Kumasi, April 29, GNA- The Ghana Baptist Theological Seminary (GBTS) at Abuakwa in the Atwima District, has launched a human resource and community development programme, to facilitate local development. The programme, which is being undertaken by the Centre for Human Resource and Community Development, a wing of the Seminary, aims at linking theological education with human resource and community development through networking with stakeholders.

Speaking at the launching in Kumasi on Friday, Reverend Dr Fred Deegbe, General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, said it was a challenge for theologians to work in collaboration with members of their communities to reduce poverty, disease, ignorance and bad governance.

He commended the GBTS for the initiative and said the centre would help give pastors the opportunity to develop their God given potential to help be of service to humanity.

Rev. Dr George Mallet, Principal of GBTS said the centre would revolutionalise the process of pursuing theological education in Ghana and break new grounds for empowering pastors in Ghana and improve upon their spiritual well being.

Rev. Dr S.N Boapeah, Director of the centre, said the programme was structured to integrate development issues into theological education, capacity building and provide consultancy services.

Mrs Florence Hutchful, a member of the GETfund Board, who chaired the function commended the GBTS for the initiative and said the programme would equip men and women of God to reach out and exert their influence in their missionary areas.