Apostle Dr. Dieudonné Komla Nuekpe, La Area Head of The Church of Pentecost and Chairman of The Other Sheep Ministry, has urged Christians to let their daily conduct reflect the Christ-like nature of the Gospel as a means to foster peaceful coexistence with Muslims.
He said this when he gave a presentation on the topic “Towards a Peaceful Presentation of the Gospel” at the maiden Peaceful Coexistence Conference, organised by TOSM at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.
In his presentation, Apostle Dr. Nuekpe underscored the importance of non-confrontational, character-driven engagement between the two faith communities.
He cautioned that lasting impact stems from relationship and lifestyle, not conflict.He also provided essential demographic context, citing Ghana’s 2021 census, which shows about 71.3 percent of Ghanaians identify as Christian and 19.9 percent as Muslim.
As Islam continues to grow—a trend seen since the early 2000s—he noted that Christians must engage with awareness and respect.
Apostle Nuekpe proposed that divisive theological debates often play into the hands of misunderstandings, likening them to “playing on someone else’s home ground.”
Instead, he advocated for focusing on shared beliefs, like Jesus’s miraculous birth—a story rooted in both the Qur’an and the Bible—and presenting Him as “Son of Man,” a title acceptable in Muslim discourse.A key part of his message was the lifestyle of the Gospel presenter, where he stressed on the significance of Christians upholding their Christian values and principles in their efforts to reach out to people of other faiths.
Drawing on scripture, he reminded believers they are called to be “leaven, light, salt and a city on a hill” (Matt 5:14–16) and “living letters… known and read by everybody” (2 Cor 3:2).
He argued that authentic Christian witness must shine through integrity, humility, and consistency, not just words.Quoting 1 Peter 3:15–16, he emphasized presenting truth with “gentleness and respect,” allowing one’s good conduct to speak louder than rhetoric, even softening critics’ hearts.
Furthermore, Apostle Nuekpe highlighted the significant presence of “folk Islam”, a blend of Islamic tenets and local customs practiced widely in Ghana. By understanding this context, Christians can engage meaningfully—through friendship, practical care, worship support, and theological clarity, guided by the Holy Spirit.
In closing, he urged believers to embrace spiritual pruning and growth, citing John 15:1–2: “Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.” He called on Pentecostals, especially within The Church of Pentecost, to ensure their lifestyles authentically embody their message—thereby becoming powerful agents of peace, mutual respect, and Christian witness in Ghana’s diverse religious landscape.
Report by TOSM Media
