Christendom is being corrupted - Dr. Owusu-Afriyie

The Founder of one of the most influential Christian youth movements, Youth Ambassadors for Christ Association (YAFCA), Rev. Dr. John Owusu-Afriyie, has stirred the hornets’ nest by pointing out that the moral values of modern Christendom are being corrupted.

According to him, “the church is gradually becoming worldly, making it difficult to differentiate between it and the world.”

He said although the Church had registered a tremendous growth in recent times, it had not been able to turn out Christians whose attitude reflected the true teachings of Christ.

Speaking to the DAILY HERITAGE in an interview on the 40th anniversary of the YAFCA, Rev. Owusu-Afriyie said many Men of God today have declined from teaching the rudiments of Christian doctrine and have rather taken to a stylish method of preaching to excite the congregation, as well as arousing their emotions.

He noted that the anniversary of the body which is on the theme: "Aspiring for Higher Standards," would seek to raise their vision to the next level through the mobilisation of individuals whose lifestyles had been positively influenced by the ministry of YAFCA to join hands in redefining the movement’s course and also to support in pushing forward the objectives of the Ministry in the 21st Century.

Recounting the genesis of the dynamic youth movement, Rev. Owusu-Afriyie, said for the past 40 years, they have put up a number of Christian programmes that have provided the opportunity for equipping and training young people for the Christian ministry.

He added that YAFCA’s vision has been to reach out to the youth of the country through such evangelistic programmes as YES camp, CHRISTOFEST, Voluntary Service for Christ among others.

He noted that the goal of the ministry is to expand its work beyond the borders of Ghana with missionaries.

The dynamic President said notable Christian leaders like Sam Kuranchie Ankrah, Eastwood Anaba, Mensah Otabil, and Agyin Asare received early training through the programmes organised by the youth movement.

“Today, through its flagship programme dubbed "Youth Evangelism School" has trained over 8,000 young people who are today holding leadership positions in big churches both within and outside of the country.”

On achievements chalked, he observed that YAFCA spearheaded contemporary Christian music in Ghana.

He was, however, worried that today’s contemporary gospel music is becoming adulterated and is failing to draw souls for Christ.