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Article 13

Affirmation: We affirm that God has appointed elders to serve as shepherds and overseers over congregations. We affirm that this is a position of privilege and also responsibility. We affirm that God’s intention is that under the teaching and oversight of faithful shepherds, congregations would flourish spiritually and be safeguarded on their earthly pilgrimage. We affirm that as such elders possess delegated authority to counsel and care for their flocks in accordance with the scriptures.

Denial: We deny that any one pastor holds the spiritual destiny of any Christian. We deny that God binds an individual christian’s progress and joy in the faith to any one spiritual leader. We further deny that christians owe unmitigated loyalty and reverence to their pastor or else suffer God’s curse.

Who Should Lead God’s Church? Article 13

Who Should Lead God’s Church?

Church leaders in Africa are often elevated to an enviable, god-like status, wielding power and authority without the requisite accountability. This unchecked power can lead to abuse, and it begs the question: why is this leadership phenomenon common? "Church leaders in Africa are often elevated to an enviable, god-like status." Through a series of articles based on my book, God’s Design for…
Conrad Mbewe
December 22, 2025
Can I Speak Against The Lord’s Anointed? Article 13

Can I Speak Against The Lord’s Anointed?

If you are a Christian then there is a good chance you have heard the reproach: ‘Don’t speak against the Lord’s anointed.’ You might even have received this stinging rebuke yourself, after a careless comment about some ‘man of God’. "Whatever he teaches, it seems the ‘Lord’s anointed’ simply cannot be challenged." At face value, it’s a rebuke dripping with…
Graham Heslop
December 22, 2025
Do You Have a Spiritual Father? Do You Need One? Article 13

Do You Have a Spiritual Father? Do You Need One?

Parents are key players in their children’s lives. They help their children develop important life skills and become successful in the future. In the same way, spiritual parents are important for spiritual growth. Though the concept of spiritual motherhood may exist, in this article I concentrate on spiritual fatherhood, given its frequent use today as well as in the Bible. The…
David Fugoyo Baime
December 22, 2025
Stop Pastoral Self-Appointments Article 13

Stop Pastoral Self-Appointments

It is a well-known fact that state governments in Africa are deciding that enough is enough and are moving in to arrest the rot taking place, largely in Charismatic churches. The stench cannot be ignored any more. This has already begun to happen in Kenya under President Uhuru Kenyatta. South Africa and Zambia are also preparing legislation. It will not…
Conrad Mbewe
December 17, 2025
Who Is Anointed By God? What Does It Mean? Article 13

Who Is Anointed By God? What Does It Mean?

It is not unusual to hear “Touch not the Lord’s anointed,” when someone criticises or speaks negatively about a Christian leader. The reasoning behind this statement is straightforward: the Christian leader is anointed by God. Therefore speaking against him (and sometimes, her) affronts and angers God. Recently, and across our continent, this statement is used to shield Christian leaders from criticism—resisting all…
Stephen Braimah
December 17, 2025
You Don’t Need a Life Coach — You Need a Savior Article 13

You Don’t Need a Life Coach — You Need a Savior

Catchphrases & Christ (6): Why the Gospel Speaks a Better Word Walk through social media for five minutes, and you’ll meet the new prophets of our age. They don’t carry Bibles; they carry ring lights. Their sermons are shot in perfect lighting, their tone is confident but compassionate, and their gospel is simple: “You have everything you need inside you.”…
Danson Ottawa
November 10, 2025