TIG Post

Tag: Pastor Mensa Otabil

  • People see you as a conman now if you call yourself a prophet – Pastor Otabil fumes

    People see you as a conman now if you call yourself a prophet – Pastor Otabil fumes

    General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Pastor Mensa Otabil, has expressed serious concerns regarding the behaviour of certain pastors in Ghana, suggesting that their conduct is detrimental to the faith of the public.

    He noted that the recent actions and statements of some clergymen are leading to a decline in trust and faith among believers.

    The respected pastor lamented the absence of a governing authority in the religious sector that would assess and verify individuals before granting them pastoral titles such as prophet or bishop.

    Pastor Otabil cautioned that if religious leaders fail to act in alignment with God’s intentions, they risk losing the confidence of the community.

    “As a charismatic church, we see so much power, and maybe that is what all of you see. But I see so much danger and so much self-destruction, so much dissipation of confidence. More and more, the congregation and the public are losing confidence in us. They are losing confidence in men of God, in clergymen. If you call yourself a prophet, it’s almost like a title meaning conman.

    “How can we take such a sacred title that Isaiah had, that Jeremiah had, all of these great people, and commoditise it and cheapen it so much that now this noble title almost means a conman?

    Because there is no regulatory body, everybody picks titles as they want and parades with it,” he said while preaching to a congregation at the Desert Pastures, Bolgatanga (home church of Rev. Eastwood Anaba).

    This statement is made amidst a period when several self-proclaimed prophets have been vocal about their insights and forecasts concerning the upcoming 2024 general elections.

  • Marry when you are comfortable – Counselor Charlotte Oduro to men

    Marry when you are comfortable – Counselor Charlotte Oduro to men

    Two prominent marriage counselors have publicly disagreed with Pastor Mensa Otabil‘s views on wealth and marriage.

    In a recent sermon, Pastor Otabil, founder of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), suggested that waiting to be wealthy before marrying is a flawed approach.

    He shared his personal experience of beginning his marriage with limited financial resources, asserting, “If you’re waiting to be rich before you marry, then your head is not working properly. You don’t want to marry, but you’re sleeping together. You want what’s reserved for marriage without going through the process. Be bold and marry.”

    However, Counselor George Lutterodt, speaking on Class 91.3FM’s Class Morning Show, countered this perspective. He argued that a man should be financially secure before entering marriage, stating, “No woman should allow a poor man to marry her. A man who cannot feed himself three times a day or provide adequate shelter is not ready for marriage.” Lutterodt insisted that financial stability is crucial for a man to qualify for marriage.

    Counselor Charlotte Oduro also contributed to the discussion on the same show, acknowledging the importance of financial stability.

    She emphasized that a man should have a certain level of financial comfort to ensure the well-being of his partner, advising, “At least if you want to marry someone’s daughter, ensure you’re in a comfortable position and capable of taking responsibility, as marriage comes with many demands.”

    This debate highlights the ongoing conversation about balancing love and financial readiness in relationships.

  • Don’t marry if you’re poor – Counselor Lutterodt opposes Otabil’s advice

    Don’t marry if you’re poor – Counselor Lutterodt opposes Otabil’s advice

    A recent debate has emerged among marriage experts regarding the role of financial stability in the decision to marry.

    Pastor Mensa Otabil, founder of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), has sparked discussion with his sermon suggesting that accumulating wealth before marriage is unnecessary.

    He shared his own experience of starting his marriage with limited resources and advised against delaying marriage for financial reasons.

    “If you’re waiting to be wealthy before you marry, you’re not thinking clearly,” Otabil asserted in a viral sermon clip. “You desire the benefits of marriage without the commitment, and that’s not right. Take the plunge and get married.”

    In contrast, Counselor George Lutterodt voiced strong opposition on Class 91.3FM’s Morning Show.

    He argued that a man should not marry if he is financially unstable. “A man who cannot sustain himself financially or provide a suitable home is not ready for marriage,” Lutterodt declared. “Financial readiness is crucial for marriage.”

    Counselor Charlotte Oduro also contributed to the discussion, noting the importance of financial stability for a comfortable marriage.

    “A man should be financially secure to ensure a stable and comfortable life for his partner. It’s essential to be prepared for the responsibilities that marriage entails,” she advised.

    This exchange highlights the ongoing debate over whether financial security should be a prerequisite for marriage or if love and commitment can outweigh monetary concerns.

  • No boyfriends, no sugar daddies – Pastor Otabil advises young ladies to stop sex-for-benefits

    No boyfriends, no sugar daddies – Pastor Otabil advises young ladies to stop sex-for-benefits

    Pastor Mensa Otabil, Founder and General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church, delivered a heartfelt message to his congregation, advising young women to abstain from giving in to the desires of the flesh.

    During a well-attended church session, he emphasized that “No boyfriends, no sugar daddies are worth exchanging sex for benefits.”

    He urged young women to work hard for themselves and avoid worldly attachments.

