Mampong (Ash), Aug. 3, GNA – Reverend Stephen Osei Sarpong, Sekyere Presbytery Chairman of Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), has advised leaders in the church to refrain from borrowing from the church’s coffers.

He said issues on money or wealth were challenge to the church and its leaders, adding “The antidote to the love of money is contentment and this comes from trusting in God’s promised provision.

“Generally do not borrow money. Manage with what you have. Don’t borrow from the church. You may be accused of stealing from the church.”

Rev. Sarpong gave the advice when speaking on the topic: “Money and Morality: A Challenge to the Church” at the three-day Annual National Delegates Conference (ANDC) of Presbyterian Men’s Fellowship at Asante-Mampong.

It was on the theme: ”Empowered by the Holy Spirit - Facing the Challenges of the End Times”.

He observed that most church leaders did not pay their tithes and give offering instead they tended to be hypocrites by teaching about tithing and free giving whilst they themselves refused to pay.

“Church leaders must be faithful in collecting monies and using them for what they were meant for. Ask members to put their tithes and offering directly into the offering bowl. Your pocket is not an offering bowl. This is another challenge,” he added.

Rev. Sarpong pointed out that financially those who were rich had power over the poor, their employees, could pervert justice, bribery and corruption, control the system and could manipulate other people therefore most rich people thought they were self-reliant and independent.

“Money is used to show our thankfulness to God. We store treasure in heaven by all acts of obedience to God. Give your money to God’s work which is investing in heaven,” he stressed.