A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Religious Studies of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Rev. Dr Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, has stressed the need for Christians to extend their values beyond church auditoriums.
Rev. Dr Opuni-Frimpong made this call during the maiden edition of the Conference for Proprietors of Christian Private Schools on Monday, June 10, 2024, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoah Fetteh.
Speaking on the topic, ‘The School As A Mission Field And A Mission Agent,’ the former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana pointed out that Christian values are very vital to the wholistic development of people and the country at large.
He explained that the school is best place to instill such positive Christian values and principles since students spend more time in the school, and that teachers play a key role in developing the character and behaviour of students.
Throwing light on the important role teachers play in the school as a mission field, Rev. Dr Opuni Frimpong stated: The role of teachers extends far beyond traditional academic instruction. It should include the cultivation of ethical behaviour, personal development, mentoring, social transformation, accountability and good governance among the youth and society.’
Addressing the issue of exchange of values for academic successes in Ghanaian schools, Rev. Dr Opuni-Frimpong said: ‘Our society today is bedeviled with a myriad of social problems. Many have had cause to complain about the unruly behaviour of some youth including indiscipline, destructive behaviour, violence, extremism, corruption, etc.’
He added: ‘The emphasis today in society and educational system is on ability to pass all your examinations, high grades, achievements in science, technology, engineering, popularity in media, etc., but not on character.’
The Presbyterian minister suggested that to change this narrative there is a need for proprietors and heads of schools to implement discipleship training, regular church services, regular prayer and fasting meetings, baptisms, confirmation, communion, availability and distribution of Bibles, Hymn Books, tracts, Christian literature, devotional materials, learning and singing of hymns and counseling, amongst others, in their schools.
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