First Elders Appointed in the Accra Church of Christ

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. Titus 1:5 (NIV)

On December 3, 2023 at our Unity service in Accra, ICOC Ghana proudly appointed Jimmy Parry and Sylvanus Azumah as the first elders of the church before a congregation of more than 400!

Jimmy and Sylvanus have proven to be great husbands to their wives, great fathers to their children and mentored many others in the Church. They are temperate, humble, compassionate and caring men. The Parry’s and the Azumah’s, known for their deep love and courageous convictions, are a great inspiration and example to the Church.

In a colourful ceremony, Jimmy Parry and Sylvanus Azumah accompanied by their wives, Kathryn Parry and Joyce Azumah and the Anna Group of the church were led into the congregation by Adowa dancers for the appointment. The Lead Evangelist of the Ghana Church, Frances Dasse and his wife Paule Dasse introduced the two men and their wives to the Congregation. Frank Okodugha, an elder from the Lagos church and Lead Evangelist, Frances Dasse together with other Evangelists from Ghana and Ivory Coast placed their hands upon the two men in prayer as they were appointed Elders. 

Jimmy is a Banker by profession and hails from Winneba in the central region of Ghana. He was born in Takoradi in the Western region of the Ghana in 1964. He left the shores of Ghana to Europe after he completed his university education at the University of Ghana, Legon from where he holds a BSc in Agriculture. He also holds an MBA Finance from GIMPA. He got baptized in the London Church on February 2, 1991 and in 1992 joined the team to plant the church in Ghana.  He got married to Kathryn in 1994 and together they have coordinated various ministries in the church as kids kingdom coordinators, singles and marrieds ministry leaders and HOPE coordinators.

Jimmy and Kathryn are blessed with two children – Kevin (28), a disciple in the UK and Daphne (22). Until the appointment, they had been serving as a Shepherding Couple for the past four years while undergoing Eldership Training. They also co-ordinate the Youth and Family ministry in the Accra Church. They lead the West 1 sector and have opened their home to many church meetings and currently hold a midweek service in their home. Jimmy is multi-talented and also supports the worship and media ministries of the Church.

Sylvanus Azumah is a Soldier by profession. He was born in 1968 at Kintampo in the Bono East region of Ghana.  He joined the army after his GCE ‘O’ Level education in 1990. During his career in the army he did several mandatory career courses. He has been involved in Peace keeping operations in Liberia, Lebanon, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast.

He got married to his wife Joyce in 1992 and they have been blessed with six children Lydia (31), a disciple in the U.S., Desmond (29), Claudia (24), Derrick and Victoria both 21 and disciples and David (15) and one grandchild, William (1).

Sylvanus got baptised on April 26, 1994 in Accra and has since been a faithful, courageous and humble disciple. He has led bible talks while in the army and now in his retired home at the South East sector.

Until the appointment, Sylvanus and his wife had been serving as a Shepherding Couple for the past four years while undergoing Eldership Training. They also lead a Bible Talk in the South East sector. They are a very hospitable couple and have opened their home for several church events including midweek services. 

This marks a great step in our progress to strengthen biblical leadership in our congregation in Accra, Ghana.

Let us lift up Jimmy and Sylvanus and their wonderful family in our prayers. Pray for their faithfulness, for God’s guidance and protection as they take on this new role as Elders.

Pray also for their courage, wisdom and insight as they engage themselves fervently in the spiritual battle.

To God be the glory. Amen!