The Bishop of the Cape Coast Diocese of the Methodist Church, Rt Rev. Richardson Andam, has expressed worry about the increasing rate of false teachings in the church contrary to Christian doctrine and urged older Christians and parents to guard the younger ones against falling prey to such teachings.

He said it was important for Christians themselves to grow in the faith to be able to discipline the younger ones in the right doctrines.

Rt Rev. Andam was speaking at the opening of the 19th biennial delegates conference of the Ghana Methodist Church Choirs (GHMECC) of the Cape Coast diocese.

The occasion also marked the 50th anniversary of GHMECC. Hundreds of delegates attended the three-day conference.

Rt Rev. Andam said if Christians grew in the faith, through quality Bible studies, prayer and soul-inspiring music, they would not be tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrines.

“How can anyone come and tell me the saviour's face will be replaced with his face," he queried. "People are selling water with their pictures on them for huge sums of money and preaching all sorts of heresies and false teachings," he stated.

Rt Rev. Andam said it was critical to protect the Christian faith through intensive evangelism and discipleship and advised Christians to decipher the truth using the word of God and to stick to sound doctrine.

He stated that the church, with wholesome doctrine, must seek to grow not only quantitatively but also qualitatively, building up Christians through discipleship.

He said while the numerical growth of the church was essential, the church must train members to be good Christians with a grasp of the word of God and good Christian living.

Strategic handover plan

He stressed the need for a strategic plan by the church worldwide to hand over the church to the next generation undiluted doctrines, saying the church, which was not doing evangelism and discipleship, was not taking up the true mandate of the church.

The delegates at the conference

Rt Rev. Andam commended the GHMECC for the immense contribution to the work of the church through songs, saying they had preached to many through spiritual songs.

The Oguaamanhen, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, also expressed worry over heresies and disturbing teachings, including doubling of money on television, saying such activities must be controlled.

He also urged Christians to seek the truth and stick to the faith.

The Krontihemaa of the Oguaa Traditional area, Nana Amba Eyiaba commended the GHMECC for their role in building up stronger Christians through soul-inspiring spiritual songs and admonished them to continue to commit their service to God and his work.

The Omanhen of the Abeadze traditional area, Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi, was also inducted as a patron of the Cape Coast GHMECC.