Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Kwesi Anim, Principal of the Pentecost Theological Seminary has urged Christians never to give up when faced with challenges in life because “failure does not mean defeat”.

“Failing once should not define our destinies, rather, making mistakes should challenge us to do things differently,” he said.

In a sermon on the theme “the Grace is for a purpose “, Rev Anim appealed to Ghanaians to pray to God to endow both political and religious leaders with the sense of direction to enable them lead effectively.

He was speaking at the 4th graduation ceremony of the Timothy School of Ministry (TSM) in Cape Coast during which 23 students who have successfully completed a nine month certificate course in Ministerial studies graduated.

He said a leader who lacked a sense of direction, grace and purpose was likely to lead his group astray hence the need to constantly remember leaders in prayers.

TSM, founded by the Rev. Richard Ampadu-Duku, Head Pastor of the Cape Coast Family Sanctuary of the Victory Bible Church International in 2007, is a ministry life training outfit that provides leadership training for pastors, elders, deacons, church workers of diverse denominational backgrounds and equips them to be adept at their ministry within the local church.

Among the courses offered were “spiritual authority, signs and wonders, communication skills, the five-fold ministry, New Testament church, ministry ethics, church administration and principles of counseling”.

Rev. Dr. Anim said ministry and leadership was an overflow of oneself and it was important to know who one was and where one was going in order not to be misguided, warning that misguided zeal was dangerous.

He urged Christians to identify, know and understand their individual calling and receive training for them to excel in the purpose entrusted to them.

Rev. Ampadu-Duku, founder and Dean of the school, said students at TSM received impartation for effective ministry and church leadership and that even though the students did not graduate as certified pastors they had been prepared to impact positively on their generation with the word of God.

He said the school had plans of extending the programme to become a bible school which will offer diploma and degree courses as well as extensive ministerial training.

Budgetary constraints coupled with lack of facilities were some of the constraints facing the school Rev. Ampadu-Duku said and called on Alumni, church members and Christians alike to contribute to the welfare of the kingdom business.

The overall best student, Pastor Samuel Noble Mensah, in his valedictory address said they had been enlightened and adequately equipped and therefore poised to work to populate the kingdom of God.

Certificates were given to all students and funds were raised to support the growth of the school.