The title of ‘prophet,’ once held in high esteem, has been diminished, according to Pastor Mensa Otabil, the General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC).
In a sermon delivered to his congregation on Sunday, October 6, Pastor Otabil expressed concern over the conduct of certain religious leaders in the country. He lamented that the ‘sacred’ title of ‘prophet’ is now associated with “conmen.”
He pointed out that the absence of a regulatory body for religious leaders has led to the commodification and devaluation of this once-respected title. “How can we take such a sacred title that Isaiah had, that Jeremiah had, all of these great people, and commoditize it to the point that it now almost means conman? Because there is no regulatory body, everyone picks a title as they wish and flaunts it,” he stated during his sermon at Desert Pastures, Bolgatanga, the home church of Rev. Eastwood Anaba.
Pastor Otabil warned that the actions of some pastors are eroding the trust and confidence that should accompany titles like prophet and bishop. He remarked, “As a charismatic church, we witness significant power, but I see much danger and self-destruction. More and more, the congregation and the public are losing confidence in us, men of God. When you call yourself a prophet, it’s almost synonymous with being a conman.”
His remarks have sparked discussions about the responsibilities of religious leaders and the integrity of their titles in society.
