November 29, 2023

Prof. Stephen Adei holds a PhD (Econs, Sydney), MSc (Strathclyde), BSc. (Legon), andBachelor of Divinity (London), Masters in Theology (UNISA), FCIMG, ACIS andDiploma in Marriage Counselling. He is an expert in Leadership, Public Management,Finance, Economics, Marketing and Marriage Counselling. Since 2009 he is Professor ofEconomic and Leadership at Pentecost University College Accra.Between January, 2000 and December 2008 he was the Director General and the Rectorof the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). Under hisleadership, between 2000 and 2008 GIMPA was transformed from a small, under-resourced and subverted Institute in 1999 to the most successful organization under theGovernment of Ghana’s Public Sector reform.Prior to that he was, among others, Head of UN System in South Africa (September1994-February 1995), UNDP Resident Representative in Namibia (1995-1999),Economist and Chief of the Directorate of Africa Bureau, UNDP, New York (1989-1995); Senior Economist of the Commonwealth Secretariat, London (1986-1989) andstaff of the Ghana Investment Centre rising to Deputy Director and Head Research(1973-1985). He has taught Economics at both the University of Ghana and theUniversity of Sydney and undertaken several consultancy assignments.Prof. Stephen Adei has served on several national and international bodies includingChairman of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Member of the Board of Kofi AnnanCentre for Excellence in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Councilof Scripture Union of Ghana. He was the President and Council Member of theChartered Institute of Marketing (Ghana). He has served as a Member of GlobalFoundation of Management Education (Montreal), Council Member of Association ofAfrican Public Administrators and Management (AAPAM), Board Member ofCommonwealth Association of Public Administrators and Management (CAPAM),Member of the Board of Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA) Accra, and served as thePresident of the Ghana Red Cross Society. He is currently chairman and/ or member ofthe boards of several companies and not-for-profit organizations including membershipof the advisory board of the Ministry of Finance.Professor Adei has been involved in many Christian activities since he gave his life toJesus Christ as a teenager. These have included serving in many church positions asDeacon, Elder and Chairman in various places in the world; board member of manyChristian institutions including the Scripture Union (SU) and Christian OutreachFellowship and Co-founder of Christian organization such Family Life Mission (Ghana)and Ghana Christian International High School. His personal ministry focuses on familylife with his wife having written twelve books on Christian marriage and family life;transformational, spiritual, servant leadership, personal organization including managingones finances, entrepreneurship and mentorship of young Christians and entrepreneurs.One of his greatest passion is discipleship. He is the author, co-author and editor of 19 books. He is also contributed 6 book chaptersand written more than 90 articles and papers.He is married to Georgina and they have four adult children – Stephen, Eunice, Priscillaand Timothy.

As a Christian, Jesus Christ who loved me and died on Calvary to save me through the shedding of his blood is my model. I am so grateful that as a teenager he forgave my sins and made me his child so that the son of the gods is now saved and by his grace heaven bound. I have therefore dedicated my life to help younger people discover the wonderful way to have your cake and eat it- to grow like Jesus. That is what I mean by “four-square” education. In Luke 2:52 we read “And Jesus grew in stature, in wisdom and in favour with God and man”. I want to encourage SAPS school to aim at helping the children over the next 40 years: First to grow in stature: The physical development of children is so important and you must work with parents to ensure the children have balanced diet (not always fried rice and chocolate), exercise their bodies, spend time in open air, sleep adequately and protected from mosquitoes; have their health needs promptly attended to etc. the do all their growing when young. Second, to grow in wisdom: That is where academic excellence comes in so that the kids develop their full intellectual capacity-beyond passing BECE but also their musical, artistic, computer and other catalytic sills. However, wisdom is more than being smart or a “Ned”. Wisdom is a combination of intellectual capacity, appropriate application and a heart that is motivated by the love of God. The book of Proverbs (1:7) says “the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom” and Job 28; 28 says “The Fear of God is wisdom” That leads to the third aspect of the 4-square growth of Jesus- “In favour with God”. Educating young ones without bringing them to know Jesus Christ through whom we receive God’s love, grace and favour, is like raising lion cubs in your house because they look like kittens. They grow up to devour everything around them including humans. It is lack of Christ in the heart of our politicians, Judges, Security personnel that have produced one mess we are in today. Education without Christ raises clever devils. Please help the young ones to find Jesus as Lord, Saviour and Friend and when they grow up they will live differently. Finally we are told that Jesus grew “in favour with men”. We are social beings and we must train children to relate to others- school mates, siblings, teachers, as they grow up they must learn to serve others and use their privileges as opportunities for servant leadership. I believe that private schools have greater opportunity to do that. I want to thank you for the privilege to share in your moments of joy as you celebrate your 40th year. Long live our motherland, and may the good Lord continue to bless the good you are doing in this school. I thank you.

THEY ARE AUTHENTIC BORN AGAIN, SPIRIT FILLED, CONTROLLED AND LED Their Christianity is not by the will of men (John 1: 13), by tradition, or being born into a denomination. Rather it is founded on personal repentance of sin and faith in the blood of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sin and renewal (John 1: 29). The death and the resurrection of Jesus are the only basis of their justification and reconciliation to God i.e.by Christ’s atonement blood; that they are saved by the grace of God and that    the free gift of salvation and eternal life of God are to be accepted through repentance of sin and faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Authentic Christians know that the Holy Spirit has applied the work of Christ to their lives and are therefore born again. They are indwelt by the Holy Spirit thereby making them the temple of God. Their lives are marked by transformation as the Holy Spirit bears fruit in them. They express their gratitude in love for Jesus, hatred of sin and desire to live as children of God. Authentic Christians yield their members as channels of righteousness. THEY ARE ASSURED OF THEIR SALVATION They are assured and grateful to God for their salvation by grace on the basis of the atonement of Jesus Christ. They live on earth with heaven in mind-that is the epitome of vision driven living and” strategic planning.” THEY ABIDE IN CHRIST They daily abide in Christ through reading God’s word, the Bible, meditate on it and renew their faith in the Lord and thereby receive spiritual vitality from the Holy Spirit. Christ abides in them by his Holy Spirit and walking in the light they have unhindered access to God in prayer through Jesus’ name. Controlled and led by the Holy Spirit their desire is to live and serve their generation as children of God. They enjoy fellowship with God through reading and meditation of the Bible, God’s word, daily and praying to their Father in Jesus’ name (John 1: 12; 3: 16; Rom. 8: 10,14; Eph. 5: 15). THEY OBEY JESUS CHRIST OUT OF LOVE They are totally obedient to Jesus as Lord out of love.  A major characteristic of their lives is love of God with all their heart, soul, body, and mind. That manifests itself in love of neighbours especially those of the household of faith as the love of Christ is shared abroad in their hearts.  THEY ARE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST  In other words, they are totally committed to Christ having identified with his crucifixion so that the life they live, they live only to the glory of Jesus bearing their own cross and following him as Lord. Their motto is “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain”. They have surrendered their natural “independence” and “individuality” (or right to himself) to Jesus and willing to take a stance for him if that means death. “Natural virtues” are replaced by surrender to God. They follow Jesus having denied themselves (Matt 16:24). THEY LIVE AS AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST Their whole life mission is to be witnesses or ambassadors of Christ on earth. They seek the kingdom of God (i.e., God’s rule in their lives and in the world), share the good news of the saving grace of Jesus Christ with fellow sinners and disciple those who believe and live as “Salt” and “Light” of the world. THEY ARE COMMITTED TO FELLOWSHIP AND MUTUAL UP-BUILDING OF OTHER SAINTS As members of the body of Christ, they associate with like-minded Christians in worship. They use their gifts to build one another up and strive to serve God in their generation. They start all these from their home founded on marriage as God intended it, maintenance of a Christian home and the “Church in their home” where the Lord stations them. THEY ORGANISE THEIR LIVES TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM IMPACT They lead and manage their lives and time around their “True North” to make the most of their sojourning on earth so as to be highly effective in whatever their “hands” find to do. They organize to focus on Jesus and fulfil “their mission/calling”. They seek to balance their personal, relational and vocational lives by giving appropriate attention to their spiritual, mental, family, vocational, social, intellectual, physical and financial life as well as their management of time.  THEY BUILD THEIR CAPACITY FOR SERVICE They put maximum effort into building their capacities, developing their talents to the maximum, mindful of the command “to train thyself approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth”.  They know that “If the axe is blunt, it requires twice the effort” so they “sharpen their saw” and synergize with others to achieve their “utmost for His highest.” THEY ARE INWARDLY DETACHED FROM THE WORLD They live in the world but are “not of the world”. Freed from the love of money, pride, abuse of power and inordinate sensuality, they work to earn as much as they can, give as much as they can but are always totally and inwardly detached from money and all that is in the world. They see themselves as Stewards of God’s grace and good gifts but never act as owners. THEY ARM THEMSELVES WITH THE FULL ARMOUR OF GOD, STAND BATTLE READY, ARE ALERT, RESIST THE DEVIL AND WILLING TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST AND RIGTHEOUSNESS’ SAKE They put on the whole armour of God, resist the devil in the name and blood of Jesus and by their testimony. With the help of the indwelling spirit, they are victorious over self, the world and the “spiritual hosts of wickedness”. They are more than “conquerors through Christ who strengthens them”. They know that all those who desire righteous life shall be persecuted and gird their minds to suffer for Christ. GOD THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT HAVE THEIR LIFE FLOWING THROUGH THEM: Through faith, meditating on

