Fresh controversy has emerged in the Christian community following renewed attention surrounding allegations made by the founder of Glorious Word Powe
Fresh controversy has emerged in the Christian community following renewed attention surrounding allegations made by the founder of Glorious Word Power Ministries International, Rev. Isaac Owusu-Bempah, against the founder of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Pastor Mensa Otabil.
The development has brought the two influential clergymen into the spotlight, with Otabil recently delivering a sermon in which he urged Christian ministers to remain focused on their calling and refuse to be distracted by insults, criticism and negative public commentary.
Although Otabil did not mention Owusu-Bempah by name or directly address the specific allegations levelled against him, his comments have attracted attention because of their timing, coming amid renewed public discussions about the claims made by the controversial prophet.
The ICGC founder maintained that ministers of the gospel should not allow public criticism to determine how they conduct their ministry, arguing that their responsibility is to remain committed to God rather than engage critics from the pulpit.
Speaking during the sermon, Otabil disclosed that insults and negative comments about him rarely receive his attention, explaining that he has developed a personal attitude that allows him to move on without being emotionally affected by what people say.
He recounted that people sometimes approach him with information about comments made against him, only for him to indicate that he is either unaware of them or simply considers them the opinions of those making the statements.
“You insult me. I won’t even hear it. I honestly, I mean, sometimes people tell me, have you heard so-and-so said so? I said, I didn’t even hear it. And if I heard it, really, that’s his opinion. I move on. It doesn’t bother me,” he stated.
Otabil Reflects on Nearly Five Decades in Ministry
The preacher also reflected on his longstanding ministry, revealing that he began his journey in Christian ministry around 1975 or 1976.
According to him, he has never allowed discouragement or public attacks to prevent him from carrying out his religious responsibilities throughout the years.
He acknowledged, however, that people have different temperaments and may respond differently when subjected to public criticism.
Otabil therefore cautioned ministers against measuring their ability to withstand criticism by his personal experience, encouraging them instead to draw strength from their faith and remain committed to their individual assignments.
He further referenced biblical personalities and early Christian martyrs who endured persecution and severe hardships because of their faith, arguing that the criticism faced by contemporary ministers should not become an excuse to abandon their calling.
The pastor urged ministers to enjoy their lives, fulfil their assignments and avoid turning church platforms into places for settling personal disagreements.
“Enjoy your life. Enjoy your calling. Fulfil your life. Fulfil your calling. Just forget about what people say. Don’t start to reply people in the pulpit. Just love God. Love Jesus. Suffer for him. Live for him. Do his work. And whatever it costs, fulfil your ministry,” he advised.
He concluded by emphasising that ministers must continue doing God’s work regardless of the challenges and criticism they encounter.“No matter what happens, just do the work of God,” he added.
Owusu-Bempah’s Allegations Renew Public Attention
Otabil’s sermon comes against the background of allegations reportedly made by Rev. Isaac Owusu-Bempah, which have generated considerable public interest.
A report detailed the claims under the headline, “Rituals, UK, Infidelity and BBC Expos: The allegations Owusu-Bempah made against Mensa Otabil.”
The allegations, as presented in the report, have reopened public discussions about the relationship between the two prominent religious figures and the broader controversy surrounding claims made against Otabil.
However, the specific allegations remain claims attributed to Owusu-Bempah and should not be treated as established facts.
Debate Beyond the Two Pastors
The latest development has also brought renewed attention to the conduct of religious leaders, particularly the growing tendency for disagreements involving prominent pastors to become subjects of public discussion.
Otabil’s position, as expressed in his sermon, is that ministers should not allow criticism to distract them from their spiritual responsibilities or use church platforms to exchange words with their detractors.
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