A new book titled ‘Seven Altars in Pastoral Ministry’ has been launched with a call on Ministers of the Gospel to remain rooted in responsible leadership, spiritual discipline, faithful service to God.
The book, authored by Rev Samuel Nii Klu Nortey, District Minister, Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Tema Manhean, emphasises that “every calling begins at an altar” and presents a transformative journey through seven essential altars every minister must build, guard and revisit to serve faithfully and finish well.
Drawing on Scripture, pastoral experience and spiritual reflection, the book explores the altars of Calling, Consecration, Word and Prayer, Sacrifice, Warfare, Thanksgiving and Legacy.
It also examines offering practical guidance for ministers, elders, theological students and church leaders navigating leadership, conflict resolution, congregational growth and spiritual warfare.
The 59-page document with eight chapters, highlights the need for servant-leaders to build healthy spiritual and administrative systems, sustain ministry through prayer and leave lasting legacies that would outlive their ministries.
Rev Nortey in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said that ministry should not be viewed as a profession but as a sacred pilgrimage shaped by God’s grace and direction.
“I see this call as God’s call, He sends you out, asks you to serve His people and it is all about sacrifice. I’m looking at shaping the contemporary missionary work and ministry which is more of personality and performance driven.,” he said.
“People are looking up to themselves, they have powers and they can do things minus God but that is not the way, it is God who directs. So we must build the church and make sure that the word of God is meaningful in the lives of the people,” the District Minister added.
Rev Dr Michael Sowah Nortey, Registrar, Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture, who reviewed the book described it as a valuable gift to the Church and the broader mission of Jesus Christ.
He said the book defined an altar as “a sacred meeting point between God and His servant,” noting that no genuine ministry could thrive without a personal and consistent altar experience with God.
“The book demonstrates that success in ministry should not be measured by titles, numbers or visibility, but by faithfulness to God’s calling and dedication to prayer and service,” the Reviewer said.
The author, Rev Samuel Nii Klu Nortey, is an ordained minister with more than 24 years of pastoral experience, and also serves as Minister-in-Charge of Immanuel Congregation. He holds a Bachelor of Theology degree from Trinity Theological Seminary and a Master of Arts degree from University of Ghana.