The new General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Church in Ghana, Rev. (Dr.) Paul Frimpong Manso, has said the church has made significant impact in Italy with the training of scores of Pastors who are providing quality leadership for the church.

He made the statement during an interview with Reggie Tagoe (Ghanaweb correspondent in Italy) after the Graduation Day of A/G Church in Italy at which six graduands passed out of the church’s Bible College in the city Reggio Emilia – north of Italy. Below is the full text of that interview.

Reggie Tagoe (R.T): Let me first congratulate you on your appointment as the new General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Church in Ghana. We will come to that later. It’s the 4th or can I say the 5th time you have come to Italy for an occasion like this – Graduation Day at A/G Church in Italy (African Community). What can you say about the community of Ghanaians in Italy, the churches and general life here?

Rev. (Dr.) Paul Frimpong Manso (Rev. F.M): Let me first thank the 25th Biennial General Council of Assemblies of God in Ghana and all whose prayer and support led to my election as General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana. Secondly, Italy has become my second home. Assemblies of God in Italy, is doing extremely well under its present leadership. Many branches have been opened and a lot of souls won to God’s glory. The Ghanaian community is quite united. I admire their activities and efforts to represent Ghana well here.

(R.T): What prompted the setting up of the Bible College here, what were some of the challenges it faced and has it made any impact? (Rev. F.M): The dire need to be able to train Pastors here in Italy instead of Ghana led to the establishment of the Bible School here. It was costly and practically not the best to train people outside their cultural domain. Initial challenges were financial and patronage. Nevertheless, we have made significant impact: scores of Pastors have been trained who are providing quality leadership for the church here.

(R.T): You may have observed the students here in the school, the first time it was opened. How will you compare them to the students taking the same course in Ghana?

(Rev. F.M): There are major differences owing to culture. Secondly, most of the students here had to combine studies with work unlike their Ghanaian counterparts who do Bible School training full time.

(R.T): What are the requirements for enrolling in the school and which areas are the students trained?

(Rev. F.M): (1) You must prove God’s call on your life (2) Be a practising Christian (3) Recommended by church leadership. (4) Speak and write English with minimum academic qualification of SSCE.

(R.T): Is the school for ONLY A/G members and if not, do you ask for additional requirements from non-A/G members?

(Rev. F.M): It’s non denominational. The same entry applies to all

(R.T): How does the school deal with doctrines, a student from a different church enrolled in the school might not have the same doctrines as A/G Church member?

(Rev. F.M): Well, we make you aware it is an essentially A/G Bible school. Nevertheless, most of the subjects we deal with are universal theology.

(R.T): I noticed on the course sheet there are as many as 34 course subjects for students. Why 34?

(Rev. F.M): You need that to be effective in the ministry; the course contents prepares the Pastor to be relevant and effective in this information age.

(R.T): Run me through the daily routine of the students at the school.

(Rev. F.M): We have morning devotion, lectures, lunch, prayer time etc .

(R.T): Students who pass out of the school as new Granduands are going to lead people - for that matter, people’s spiritual lives are concerned. They may have some few rough edges from the start. Does the school monitor these men of God, at least in the initial stages as they go on the field – I mean in the churches?

(Rev. F.M): We endeavour to touch base with them while they are on the field and the school tries to provide some post Bible School consultancy of a sort for them.

(R.T): Five Pastors from the church were today ordained as Reverend Ministers. Tell me, what criteria are looked at in the church to ordain a Pastor as a Reverend Minister?

(Rev. F.M): You will have to be a graduate of our school and serve five years before you qualify. You will also write three exams to qualify to be Exhorter and licensed and above all prove your ministry whilst upholding a life of integrity.

(R.T): Let me shift your attention to your new position as the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Church in Ghana. What responsibilities do you carry on your shoulders? (Rev. F.M): I have become the spiritual leader, CEO and a father to the organisation. I will convene and chair Executive Presbytery and General Council meetings. I will also ordain Pastors and officiate other important ceremonies.

(R.T): You have been through the rank and file of the church to be elected to this position. Tell me how such consensus is arrived at to elect one as the General Superintendent of the Church? (Rev. F.M): You must win 2/3rds of the ballot.

(R.T): On a more serious note. Do you think the church (and I mean generally) should get involved in politics? (Rev. F.M): Yes but not partisan politics. We are the light and salt of the earth. We must raise godly people to do clean politics.

(R.T): What do you think should be done here to raise awareness and draw people to Christ? (Rev. F.M): Teaching God’s unadulterated word and invest more in strategic evangelism.

(R.T): You are a Reverend Minister, you’ve lived most of your life in Ghana and been abroad (Europe, US) many times. How will you compare the Christian life in Ghana and in Europe or the US? (Rev. F.M): More Ghanaians are committed because they have a little more time to spare owing to our work culture. Nevertheless, those who are committed in US & Europe are very committed indeed.

(R.T): There are many Ghanaians churches here in Italy. In one city alone one can count as many as 80 Ghanaians churches. Will you say that’s somehow over loaded considering that in say 5km radius in one area you can find 5 of these churches. Do you also think followers are getting the right teachings towards the Kingdom of Christ? (Rev. F.M): You can say the number may be high but if all are teaching the right doctrine and we collaborate well, it will inure to our benefit.

(R.T): Tell me in briefs, where you grew up, your life, how you became a Christian and finally ending up at Assemblies of God Church – run me through the course. (Rev. F.M): I grew up in Fufuo and Kumasi. I became a Christian through the Scripture Union and later joined AG.

(R.T): What were the some of the sad moments in your life and the high points? (Rev. F.M): I have gone through difficult moments in life. I have also experienced God’s overflowing blessings in many respects. For the sad moments in my life I will say when we lost my predecessor, late Rev. Dontoh and when I lost my dad. The former was my classmate and close pal. My wedding and election as General Superintendent as well as anytime I fulfill my dreams are the best moments of my life.

(R.T): Many people will describe you, as far as the work of God is concerned, as: ‘inflexible and a strict disciplinarian’. I will describe you as: ‘astute and a humorous person’. I heard the Field Director of the Church here in Italy today saying during the service he has a cordial relation with you whilst at the Bible College as a student. He will give you a ride in his car to the hotel, you chat with him nicely but as soon as you reach your destination and out of the car you demand: ‘tomorrow I want to see your assignment’. What is your response to all that? (Rev. F.M): I am committed to duty. This accounts for my disciplined nature. The field Director has a responsibility to me anytime I visit. This should not give him a preferential treat above others. In being strict on him I was equally building leadership capacity. My key word in leadership is discipline.

(R.T): Let me finally come back to the Church here and the Bible College. It does seem you will not be coming here for these occasions as you were doing in the past. Certainly, your new appointment will drag you a lot. What message do you have for the church here and what is your vision for A/G Church here in Italy and in Ghana? (Rev. F.M): They should unite and cooperate with their leaders. They should build a cordial relationship with the church in Ghana & Europe. The Ghana church will support them, supervise and give due recognition to their ministers. My vision for the Ghana church is to facilitate unity, growth and make evangelism a real priority. We will focus on improving on the socio economic welfare of Pastors and members. My leadership will equally improve the church’s infrastructure.

(R.T): Thank you very much Reverend for this interview. I appreciate your willingness to talk to me. (Rev. F.M): Thanks for this rare opportunity to reach millions of people through your network.

- Reggie Tagoe in Reggio Emilia, Italy.