THE CALLING OF A CHRISTIAN  Genesis 2:18 shows why God had to make man and woman into marriage. “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. That does not mean a woman or wife in inferior. In fact Gen 1:27 we read: “in the image of God he created him; male and female. Gal 3:28 shows that in Christ “there is neither male nor female”. Gens 2:23 Adam before the fall said “this is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” or my type 9 unlike the other creatures) So, every woman and man can say “I am fearfully and wonderfully made”. However, it is important to understand the status and roles of the couple in marriage as  Equal (Gen. 1:27; Gal3:28) Different (physically, emotionally, functionally) (Duet 22:6) But complementary- i.e., to complete each other (Gen. 2:18) That is why before women are asked to submit their husbands in Eph 5:22,23 it says in Ephesians 5:21 to both men and women “to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Because the wife and husband are equal, different, and complementary they have some equal roles, some different roles and the different roles “complete” each other.   That much is clear in proverbs 31:10-31. The success of the husband is indirectly attributed to the wife’s industry, organization, and godliness. We have joint role with husbands to honour God, to meet each other’s sexual needs (1 Cor 7:3); to raise our children, to respect each other, to create a Christian home and to serve. But let’s focus on women’s role. THE UNIQUE ROLE OF A WIFE KEY VERSE: Proverbs 31:12” she does him good and not harm, all the days of her life” in relation to her husband (we will not focus on parenting today) In that regard as women and wives we must know that our husbands may be Apostles, Pastors, elders, presidents but they are incomplete, weak, have blind spots and need our prayers, advice, humble corrections as well as SERVICE THEM SEXUALLY, “belly wise and others of course they have more to do for us too to make us complete, but my husband is talking to them. My husband and I have summarised what are our roles in the following 6 points. To submit to the husband’s leadership as the church submits to Christ (Eph 5:22, Col 3:18) To develop weapons of inner beauty” (1Pet 3:1-6) i.e., humility, supportive spirit, goal character in addition to attractive presentation of yourself but modestly. To be a friend of your husband. In Titus 2:4 the love older women are to teach the younger women to have to be their friends (Philo’s love). The other 2 loves Agape and sexual are also important but they are mutual. To conduct herself in such a way that her husband has confidence in her that is trust her. (Prov. 31:11) To be a helpmate and do him good at all times (Prov. 31:12; Gen 2:18) To manage the home to ensure family members needs for food, clothing, shelter, secure future and family husbands and children (proverbs 31:13-27) PRACTICAL TIPS FOR “KRISTO MU OYEREPA Maintain your own spirituality and closer walk to God for if you don’t, you can rather become a channel of Satan as Eve was and even like Mrs Job advise your husband to curse God in time of difficulty. Be a positive channel of God to help and guide your husband as Mrs Manoah (Sampson mother) or even Pilate’s wife in warning him to “have nothing to do with that righteous man (Jesus)”. The difference is your walk with God. Work on your character (1 Peter 3:1-16) and your physical beauty and be attractive to your husband   to encourage him to delight in the wife of his youth (Proverbs 5:18) Do all you can to more than meet the sexual needs and expectations of your husband (1Cor 7:3-5, song of Solomon – the Shunamite woman Manage your home to be resting place for him well with balanced food but not send him to an easily grave”. Manage his personal and social life especially with neighbours and his extended families with firmness, tact, love, and generosity. Show interest in his job, visit him and as much as possible accompany him. Be prepared to stand in for him. Ask God to give you the grace and anointing. Most men are proud of their children though many unfortunately don’t give the attention they deserve. (help him) Money matters-most men need help to manage their finances but feel too proud to release their control over the wallet. Work to gain his confidence and believe that your help make him richer though in my case my husband is the opposite. Above all pray for him daily and always Be bold, wise, and humble to correct him and tell him where he can be better. Surprise him with little gifts” afternoon jumps, care for people he loves such his mother. Make your husband and your family your number one ministry.

Being A Disciple And Making Disciples For Christ Before His ascension Jesus made a profound statement in Matt 28:19-20 as follows: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Jesus commanded His disciples to make other disciples in all nations (all ethnic groups of the world). The task was not meant for only the eleven disciples because, Jesus told them to teach their disciples to observe all He had commanded them. The continuity of this act makes every disciple of Christ also disciple maker leading to the reproduction of their kind. The large majority of professing Christians however do not care about disciples being made in every ethnic group because they simply aren’t committed to obeying Christ’s command.When Jesus was on the earth, he followed the same procedure by choosing his disciples and investing in them. In Mark 8:34, Jesus made a profound statement that “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me”. So becoming a disciple of Jesus means being willing to deny yourself of all things that hinder your walk with Jesus and taking up your cross (accept all it takes to obey Christ) and following Him. A major part of that is being his disciple and making others disciples.The marks of a disciple include the following: A disciple is: