Introduction
The maiden edition of the Doulos Conference 2025, hosted by Pastor Mensa Otabil and Mrs. Joy Otabil at ICGC Christ Temple East in Teshie-Accra, brought together pastors and church leaders from all walks of life.
Held from March 4th to 6th, the conference featured renowned speakers such as Dr. Sam Chand, Pastor Andre Olivier, Pastor Ransford Obeng, and Pastor Sam Adeyemi, who shared profound insights on leadership, ministry, and personal transformation.
Below are 20 life-changing lessons from the conference that can transform your life, ministry, and organization.
1. The Importance of Humility and Servanthood in Christian Leadership
Pastor Mensa Otabil emphasized that true Christian leadership is rooted in humility and servanthood. He reminded leaders that greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking titles or recognition. “He who will be great… let him first be a slave” (Mark 10:43-44).
2. The Need for Self-Judgment and Integrity in Christian Leadership
Dr. Otabil warned that without self-judgment and integrity, the church risks external judgment and decline. “If we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged” (1 Corinthians 11:31).
3. The Importance of Mentorship and Heart-Centered Leadership Development
Dr. Sam Chand stressed that leadership development should focus on the heart first, then the head and hands. “Your successor does not need to be a doer. They’ve got to have your heart.”
4. The Importance of Intentional Succession Planning in Leadership
Dr. Chand highlighted the need for leaders to plan for succession early, ensuring a smooth transition. “Every pastor is temporary…100 percent of pastors will leave their church.”
5. Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Church Environment
Bishop Gideon Titi-Ofei and Dr. Michael Boadi Nyamekye emphasized that the church must create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and valued, starting from the parking lot to the pulpit.
6. The Importance of Humility, Relationships, and Integrity in Leadership Longevity
Dr. Sam Chand stressed that longevity in leadership requires humility, intentional relationships, and personal integrity. “They are always aware they didn’t come here by themselves.”
7. Servant Leadership Over Power and Position
Pastor Andre Olivier urged leaders to prioritize influence over power, following Jesus’ example of humility and service. “A standout leader desires influence, not power.”
8. Humility, Adaptability, and Continuous Learning in Leadership
Dr. Chand and Pastor Olivier emphasized that leaders must remain humble, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning to avoid stagnation.
9. Cultivating a Volunteer Spirit in the Church
Pastor Olivier highlighted that a volunteer spirit is born out of revelation and a deep desire to serve God, not obligation. “When people have a revelation about the house of God, they will give willingly.”
10. The Central Message of the Bible is Jesus Christ
Pastor Ransford Obeng emphasized that the Bible’s central message is the redemption of mankind through Jesus Christ. “The Bible has one message… the redemption of man through Jesus Christ.”
11. Moving from Consumption to Contribution
Pastor Otabil and Pastor Olivier urged church members to shift from being passive consumers to active contributors. “Too many people are spectators instead of participators.”
12. Closing the Back Door of the Church
Rev. Andy Yawson and Rev. Dr. John Paul Odoi emphasized the need for intentional strategies to retain church members, such as quick follow-ups and small groups.
13. God Created Us to Know, Love, Serve, and Share Him
Pastor Obeng highlighted that God’s purpose for humanity is to know, love, serve, and share Him. “Everybody has a ministry and a mission.”
14. Transformation Begins in the Heart
Pastor Sam Adeyemi stressed that true transformation starts with the heart. “The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.”
15. Transformation Begins with a Shift in Mindset and Consistent Action
Pastor Adeyemi and Dr. Chand emphasized that lasting change requires a shift in mindset and consistent action. “Your decision, not your condition, determines your destiny.”
16. The Power of Vision and Systems in Church Growth
Pastor Adeyemi highlighted that vision and systems are key to church growth. “You can’t grow an organization successfully until you can build systems.”
17. Addressing Doctrinal Fluidity in Charismatic Christianity
Pastor Otabil called for doctrinal fidelity and governance to ensure the charismatic movement’s sustainability and impact. “We have doctrinal fluidity… we don’t even know what we believe.”
18. Mutual Honour and Humility Across Generations
Pastor Adeyemi emphasized the need for mutual honour and humility between generations to foster unity and growth in the church. “If my generation honours the younger generation, we can have a dialogue.”
19. Authenticity and Relational Ministry in Reaching the Younger Generation
Rev. Nhyira Otabil-Allotey and Rev. Dr. Harry Allotey stressed that authenticity and relational ministry are key to connecting with young people. “Young people are looking for leaders who are real.”
20. The Importance of Humility and Authenticity in Ministry
Pastor Otabil concluded by emphasizing that true ministry is about serving others and seeking God’s glory, not personal recognition. “God is not interested in validating you… He just wants to help somebody.”
Conclusion: A Call to Transformational Leadership
The Doulos Conference 2025 was a powerful reminder of the principles that underpin effective leadership and ministry.
From humility and authenticity to intentional succession planning and relational ministry, the lessons shared by the speakers provide a roadmap for personal and organizational transformation.
As Pastor Mensa Otabil aptly put it, “If our hearts are set right on the Lord, He would use us amazingly.” These lessons challenge us to lead with integrity, serve with humility, and remain focused on God’s glory, ensuring that our ministries and lives leave a lasting impact.
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