Mr. Isaac Ashai Odamtten, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, said the Government would continue to seek the support and partnership of Churches in prosecution of its development agenda.

He said the Church and other religious groups have through physical and spiritual programmes complemented governments developmental efforts thus making them a worthy partner.

Mr. Odamtten was addressing the official opening of the 17th Annual Synod of the Methodist Church at the Saint Paul Cathedral, today at Tema.

He acknowledged the efforts made by the Methodist Church in the areas of education and healthcare in the Tema Region and encouraged the entity to expand their activities to touch as many souls as possible.

Mr. Odamtten said the Christian fraternity especially, the Methodist Church had always provided the needed spiritual support which has been very evident and reassuring during difficult times.

Right Reverend Thomas Brown Forson, Diocesan Bishop of the Methodist Church, Tema, called on Christians to ensure the total qualitative and quantitative growth in their lives adding that a clear understanding of witnessing would help Christians to experience the growth they desire in all in and around them.

He urged Christians to desire and focus on God’s plan rather than their own adding, “Embrace change, learn to read your church current context well, seek the discernment you need to make wise decisions, organise your church according to how the spirit leads and pursue growth and development.

Right Reverend Brown Forson said with growth and development, Christians have to expect resistance to changes ranging from minor improvements to major re-creations, trusting the spirit to guide them in every single step in life.

He called for the establishment of more Methodist educational facilities in all areas that the church is established.

Mr. Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, Greater Accra Regional Minister, said the theme for the occasion “Witnessing to Christ: the qualitative and quantitative growth of the church," was relevant as it sought to reinforce the need for evangelism; the primary task of the church.