Opinions of Tuesday, 6 August 2024

Columnist: Eric Otchere

Greater Works 2024: 10 profound lessons for churches, organizations, and individuals

The event was held from July 29 to August 2, 2024 The event was held from July 29 to August 2, 2024

The Greater Works Conference, held from Monday, July 29 to Friday, August 2, 2024, at ICGC Christ Temple East, Teshie-Accra, showcased the pinnacle of spiritual and organizational excellence.

Organized by the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), this annual event has become a significant fixture in the Christian calendar. This year’s conference showed, as always, that meticulous planning, tireless preparation, and dedicated execution work.

In this article, we explore ten powerful lessons derived from Greater Works 2024, offering insights into what makes this event stand out and how these principles can be applied to other large-scale gatherings.

Planning: The Foundation of Success:

The success of Greater Works 2024 was underpinned by rigorous planning. From the moment the previous event concluded, the secretariat began strategizing for the next edition. This proactive approach ensures that each year’s event builds on the successes and lessons of the past. Dr. Mensa Otabil, conference host, hinted at potential changes for the 2025 conference, signaling the ongoing commitment to improvement and innovation. The lesson here is clear: effective planning is crucial for the success of any major event. It requires foresight, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

People: The Power of a Dedicated Team:

Pastor Otabil highlighted the crucial role of over 40,000 volunteers who contributed to the event’s success. This massive workforce, comprising
ushers, security personnel, musicians, and more, exemplifies the importance of a well-coordinated team. Volunteers and church members, dedicated to various roles, work tirelessly to ensure smooth operations. The lesson here is the value of engaging and mobilizing a large, dedicated team to achieve common goals. Recognizing and valuing their contributions can significantly enhance the overall experience of an event.

Preparation: The Path to Excellence:

Preparation for Greater Works 2024 was an extensive process involving months of planning and rehearsal. For instance, choirs practiced for weeks to perfect just a few minutes of song ministration. The Night of Choirs, in particular, was used to assess the preparedness of music groups and build momentum toward Greater Works. This dedication reflects the high standards expected from participants.
which the organizers are renowned for. The key takeaway is that thorough preparation is crucial for achieving excellence. It ensures that every detail is meticulously addressed and that participants are fully equipped to deliver their best performance.

Partnership: Building Strong Collaborations:

Greater Works 2024 was not an isolated effort; it involved partnerships with
various governmental, service providers, and individual entities. Notably,
the security forces organized a parade for the opening night, showcasing
the power of collaboration. Effective partnerships can enhance the scope and impact of an event. The lesson here is the importance of building and nurturing relationships with various stakeholders to ensure a successful and well-rounded
event.

Promotion: The Art of Creating Awareness:

Promotion played a crucial role in attracting attendees to Greater Works 2024. The event was advertised through billboards, car stickers, media promotions, and more. This comprehensive promotional strategy ensured high visibility and drew a substantial crowd. The lesson is the importance of a multifaceted approach to promotion. Effective marketing creates awareness and drives attendance, which is
critical for the success of any large-scale event.

Prayer: The Spiritual Backbone:

The conference followed the ICGC's 40 Days of Power, a period dedicated to prayer and fasting. This spiritual preparation underscored the importance of seeking divine guidance for the event’s success. Prayer was integral to every aspect of Greater Works 2024, reinforcing the belief that divine intervention plays a vital role in achieving goals. The lesson here is the significance of spiritual preparation and seeking divine guidance in any endeavor.

Power: The Impact of Spiritual Energization:

Greater Works 2024 was not merely a social gathering but a powerful spiritual convocation. The palpable presence of God through various performances and preaching demonstrated the event’s spiritual depth. The Bible promises that where two or three are gathered in God’s name, He is present (Matthew 18:20). The lesson is that the spiritual dimension of an event can profoundly impact its effectiveness and the attendees’ experiences.

Precision: The Importance of Orderliness:

Orderliness was a hallmark of Greater Works 2024. From seating arrangements to vehicle parking, every aspect was managed with precision. When rain threatened to disrupt the Day 4 evening session, quick and efficient responses ensured the event continued seamlessly. The lesson here is that meticulous attention to detail and swift problem-solving are crucial for maintaining order and ensuring the smooth execution of an event.

Preachers: The Value of Experienced Voices:

The conference featured seasoned preachers delivering fresh messages from the Lord. These tried-and-tested ministers brought a wealth of experience to the event, enhancing its spiritual impact. The lesson here is the importance of engaging experienced and credible speakers who can provide valuable insights and inspire attendees. Their expertise can significantly contribute to the event’s
overall success and help attendees in their walk of faith.

Perfection: Striving for Excellence:

Excellence was evident in every aspect of Greater Works 2024. From the
organization to the delivery of content, a commitment to perfection was apparent. The conference demonstrated that serving God requires the highest
standards of excellence. The lesson here is that striving for perfection and delivering your best is essential in any endeavor, particularly in service to a higher purpose.

Conclusion:

Greater Works 2024 was a resounding success, embodying principles of planning, people management, preparation, partnership, promotion, prayer, power, orderliness, experienced leadership, and perfection. These ten lessons not only highlight the elements that contributed to the event’s success but also offer valuable insights for organizing large-scale gatherings and events. By applying these principles, other ministries and organizations can enhance their operations and achieve greater impact.

The Greater Works Conference continues to set a high standard for spiritual and organizational excellence, proving that with dedication and the right approach, remarkable outcomes can be achieved.

Eric Otchere is an avid blogger and a licensed minister of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC).