MONO-ETHNIC CHURCHES IN THE ASHANTI REGION OF GHANA: AN ASSESSMENT OF GROWTH OF THE FRAFRA COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCHES OF THE GHANA BAPTIST CONVENTION: 1993-2013

Abstract

The study examined the concept of mono-ethnic churches in the Ashanti Region: An Assessment of Growth of the Frafra Community Baptist Churches of the Ghana Baptist Convention. It is based on the hypothesis that mono-ethnic churches are not entities for promoting tribalism, but rather an avenue for indigenous people to express themselves relevantly in the worship of God. From an initial small beginning of one church the Frafra Community Baptist Church Movement has grown numerically, organically and incarnationally as evidenced by the nineteen branches which have been established and chapels constructed. Through interviews and participant observation, the study found out that the achievements so far realized have been made possible through the hardwork and dedication of committed leadership, and prudent administrative and spiritual measures which have been put in place. These include opportunity that is given to the members to worship within their cultural setting, and a holistic ministry which is geared towards meeting the needs of the vulnerable. The study concludes that the mono-ethnic church movement in Southern Ghana is a viable option as it enables indigenous people to respond to Jesus by themselves and appreciate him in their own socio-cultural and political environment.