LOB Events I http://www.livingourbible.com I Tuesday 24th March 2026
Pastor Mensa Otabil, General Overseer of International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) and Convener of the Doulos Conference, delivered a thought-provoking opening presentation on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at ICGC Christ Temple East in Teshie-Accra.
Speaking to pastors, church founders, ministry leaders, and volunteers gathered from across Ghana and beyond, he challenged participants to rethink how churches are structured and sustained for long-term impact. Emphasising the theme of building enduring ministries, he described the conference as “a very intensive time of engagement… packed with many speakers and sessions.”
The Urgency of Building Churches That Last
Pastor Otabil stressed that churches must be designed with longevity in mind. “A church by its nature is a long-term project… supposed to last for a very long time, for 1,000 years and over,” he stated, contrasting the short lifespan of most businesses with the enduring mission of the Church. He urged leaders to move beyond personality-driven ministries toward systems that ensure sustainability.
Why Governance Matters in Ministry
Highlighting governance as central to church survival, he explained that it refers to “the way things are run and how things are organised.” Using political systems as an analogy, he demonstrated how structures influence stability, participation, and freedom, noting that leadership models determine how churches evolve over time.
Three Models of Church Government
The renowned teacher outlined three main governance systems: episcopal (hierarchical leadership), presbytery (shared leadership), and congregational (member-driven leadership). He clarified that while none is inherently wrong, each carries strengths and challenges that must be carefully managed for effective ministry growth and doctrinal stability.
Doctrine and the Weight of Church History
Pastor Otabil warned against building doctrine solely on modern popularity or personal revelations. “Christianity is not 100 years… it is 2,000 years,” he said, urging leaders to draw from historic confessions and the teachings of the early Church to ensure theological continuity.
His presentation set a reflective tone for the conference, calling leaders to build ministries that outlive their founders. With sessions continuing throughout the week, Doulos Conference 2026 promises to reshape leadership thinking for a new generation of servant-hearted ministers.
About Living Our Bible (LOB)
Living Our Bible is a growing Christian media platform dedicated to reporting faith news, leadership insights, and biblical teaching. Visit www.livingourbible.com and follow LOB on social media for updates.
Discover more from Living Our Bible
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Leave a comment