Church Must Lead in Promoting Family Values — Rev. Dr. John B. Ghartey

Former General Secretary of the Assemblies of God Ghana, Rev. Dr. John B. Ghartey, has called on churches across the country to play a more intentional role in strengthening families through the teaching of moral values and responsible parenting.

Speaking in commemoration of the International Day of Families, Rev. Dr. Ghartey stressed that religious institutions remain one of the most influential forces in society and must therefore use their platforms to promote virtues that build strong homes and responsible citizens.

According to him, churches must prioritise sermons, seminars, and counselling sessions that focus on family life, parenting, and values-based living.

“The churches have a serious role in shaping families, teaching family values from the pulpit, having seminars and so on for parents,” he said.

He noted that many people place enormous trust in their religious leaders, making the church a powerful avenue for social transformation.

“The reason the church becomes important is that people have so much faith in their religious leaders. To the extent that if you attack somebody’s religious leader, they will be ready to fight,” he stated.

Rev. Dr. Ghartey explained that when religious leaders consistently teach principles from the Bible and other holy books that encourage love, discipline, unity, and responsibility within the family, members of their congregations are more likely to embrace and practise those values.

He further emphasised that true faith should first be reflected within the home, particularly through the example parents set for their children.

“I have always said that if your faith is worth following, then your first converts should be your children. You may not even have to preach to them; they have to look at you and how you love your God and say, ‘The God of my father, the God of my mother,’ and move in there,” he added.

Rev. Dr. Ghartey maintained that the church has a responsibility not only to preach spiritual messages but also to contribute to the development of stable families and communities.

The International Day of Families is observed annually on May 15 to highlight the importance of families as the foundation of society and to promote awareness of issues affecting families worldwide.