Scheduled to be held on the 31^st of December at Christ Temple East in Teshie from 9:pm to 1: am, this divine convocation promises spiritual insight through a series of activities to amplify the essence of the theme.

The essence of a ‘God’ year

In an exclusive interview on the essence of the chosen theme, Pastor Otabil stressed that importance of 2024 as the 40^th year of the International Central Gospel Church.

“It is a humbling realization for the whole church, especially for those who were there at the very beginning. It is incredible to contemplate how far God has brought His church from those inauspicious beginnings. It is that awareness that informs our choice of God as the theme for the church”, the respected clergymen intimated.

Pastor Otabil reaffirmed that after 40 years, it was important to reemphasize faith in God and an unwavering emphasis on knowing God and living for Him as the central focus of the church.

He challenged young Christians to uphold their faith and to find answers to the big questions their generation is asking about the Christian faith and its continued relevance.

Highlighting the continental relevance of the theme, Pastor Otabil stressed that the largest number of Christians, new converts and churches are now found in Africa.

He therefore called on the African church to wake up to its responsibility as the centre or axis of Christianity.

Significance of Crossover Service

New Year’s Eve is a big night for churches all over the world, and Pastor Otabil explained why: “31^st day of December may be just like any other day, but it is significant as an end as well as a new beginning of a year. It is therefore important to end the year with thanksgiving and reflection and to focus on the coming year.”

The main highlight of the Crossover Service will be the New Year Message where Pastor Mensa Otabil is expected to challenge the teeming crowds, both in-person and online across the world, to refocus hearts and minds on God.

The service will also feature times of worship, impactful prayers, music ministration, a communion service and an anointing service for the new Year.

The unique experience of the Crossover Service will be extended to worshippers across the world through online streaming as well as a live broadcast on Joy News TV and Joy FM. This will ensure that believers around the world can virtually converge in a global tapestry of spiritual unity.

As we wrap up a year of global uncertainties, the Crossover Service with Pastor Mensa Otabil is poised to be an epic night of spiritual devotion, setting the tone for a year where the divine takes centre stage.

Head pastor of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Pastor Mensa Otabil is against calls for churches to reopen in wake of the increasing coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Ghana.

In his view, churches must continue to play its role of protecting society including lives of its members.

“This is not the time for churches to consider gathering together in assemblies because the crisis before us is not going down” Pastor Otabil appealed during his online church service Sunday.

ALSO READ:

• Late Veep’s son’s touching message to mother, wife
• Coronavirus: 251 new cases; Four more die as Ghana’s case count hits 4,263
• Koku Anyidoho breaks silence on suspension of Allotey Jacobs

His call follows a proposal submitted to President Akufo-Addo by some Christian leaders to mitigate the spread of the virus as they push for government to life the ban on social gatherings including church services.

It’s been more than a month since the President placed the ban but the clergy said they are ready to comply with the COVID-19 safety protocols.

In spite of the rise in cases in Ghana, the Christian leaders claim they have the capacity to ensure social distancing during church service.

But Pastor Mensah Otabil is urging endurance with current arrangements even though they are “uncomfortable”.

“Just when we thought in Ghana we were having control over the situation, we are beginning to realise the virus has a mind of its own. It doesn’t seem to correspond to some of the efforts we are making,” he said.

Pastor Otabil urged for patience during the current phase while waiting for the time when churches can safely re-open for fellowship.

“It may not seem suitable to us but that is the price we pay to make the world a better place” he said.

Play attached audio above for more

In what was his first official verbal pronouncement on the matter, after weeks of controversy, Pastor Mensa Otabil told members of his church, Sunday, “God is good.”

Even though he did not go into the details of the controversy and his role in the collapse of the Bank, the founder of the ICGC told his members he owed them an explanation but that can best be summed up in the goodness of God.

READ: Dansoman fire: SDA pastor’s wife, children, in-law burn to ashes

Dr Otabil has been the subject of vehement criticism over the last few weeks over the collapse of Capital Bank, the bank he led as Board chair.

The license of the company together with that of UT Bank was withdrawn by the Bank of Ghana and the assets handed over to GCB Bank in August 2017.

However a financial autopsy report- Boulders Report- leaked to the media last two weeks and which contained alleged roles of the directors of the collapsed Banks triggered another bout of criticism against the directors especially the Board chair of Capital Bank.

READ: Photos: No road; electricity, no vote – Jang residents to govt

Dr Otabil last week released a statement clarifying his position in the collapse of Bank saying;

“1. I have observed with concern, the ongoing media discussions regarding developments in the Banking Sector and my role either directly or indirectly.

“2. I accepted to be Board Chairman of Capital Bank in a bid to help strengthen a promising Ghanaian enterprise that had potential but also challenges. I was excited about the prospects of a young man from a disadvantaged background who was daring to create opportunities and employment.

“3. My position was a non-executive role. I was therefore not involved in the day-to-day management and operations of the Bank.

READ: Video: I went to Obenfo for buttocks reduction but… Actress

“4. In the course of time, some decisions made turned out well while some did not turn out as well as had been anticipated. As far as I can tell, everything was done with the best of intentions and the interest of various stakeholders in mind.

“5. My foremost concern, as has been the case over the past year, is for the well-being of those who lost their jobs and those who may have been adversely affected in any way as a result of these developments. My heart goes out to them and to their dependents. I continue to pray for God’s guidance and sustenance as they navigate the course of their lives.”

But the statement did not end the barrage of criticism. If anything, it increased all the more with critics suggesting the man of God was trying to absolve himself of blame and responsibility.

A legal practitioner Yonny Kulendi on Newsfile, Saturday defended the content of statement saying it was a “statement of fact and a statement of law.”

A day after, Pastor Otabil offered an explanation to his church members in the following words.

“I felt that as your pastor I owe you an explanation to come to church and to make a statement on what my views are so that when you go out and people come up with information you will have a response to give to them. So this morning I came to make a response and there are three statements I will make in regard to the response I want to give and which I expect you to carry along to explain.

“My first statement is that God is good. My second statement is that God is good and my third statement is God is good.”

He however charged members to come to church to worship God and not man of God.