Let me start by acknowledging that this blog has been a journey to write, one that I’ve found myself pausing on more often than I initially anticipated. There’s a weightiness to the topics I’m about to discuss, and I’ve hesitated out of a genuine concern not to be misunderstood or misinterpreted. The issues I’m addressing, both in this post and those to come, are sensitive and pivotal, particularly because of the reverence we hold for church leaders. It’s a delicate balance between reverence and the need for constructive critique.
Yet, despite the hesitations, I find myself compelled to speak out. My love for the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, runs deep. It’s the place where my faith was nurtured and where I’ve grown spiritually. So, as you read, please understand that my intentions are genuine, not born of vitriol. The main question of this blog is: why have pastoral visits of the principal officers of the church turned into “a cash cow production?”
The presence of our highest church leaders– Moderator or Clerk of the General Assembly– in our local congregations or districts is undeniably a source of great joy. It’s a moment that every member eagerly anticipates, a chance to take pride in meeting these esteemed leaders of the church. Their visit brings with it a renewed sense of vitality, awareness, and communal pride. During these pastoral visits, as they’re often called, these church leaders get into the grassroots issues of our congregations. They take the time to connect with and uplift ordained and nonordained workers of the church such as catechists, presbyters, and leaders of various generational groups. These interactions not only foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes within the church but also serve as moments of encouragement and support.
Moreover, these visits extend beyond the boundaries of our denomination. They provide a valuable opportunity for fostering ecumenical relationships, as the Moderator or Clerk extends greetings not only to fellow Presbyterians but also to non-Presbyterian entities such as traditional leaders and other community leaders. It’s a testament to the inclusive spirit of our church leadership and the broader reach of our faith community.
Yet, one issue that has quietly persisted over the years regarding these visits is the economic benefit they have on the visitors and the financial burden they place on the visited locals or districts. I will explain this, please read on.
But before that, let me provide a bit of context. When the Moderator, Clerk, or any other officer of the church visits our congregations, their expenses are typically covered by the same congregation through contributions to the head office. Essentially, the assessment allocations that all local congregations contribute factor into covering the transportation, allowances, insurance, and other expenses incurred by the Moderator, Clerk, or chairpersons during their visit. So, in essence, it’s the congregations themselves who finance these visits even before they happen.
Moreover, pastoral visitations are an integral part of the job description of the principal officers. Whether it’s attending commissioning or ordination services, these are part of the duties that ministers were elected to fulfill. Additionally, there are instances where individual congregations extend special invitations to a principal officer to attend their anniversary or dedication ceremonies. When they accept these invitations and travels, it’s the head office, funded by congregational assessments, that foots the bill for expenses such as transportation and allowances.