Serving the Present Age: Concentrating on Our Ministries – A Look Back at the 3rd Biennial Conference
There are gatherings that come and go, and then there are gatherings that leave an indelible mark on the minds and heart of those who experienced it. For the four Conferences in Ghana which is a part of the Western West Africa Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, these six days in Cape Coast was one of those moments. Joining in fellowship under the theme “Serving the Present Age: Concentrating on Our Ministries” were undeniably refreshing and spirit filled. .
From Tuesday, August 18th through Sunday, August 23rd, the Aggrey Memorial A.M.E Zion Senior High School became a home away from home for clergy, lay leaders, observers and Zionites from far and near. We gathered for the 3rd Biennial Conference – a joint sitting that brought together participants from the West, East, Mid, and North Ghana Conferences and guests from other African countries, America and Europe under one roof, reflecting on one theme, and in one Spirit. Standing alongside Bishop Dogbe throughout the conference was Rt. Rev. Dr. Melanie Rogers-Miller, Presiding Bishop of the Western Episcopal District, whose presence underscored the spirit of unity that ran through the gathering – four conferences, two bishops, one district family, gathered to take stock of the work already done and recommit to the ministry ahead.
DAY 1: OPENING WORSHIP & COMMUNION SERVICE
Hosted by Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard K. Dela Dogbe, Presiding Bishop of the Western West Africa Episcopal District, the six days moved through a full rhythm of worship and church business. The conference opened on Tuesday evening with a Communion Service, setting a tone for a spirit filled deliberations in the subsequent days. The Rev. Roger Gadzekpo brought the Communion reflection with the theme, ‘The Church Must See’ with Genesis 15:1-6 as His anchor texts. He admonished the conference that to be able to see, the church must be Spiritual, Evangelistic and Economically Empowered. It was indeed a time for all gathered to reflect and have a self introspection.
DAY 2: OFFICIAL OPENING/REPORT &ECUMENICAL SERVICE
The official opening the following day where His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was represented by the Central Regional Minister. The Bishop gave his Episcopal address pointing out some of the things that has been done in the past decade of His Episcopacy. He went ahead to share thoughts on what he envisions for the Episcopal District in the coming years. His address touched on every aspect of our Church and introduced the third leg of our Quadrennial Theme which was ‘Serving the Present Age: Concentrating on Our Ministries’ . After that responses were taken from the Clergy, Lay, Zion Youth Ministry and WHOMS. The opening was very colourful with the Bishop James Varick Choir giving us melodious tunes to match with the serene ambiance in the Auditorium.
Wednesday afternoon was for reports from Presiding Elders and other communities. We returned in the evening for the Ecumenical Service where Apostle Dr. Ben Kofi Markin preached a thought provoking sermon which became a glorious light to lighten our evening.
DAY 3: MEMORIAL SERVICE & IPALC2026 & PRAYER TIME
Thursday morning was such a beautiful moment to behold, seeing all who were gathered in their African made regalia depicting our Africaness and connecting us to our roots. The highlight of the morning was the solemn sermon preached by the Rev. Sylvester Donkor during the memorial service before the Necrological committees reported on the members of conference who have gone to be with the Lord and join the cloud of witnesses. Rev. Donkor reminded us not to grieve like unbelievers but in our grieve, we must remember we have hope in Christ Jesus.
Right after that was the Teaching Moments/Leadership Institute (IPALC 2026). The Rev. Ronald Nathan (England – Midland Conference) spoke on the theme, ‘Serving the Present Age: Concentrating on our Ministries’ dwelling on Acts 13:36. He mentioned that we must discover our purpose as a Church, become relevant to our generation by serving and to leave a lasting legacy. He mentioned that in doing this the leadership of church must recognize the context in which the local society is and act accordingly.
A quick break for fellowship followed suit to prepare the grounds for the Panel Discussion on the theme ‘Embracing New Trends i n Ministry’. The Rev. David Zungbey moderated the session with The Rev. Dr. Ahortor (East Ghana), The Rev. John Wiafe (Mid Ghana), The Rev. Thomas Akwaa (West Ghana), The Rev. Evans N. Jabika (North Ghana), and Sis. Rashida as the panelists. The session was informative and revelatory. The audience was also given the opportunity to ask questions and share thoughts on the subject. The report from the heads of our institutions and the general manager of schools was also presented alongside other reports.
The evening of day three was for prayer. The Rev. Anthony Nartey, The Rev. Evans N. Jabika, The Rev. Dr. Richard Gadzekpo (the International Prayer Coordinator for the A. M. E. Zion Church) and Rev. Moses Kingsley Gaveh led the conference to pray fervently. It was indeed a time of an outpouring of the power and presence of God.
DAY 4: DEVOTION/REPORTS & WH&OMS CONVOCATION
On Friday morning all ministers had a Time with the Bishop where he shared thoughts and plans with them and gave room for questions. It was a fruitful deliberation. After breakfast, the devotion was led by the mid Ghana conference and the Rev. Daniel Owusu Ansah (Mim-Ahafo Mission District) preached. After that Prof. Emmanuel Adinyira gave an Update on Retreat & Conference Center Project, the Men of Zion had their ‘Men’s Moment’, the Zion Youth Ministry had their ‘ZYM Hour’and the morning session ended with a ‘Men & Women Rally’ where the men came first. The Zion Youth Ministry Ghana Region led by Rev. Derek Ben Kwofie presented a citation to the Bishop and the Missionary Supervisor to honour their 10 Years Anniversary of Episcopal Leadership.
The afternoon was for the Women’s Convocation presided over by Mrs. Cynthia S. Dogbe (Missionary Supervisor) with, The Rev. Dr. Dwight B. Cannon as the Guest of Honour. He spoke on the theme ‘What Is Missing In Missions’ with scriptural focus on Jeremiah 6:16. He advanced that to do missions is to serve, love, feed the homeless, visit the prisoners and give shelter to the needy. He added that we must seek the old path, learn from the early missionaries and work together to achieve success in missions.
The Evening was for the Candle Night Procession. The procession was led by Mrs. Cynthia S. Dogbe (Missionary Supervisor WWAED) and The Rev. Jimmie Miller (Missionary Supervisor WED) followed by the field worker from the conferences and their missionaries. The Rev. Alfreda Essel Attoh led the service and The Rev. Gifty Afiedenyo Abalade.
DAY 5: ORDINATION/RETREAT CENTER VISITS & ZISAM NIGHT
Saturday morning was slated for Ordination Service. Nine gallant Deacons were ordained as Elders. The Ordination sermon was done by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Melanie Rogers-Miller, Presiding Bishop of the Western Episcopal District. She expounded on the theme, Take Thou Authority; Called To Serve, Sent to Lead’ using Mark 10:41-45 and 2Timothy 1:6 as her scripture. She Mentioned that the church needs minister who preach and serve, lead and listen , stand and kneel, Talk and Pray. And that Serving the present age doesn’t mean being like the present age but bringing Christ into the present age. She admonished the Ordinants not turn the pulpit into thier personal space for settling scores, and that Ordination cannot replace holiness. She encouraged them to Measure thier ministry by Transformed lives And to remember thar every obstacle present an opportunity to improve the condition of the lives of the people they serve.
A section of the participants who showed interest in going to the Retreat Centre site were led by Professors Emmanuel Adinyira and The Rev. Anthony Nartey. They toured the site and prayed for the project.
ZISAM Night was the climax of day five. ZISAM Chapters from almost all the Universities were present to lead the conference in a time of praise and worship. Awards were presented by ZISAM Students Leaders to The Rev. Dr. Christian Ahortor (Episcopal Director of Missions and Evangelism), The Rev. Justice Abeiku Aggrey(ZISAM Coordinator), The Rev. James Aduyaw and The Rev. Banister Tay for their immense support and commitment towards the ministry. A portrait was also presented to the Bishop in recognition of his ten years anniversary as an Episcopal Leader.
DAY 6: THANKSGIVING SERVICE
The conference closed on Sunday with a Thanksgiving Service and Legacy Awards and a sermon that will echo long after the final hymn.
Preaching from 2 Chronicles 20:17, Bishop Dogbe delivered the conference’s closing message under the theme “Sort Out Your Mess”– a message that reframed how believers see their struggles, reminding the congregation that restoration, healing, and breakthrough are not found by escaping our mess, but by confronting it.
Drawing from the story of King Jehoshaphat, the Bishop outlined three things he did when Judah faced an overwhelming enemy:
1. He sought the Lord – before strategy, before panic, Jehoshaphat turned first to God.
2. He sought help from the people to pray – he did not carry the battle alone, but called the community to stand with him.
3. He remembered the promises of God – anchoring his confidence not in the size of the problem, but in the faithfulness of God’s past promises.
“To get to your riches, you need to sort out your mess,” the Bishop declared – a line that struck at the heart of the conference’s closing charge. He went further, reminding the congregation that the process itself demands humility: “To sort out your mess, we have to come to God with a sincere heart.”
It was a fitting benediction to six days built on reflection and renewal – a reminder that every believer, every church, and every district carries its own “mess,” and that God’s invitation is not to hide it, but to bring it to Him.
Looking Ahead
As the conference drew to a close, the sense in the room wasn’t one of an ending, but of a sending. Two years from now, the district will gather again — but the work of living out what was preached, planned, and prayed over across these six days begins now, in every local church across the West, East, Mid, and North Ghana Conferences.
To everyone who traveled, served, sang, and showed up – thank you for making this Biennial one to remember.
#AMEZWWA #BiennialConference2026 #ServingThePresentAge #SortOutYourMess #AMEZion #FaithInAction