    Pastor Otabil encouraged young women to aim higher, aspire to significant roles such as Chief of Staff or President, and strive for a better future through their own efforts and achievements.

    Watch video below:

  • Stop running to Europe, it is a “sinking ship” – Pastor Mensa Otabil to Ghanaians

    Stop running to Europe, it is a “sinking ship” – Pastor Mensa Otabil to Ghanaians

    In a recent sermon titled “The Great Commission 1: Go,” Pastor Mensa Otabil, the General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), issued a stern warning against immigrating to Europe, emphasizing a significant shift in global evangelism dynamics.

    He contends that European nations are losing sight of the foundation of their prosperity, which will lead to their eventual collapse.

    He likened Europe to a “sinking ship” on the brink of capsizing.

    “God also warned the Israelites, remember when you are wealthy and strong you do not forget the Lord your God.

    “They have forgotten the God who made them who they are and if you look at the Global world, Europe, and the Western world, they are going down very fast. Those of you who are running there, are running into a sinking ship. It’s going down, I mean it is just a matter of time,” he said.

    Citing Matthew 28:16–20, Pastor Otabil highlighted the biblical instructions of Jesus to his disciples to proclaim the gospel.

    He noted that Africa is now emerging as the new hub for spreading the Gospel, contrasting Europe’s historical role as the epicenter of Christianity.

    Pastor Otabil described this shift as a phenomenon of ‘reverse evangelization,’ signaling a dramatic change in the spread of Christianity worldwide.

    “We in Africa have become mostly those who have the Gospel, and they in Europe have become those who don’t have the Gospel.

    “So those who brought us the Gospel are now empty of the Gospel so there is reverse evangelization taking place all over the world from Africa to the rest of the world, it is no longer from Europe to Africa.

    “It’s now Africa to the world because Europe has become post-Christian. Until probably about the last 60 -50 years, Europe was the main center of Christianity, that is how all the main Christian ideas came about,” he stated.

    Pastor Otabil also preached about the decline of Europe, attributing it to what he described as “apostasy” – a turning away from religious belief.

    “Civilization, as we perceive it, is not the solution; rather, it’s the source of their downfall.

    “America will not be the superpower again, and Europe will not be the superpower again.

    “They are just going down and the main reason is they have forgotten the source of their help. We think that it is civilization, but the Bible calls it apostasy.”

    He urged Africans to take up the mantle and spread the gospel across the world.

    “So when we think about the Gospel, we don’t think about people bringing the Gospel to Africa, we are thinking of Africa taking the Gospel to the rest of the world…When Jesus said go to the nations he meant every group of people who do not know the Gospel, go to them.”

  • ICGC donates Mental Health Authority with GHS200,000

    ICGC donates Mental Health Authority with GHS200,000

    As part of its yearly support for the authority, the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) has given GH200,000 to the Mental Health Authority.

    As part of its commitment to help improve conditions in the nation’s psychiatric hospitals and raise awareness to ensure the appropriate management of cases, the church has funded the Mental Health Authority for five years running.

    After the church organized a 12-meter health walk, Rev Anthony Cudjoe, the ICGC’s regional overseer for Accra South, made the presentation on behalf of the general overseer, Pastor Mensa Otabil.

    The ICGC’s annual health and fitness event encourages healthy lifestyles and serves as a platform to impact society as well as raise funds in support of the Ghana Mental Health Authority.

    Rev Cudjoe said ICGC’s support for mental health was anchored on the understanding that it was an aspect of Ghana’s healthcare system that was underserved and needed to be resources.

    Life Walk

    He said Life Walk was more than a fitness and wellness event but an evangelistic and charity event and reminded the gathering of how Jesus Christ went everywhere doing good.

    “Our mandate, and the third strand of our mission, is to influence society positively with the impact of the gospel,” he said.

    Increased Demand

    Receiving the cheque, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Dr. Caroline Amissah, commended the ICGC for its continuous support to the institution to bring attention and awareness to mental health issues.

    She said unlike previously when mental health was given little attention, things had changed with the issues now placed in the spotlight resulting in a reduction in stigma.

    Dr. Caroline Amissah noted that the collaboration with ICGC and other partners had led to an increased demand for mental healthcare with more people now reaching out freely for support when they had issues.

    Emulate 
    She called on other institutions to emulate the gesture by ICGC to complement the efforts of the state to ensure that people receive care and attention.

    This year’s walk began at the Christ Temple East Campus of the ICGC in Teshie.

    Participants included senior officials of the church such as Pastor Otabil, his wife, Lady Joy; General Secretary of the church, Rev. Morris Appiah; the Regional Overseer for Accra North, Rev. Yaw Annor and various district heads.

    The 12-kilometre walk took thousands of participants through some major streets in the Teshie enclave including Tse Addo and the Military Cemetery. 

    Officials of the Mental Health Authority, keep-fit lovers and members of the general public also joined the well-organized walk amidst brass-band music and singing by various cheer groups.