milestone in ministry training and leadership development in Ghana.
Welcoming participants to the event, Apostle Dr. Alhassan recounted the humble beginnings of the School of Ministries at the Upper Room Assemblies of God, Patasi, where a few committed believers embraced the vision of raising and equipping kingdom labourers for ministry.
He expressed gratitude to God for the remarkable growth of the institution, noting that what started as a small vision has grown into a movement impacting lives and raising leaders across West Africa.
According to him, the ministry, which started in Ghana, has expanded into several countries including Benin, Togo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Guinea Conakry.
He disclosed that plans were underway to expand the ministry’s reach into more African countries to equip pastors, church leaders and kingdom workers for effective ministry and leadership.
Addressing the graduates, Apostle Dr. Alhassan reminded them that graduation marked the beginning of greater responsibility and not the end of learning.
“In a generation where many are satisfied with shallow Christianity, God is raising men and women who will go deeper in prayer, deeper in the Word, deeper in holiness and deeper in service,” he said.
He encouraged the graduates to uphold integrity, humility, excellence and lifelong learning as they embark on their ministerial journeys.
Also addressing the gathering, Madam Rita Tieko, Unit Committee Chairperson for the Aburaso/Edwaase Electoral Area, congratulated the graduates and urged them to remain steadfast in their calling.
She noted that Scripture describes ministry as a noble calling and encouraged them to serve faithfully and diligently. She further prayed that God would grant them wisdom, strength, grace and endurance to carry out His work effectively.
The ceremony formed part of a wider conference focused on spiritual growth, leadership development, discipleship and kingdom expansion.
As the graduates, including David Afum, begin the next phase of their journey, speakers challenged them to remain faithful to God’s calling, uphold godly character, rely on divine grace and commit themselves to advancing the Gospel wherever God sends them.
