LOB Team I http://www.livingourbible.com I Wednesday 24th February 2026
International Central Gospel Church celebrates its 42nd Anniversary on February 26, 2026, marking over four decades of steady growth, biblical teaching, and global influence under its Founder and General Overseer, Pastor Mensa Otabil.
From its beginnings in 1984 to its presence across Ghana, Europe, and North America, ICGC’s journey has been shaped not merely by expansion but by deeply held convictions. In a defining message on his ministry values, Pastor Otabil outlined ten guiding principles that have anchored his leadership for over four decades .
Drawing inspiration from 2 Timothy 3:10–11, he emphasized that ministry must be understood through doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, and endurance. “It’s important that you get to know who your pastor is, what is important to him, what he is hoping to achieve,” he noted .
As ICGC marks 42 years, these ten ministry values offer insight into the leadership philosophy that has sustained the church.
1. To Truly Know God as Revealed in Scripture
For Pastor Otabil, everything begins with knowing “the God of the Bible, not the God of my expectations or experiences” .
His ministry is firmly anchored in Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Cultural assumptions, ancestral beliefs, and personal experiences must submit to biblical revelation.
2. To Live Out Faith in Christ Through Thoughts, Choices, and Actions
“The Christian life is a life of submission to Jesus Christ,” he affirmed .
Before being known as a pastor, he seeks to be known as a Christian—at home, in marriage, among friends, and in private. Ministry, he insists, must flow from personal discipleship.
3. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit Without Manipulation
While deeply committed to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, Pastor Otabil avoids sensationalism. “I don’t presume that everything I feel comes from the Holy Spirit,” he explained .
Rather than compelling obedience through phrases like “The Lord told me,” he encourages believers to think, reason, and develop personal conviction.
4. A Firm Theological Base Rooted in Rigorous Bible Study
An expositor at heart, he commits to serious theological reflection. His study spans church history, various Christian traditions, and diverse theological perspectives .
He refuses to take uninformed positions, insisting that conviction must be rooted in understanding.
5. Developing an Inner Life of Prayer and Self-Examination
Pastor Otabil describes himself as his “first judge,” embracing deep reflection and honest self-assessment .
For him, prayer is not merely about changing God’s hand but transforming the human heart so it aligns with God’s will.
6. Remaining Awed by God’s Grace
“I do not take the grace of God for granted,” he stated .
Despite decades of influence, he attributes his calling, endurance, and effectiveness solely to divine grace, not personal brilliance or charisma.
7. Demystifying Profound Biblical Truths
One hallmark of his ministry is clarity. “I aim at simplicity. I don’t aim at complexity,” he declared .
Rather than “blowing minds,” he seeks to make timeless biblical truths understandable and applicable to modern life.
8. Pointing People to Christ, Not Himself
“My desire is that you discover Christ and not discover Mensa Otabil,” he emphasized .
Christ remains the centre of his preaching. Personal stories are used sparingly, always to highlight what Christ has done.
9. Seeing the Pulpit as Sacred
He regards the pulpit as holy ground, not a platform for personal promotion or advantage .
He refrains from using it to address private matters, advance personal interests, or display authority. The pulpit, in his view, must remain devoted to God’s Word.
10. Becoming the Kind of Leader He Would Love to Follow
Pastor Otabil seeks to become the kind of leader he himself can look up to and would gladly work with.
He strives to empower those under his leadership, creating an environment where people grow, think independently, and reach their full potential in God.
Conclusion
As ICGC celebrates 42 years, these ten ministry values reveal the foundations beneath its growth and stability. Beyond buildings, conferences, and global expansion lies a consistent commitment to Scripture, Christ-centredness, theological depth, personal integrity, humility, and empowering leadership.
The anniversary is not merely a celebration of longevity but a reaffirmation of convictions that have shaped generations—and continue to do so.
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