Resilience and faith define Bishop Adjeman's legacy

If two words, a clear, defining notion, can reflect the legacy of Bishop George Adjeman, the accomplished, soft-spoken, and venerated Ghanaian clergyman who celebrates his platinum jubilee today, they are resilience and faith.

I first heard the man, founder and presiding bishop of Winners Chapel Ghana (WCG), preach in March 2000 as a pre-teen, and I remember being immediately struck, as an aspiring storyteller myself, by his astonishing craft - a witty, unhurried, yet profound narrative approach. His sermons, starting with dense spiritual insight and traditionally rich with personal anecdotes and nuggets for real-life application and complete character development, made the complexities of spiritual life approachable. What a powerful man, I thought. What a quietly charismatic teacher.

Over the decades, as I have experienced more of life, I have witnessed his gentle, transformative impact on many lives, including my own. I am confident that many others have felt similarly inspired by his words and presence. Even today, after every sermon, I find myself repeating these thoughts: What a powerful man. What a quietly charismatic teacher.

Born on August 30, 1954, in Kumasi, and emerging from modest beginnings, Bishop Adjeman is now a shepherd of thousands, a mentor to many, a lifelong activist, and an author of several books, notable among them being The Law of Synergy, My Daily Confessions and Wisdom for Abundance. He spent a brief period in banking, but the majority of his life has been devoted to the work of God. Despite his largely quiet social personality, he has become one of the most important voices in the nation.

"He has been a man of profound wisdom, always expressed during decision-making, especially in difficult situations," says Pastor Raymond Adabor, who has worked with Bishop Adjeman for 11 years, including as WCG senior pastor since December 2021. "His unwavering faith in what God has said is remarkable and has enabled us to grow from strength to strength and from glory to glory. If there is a man worthy of God's honour, then Bishop George Adjeman is that man. It has been a privilege and a great blessing to work with him."

Over time and through the steady growth of his ministry, I observed that he possesses a unique ability to connect with people, whether they are seasoned believers or newcomers to the faith. He also constantly demonstrates a rare gift for awakening dormant potential in his congregants, guiding them to understand that a faith-based, purpose-filled life is an unmistakably worthwhile path.

"When divinity meets with humanity, there is the release of an uncommon personality," he would often charge.

This unfiltered and unfettered devotion to key kingdom principles - even in an era of compensatory sermons, instant gratification, and fleeting attention - perpetually awakens something in me. To my mind, this is partly why he continues to foster intensely moving experiences and build profound spiritual and communal connections.

Now, I must admit that I have not attended church as regularly as I did in 2000, but somehow, my feet have always found their way back under his guidance. Indeed, his whole life is a metaphor for humility, service, extraordinary faith, and a commitment steeped in a higher calling.

"With God, I'm covered" is often his response and admonishment. "If God is on your side, relax" - simple yet profound statements with a calming effect that encapsulate firm trust in divine providence. 

Aside from his straightforward, almost deceptively plain oratory approach, there's also a timeless adaptability that has allowed him to connect with a diverse audience, including younger generations who might otherwise feel disconnected from traditional religious teachings.

And then there's his quiet activism; from overseeing outreach programmes to establishing educational initiatives - contributions that have driven positive change without seeking the spotlight.

Bishop Adjeman's faith, kind charisma and tenacity in facing challenges - whether personal struggles or broader societal issues - will continue to inspire many, particularly those trapped in moments of personal doubt and difficulty.

Today, on his 70th birthday, his legacy is resolute and woven into the fabric of our community, shaping its spiritual, social, and cultural aspects. A man God loves, a man God has sustained, and a man God has blessed.