Slough Ghana: A Church Chosen for Mission

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

On Sabbath 1st February 2025, Pastor Kwadwo Kwarteng-Ampofo, Personal Ministries Director, delivered a powerful sermon and presentation at the Slough Ghana SDA Church. The sermon was titled Chosen for Mission, with the afternoon presentation titled Let’s GROW Slough Church Together.

The Sabbath was a beautiful one where the members were filled with warmth and joy. The service was led by the Personal Ministries Leader, Elder Peter Oppong-Mensah, and translated by Elder Evans Nyame. The Personal Ministries Department, made up of Sis Joyce Annor, Sis Felicia Asante, Elder Emmanuel Asiedu Quartey, and Yow Owusu Afriyie, took part in different parts of the service. We were blessed musically by the Youth Choir, the Soul Winners, the Church Choir, and Brother Maxwell Oteng.

Chosen for Mission

For effective evangelism, we ought to first understand what the mission is that God has chosen for us. Through understanding mission—what it is and what we are to do—it enables us to walk in the footsteps of Christ, doing what He wants us to do. Pastor Kwadwo shared with us that God has been shaping the Adventist Church over the past 160 years for mission. In a more personal light, Pastor Kwadwo pointed out that Slough Ghana Church has been appointed a mission since 2001.

As congregants, we were reminded that we are like the clay used in pottery, in God’s hands. Pastor Kwadwo likened the mission we have been chosen for as one that has been “woven intricately into the fabric of our existence”. Additionally, mission is sacred and requires our commitment. We must be able to reflect on the past, the present, and the future, that we may be “inspired to renew our commitment to fulfil the great commission and share the good news of salvation with those around us”.

Mission, as described by Pastor Kwadwo, is central to our faith as Christians and involves us telling others about Christ’s suffering on the cross for our sins. Congregants were implored to have a heart for mission, for without a heart for mission, there is no heart for Christ. Additionally, it is important to understand that mission is the heart of God.

Pastor Kwadwo invited all to break away from a maintenance mentality, for this causes stagnancy and prevents us from continuing to think about evangelism. Maintenance mentality, as described by Pastor Kwadwo, is one that causes us to think more about the physical things within the building as opposed to winning souls. As we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, to represent Him to a lost and dying world, we have to return to the Word. Pastor Kwadwo urged that we return to the Old Testament, where God called Abraham to be a blessing to all nations, where God sent Moses to Pharaoh to free the Israelites, and where prophets were sent to call the people of Israel back to God. By returning to these key moments in biblical history, we are able to see God in each mission and see how He moved in individuals who had mission in their hearts.

Pastor Kwadwo reminded us that we are set aside for mission, particularly in these last days. He explained that as Adventists, we need theological perspective as mission is integral for us. Through the writings of Ellen G. White, we are able to understand the mission around the world, and her guidance and wisdom should continue as a source of inspiration to us. Mission work is not just about evangelism but also about serving and meeting the needs of others, for mission is a way of life and not just a programme.

Pastor Kwadwo completed the sermon urging everyone to go into the world to proclaim the good news of the Gospel through our testimonies.

Let’s GROW Slough Church Together

The purpose of the afternoon’s presentation was to discuss the GROW your church method, in moving Slough Ghana Church from its current position to a position of growth. The GROW method includes Preparation, Planting, Cultivation, Harvesting, and Preservation.

Through Preparation, we are serving those around us. Slough Ghana Church has been called to serve their community. Once they have served their community, they are called to Plant the seed. Planting the seed is sharing the Word of God. Once we have Prepared the hearts of the community and have planted the Word, Slough Ghana has been called to study with those within the community. Through studies and the use of our gifts, it allows for interest to be Cultivated. Once the studies have been completed, and interest has been gained, members are to then make the appeal to have personal studies during the Harvest. Once the Harvest has been completed, members are to Preserve those whom they have appealed to through mentorship.

Pastor Kwadwo shared a story of a time he had been in Florida and was looked after by members of the Sabbath School class he had been sitting in whilst visiting. He informed us that he had been visiting the church for a while and was called aside by members of his Sabbath School class, as they noticed that he had been before but had no information about him. They asked for his address, and he gave the address of the hotel he had been staying in. He was then visited by the Sabbath School class at the hotel, where they prayed with him. The example used showed how important it is for us to reach out to those who come into our midst.

Pastor Kwadwo explained that all departments are important in helping the church to grow. Furthermore, he added, “Wherever we find ourselves, we are influential. Most of the time we are teaching without knowing, so we must be intentional in all we do.”