Who is a Real Apostle or Bishop?

The historically epochal consecration of Bishop Mrs. Naana Addae-Mensah took place on Saturday, 11th November, 2017. The event was an exhibition of the Excellencies of the Kingdom of God and the beauty of the Spirit.

The Phenomenal Faith Cathedral was packed to overflowing as clergy and saints from various ministries in the Body of Christ joined to observe this solemn ceremony.

The college of Bishops present to officiate the consecration of the woman of God were Bishop Gideon Titi-Ofei, Bishop Emmanuel Nterful, Bishop Dr. Francis Amponsah, with Senior Bishop James Saah as the Chief Consecrator.

A fiery message on seven characteristics of a real apostle or Bishop was taught by Bishop Nterful. Using Acts 10:10-16, 19-20, the man of God explained that a bishop is not a title, saying, "We don't have to trifle and violate the spirituality and authenticity of the office."

Bishop Nterful elucidated on the seven characteristics of a real apostle or bishop as follows:

# Real bishops or apostles have a vision for others. He noted, "You must have a vision for others. God wants you to expand the vision for others. A true apostle or bishop is not self-centered." (2 Corinthians 12:15)

# Real bishops or apostles have a burden for others. Someone who carries only his burden does not have a right to the apostolic office (Romans 10:1). You must have a burden for others (Romans 10:3-5). He prophesied over the lady Bishop, "May the burden for others consume you for the rest of your life." He urged those gathered to carry the burden for others.

# Real bishops or apostles care for others (see 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28). Don't take suffering out of the ministry. Ministry is carrying the cross of Christ, which is suffering, sacrificing, losing and dying. We must weep and have the care of the Churches!

# Real bishops or apostles must travel to others to attend to others. Jesus travelled 200 miles on foot from Jerusalem to Galilee. Using Acts 1:8 as a canvas, he painted the portrait of the four stations of ministry every minister of God must go through. We must move from place to place. We must go everywhere. The cross will send you into the desert. In the desert, there's nothing; there's no comfort. We must take the light of the Gospel to those regions where the lost are!

# Real apostles or bishops must visit many cities to attend to others (see Acts 15:36 and Acts 22:21). He assured, "Wherever you go, once your agenda is the Gospel, you'll have light all around you!"

# Real apostles or bishops spend and they are spent for others (see 2 Corinthians 12:15).

# Real apostles or bishops train people to think about others (see Philippians 2:4). The five-fold ministry gifts were given for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry. He sternly rebuked, "If we don't have people going out, it is because we have failed to train them." (see Matthew 4:19 and Philippians 2:19-20). Apostles are sent ones. They break the grounds. Roll up your sleeves and do the work.

Bishop Nterful concluded, "The days of caring about your own are over!"

The ceremony progressed as the woman of God took the vows and was publicly equipped with the following:

# The girdle of truth

# The cross

# The Bishop's ring

# The Robe of office

# The Mitre

# The Sword of the Spirit

# The Shepherd's Staff

# The Bible

The congregation also took vows endorsing the woman of God. Then, the Holy Communion was served to her. She was then officially consecrated as a Bishop! Glory to God!

'Twas a consecrated day!