By King Amoah
In an era where the sanctity of the pulpit is increasingly being questioned due to the commercialization of the gospel, many voices are rising to condemn the trend of “pay to pray.”
Amidst the growing concerns over the monetization of spiritual direction, locally known as Akwankyire, Prophet Mark Ofori Gyimah, popularly known as Sofo Kaakyire has taken a firm stance against the trend
Kaakyire observes that the ministry is a divine calling for service and not a business venture.
Prophet Kaakyire the Associate Pastor of the Salvation Word Worship Centre expressed his deep disappointment regarding a recent media reports of a Kumasi based pastor who allegedly demanded Ghc10,000 before solving a marital problem for a lady.
A Divine Mandate, Not a Transaction:
Speaking on the issue Prophet Kaakyire who is also the host Pastor of the Heaven Keys Prayer Centre noted that such financial demands are unbiblical and fraudulent.
He reminded his colleagues in the ministry that the power to provide spiritual direction, healing and breakthroughs are gift from God.
According to the scriptures, these powers are given to us freely and therefore we are commanded to render them freely, he stated.
If our primary calling is to save souls from bondage then at what point did God authorized us to charge fees before offering service the clergyman questioned.
He emphasized that while a pastor is entitled to support or honorarium, it must be the result of genuine appreciation and good works and not a mandatory fee charged under the cover of the religious authority.
Addressing the Culture of Ingratitude
Prophet Kaakyire acknowledged that the rise of commercialized ministry is partly a reaction to the ingratitude of the public.
He noted that many people often seek help from pastors and disappear once their problems are solved.
They fail to show appreciation to God or the vessels they used.
Prophet Kaakyire however took the opportunity to caution that human ingratitudes are not a biblical excuse for extortion.
The fact that some individuals are ungrateful after receiving their breakthroughs does not justify turning the House of God into a marketplace, he pointed out.
As Pastors wemust remain focused on the word of God and the salvation of souls regardless of whether a beneficiary chooses to financially support the ministry or not.
The Call for Integrity
The Prophet reiterated how the actions of fake pastors are causing immense disgrace to the priesthood and casting shadow over those who are truly called to serve.
He urged his fellow clergymen to detach the ministry from the pursuit of wealth, warning that those who hide behind the Bible to commit fraud will eventually face the judgment of God.
To help reverse this disturbing trend, Prophet Kaakyire also encouraged believers to demonstrate a heart of gratitude and responsibility when they receive divine intervention through their pastors.
When a man of God stands in the gap for you and your problems are solved, it is a scriptural principle to honor the work of God, Prophet Kaakyire concluded.
