http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/5 FACULTY OF EDUCATION 2026-07-17T18:52:40Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/30697 The Bible, Divination and the Twelve Apostles Church: A Case Study of Jomoro and Ellembele Traditional Areas Joseph Gyanvi Blay, Joseph etal The encounter between Christianity and African traditional religion has long been characterized by tension, misunderstanding, and theological gaps. Early missionary efforts, shaped by colonial ideologies and Western cultural frameworks, often failed to engage meaningfully with African worldviews and spiritual needs. This disconnect left many African Christians in a state of religious and cultural dissonance, prompting the rise of independent prophetic movements that sought to contextualize the Christian faith within African realities. This book explores one such movement—the Twelve Apostles Church of Ghana—tracing its roots to the prophetic ministry of William Wade Harris and focusing particularly on its development in the Nzema area. The study examines how indigenous beliefs and practices, especially divination, became integrated into the church’s theology and spirituality, even as these elements diverged from the missionary legacies that originally shaped African Christianity. This book is structured into seven chapters, each addressing a key aspect of the study. Chapter One provides an introductory framework, outlining the background, research methodology, and overall organization of the work. Chapter Two explores the origins, doctrinal beliefs, and religious practices of the Twelve Apostles Church. Chapter Three examines the process of initiation and training into the priesthood within the church, shedding light on its unique spiritual formation. In Chapter Four, an exegetical analysis of 1 Samuel 9:1–10:26 is undertaken, alongside a comparative discussion of how this biblical passage is interpreted by both scholars and the Twelve Apostles Church. Chapter Five investigates the practice of divination as it exists within the church, while Chapter Six evaluates its perceived significance and practical implications for church members. The final chapter, Chapter Seven, offers a summary of the major findings, followed by general conclusions. With this overview in place, the book THIS COPY IS NOT FOR SALE vii now turns to the next chapter, which examines the historical emergence and growth of the Twelve Apostles Church. By employing a qualitative case study approach, this research offers a detailed ethnographic and theological investigation into the practice of divination within the Twelve Apostles Church. Drawing insights from 1 Samuel 9–10:26 and from interviews with church prophets, prophetesses, devotees, and members, the study reflects on how African Independent Churches mediate spiritual experiences in ways that resonate with the socio-religious context of their communities. This work contributes meaningfully to the growing body of literature on African Independent Churches (AICs), African Christian theology, and contextual biblical interpretation, particularly in relation to the Old Testament. It highlights how AICs such as the Twelve Apostles Church represent both a theological response and a socio- cultural reimagining of Christianity in Africa—one that seeks to reclaim spiritual agency, address existential concerns, and affirm African identity within the Christian faith. By examining the practice of divination in the light of 1 Samuel 9–10:26, the book not only engages in biblical exegesis from an African perspective but also raises critical questions about continuity and discontinuity between African traditional spiritual practices and Christian revelation. In doing so, it opens up fresh conversations on how African religious experiences can inform theological discourse, shape pastoral care, and revitalize Christian worship and community life in the African context. Ultimately, the study invites theologians, biblical scholars, church leaders, and lay readers alike to reflect on the potential of African Christianity to develop its own authentic voice—rooted in Scripture, sensitive to culture, and responsive to the spiritual needs of the people. 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/30696 SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES MARKETING STRATEGIES AND MARKETING PERFORMANCE IN GHANA: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF MARKETING KNOWLEDGE BOAFO, NANA DANSO etal ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)' marketing strategies and marketing performance in Ghana, mediating role of marketing knowledge. Using a quantitative research approach, data was collected from a sample of 207 SMEs operating in various industries in Ghana. The study employed statistical techniques such as regression and mediation analysis to analyse the data. Preliminary findings reveal a positive and significant relationship between marketing strategies (including market segmentation, competitive strategy, and growth strategy) and marketing performance of SMEs in Ghana. Moreover, marketing knowledge is found to mediate the relationship between marketing strategies and marketing performance, indicating that SMEs' understanding and application of marketing knowledge enhance the effectiveness of their strategies. These findings have practical implications for SMEs in Ghana, enabling them to make informed decisions when formulating and implementing marketing plans. The study underscores the importance of investing in marketing education and training to enhance SME’s understanding of marketing concepts and practices. By contributing empirical evidence on the relationship between marketing strategies and marketing performance in the Ghanaian context, this study enriches the existing literature on SME marketing. The identification of the mediating role of marketing knowledge offers insights for policymakers, practitioners, and academics to develop targeted interventions and strategies such as subsidized training programs in collaboration with academic institutions, focusing on building marketing knowledge and skills among SME owners and employees in Ghana. Keywords: SMEs, marketing strategies, marketing performance, marketing knowledge 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/30695 A RHETORICAL CRITIQUE OF ISRAELITE WORSHIP IN THE BOOK OF AMOS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GHANAIAN PENTECOSTAL/CHARISMATIC CHURCHES Gyanvi-Blay, Joseph ABSTRACT This study examines Amos’ critique of Israel’s worship at Bethel and Gilgal (Amos 4:4 5; 5:21-27), condemning religious hypocrisy. Using George Kenedy’s five-stage model of rhetorical criticism as the methodological framework, the study analyzes Amos’ use of irony, satire, hyperbole, and judicial rhetoric to emphasize justice and righteousness over empty sacrifices. Through this lens, two key authorial intentions emerge: minimizing Israel’s excessive rituals that overlook righteousness and depicting the corrupt cult from Yahweh’s perspective. Although some scholars argue that Amos did not explicitly identify the sinfulness of Bethel and Gilgal, this study finds that he condemned the offering of both leavened and unleavened food-acts that further intensified Israel’s rebellion. The study also explores the contemporary relevance of Amos’ message for Ghanaian Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches where the emphasis on miracles and prosperity often overshadows ethical leadership and social justice. It reveals patterns of financial and moral exploitation and underscores the biblical call for justice, integrity, and accountability. The findings suggest that pastors should prioritize justice in their ministries. Churches, especially Pentecostal/Charismatic persuasions, must support the needy, invest in youth training and care for the vulnerable. Furthermore, applying Amos’ prophetic critique to Ghanaian society at large can foster biblical formation, reduce corruption, and inspire national reform. Keywords: Cult, Yahweh, Rhetorical Criticism, Prophets, Prophecy, Justice Righteousness 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/30694 A STUDY OF LUKE 4:18-19: IMPLICATIONS FOR GHANAIAN PASTORS IN CHRISTIAN MISSION AND MINISTRY KANG-EWALA, DIBORO BSTRACT The study of Luke 4:18-19 presents a rich foundation for understanding the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ, particularly regarding his proclamation of liberation, healing, and restoration to the marginalized and oppressed. 1 In the context of contemporary mission and pastoral ministry, Ghanaian pastors encounter diverse challenges ranging from socio-economic issues to spiritual warfare, all within a rapidly changing cultural landscape. However, amidst these challenges lie invaluable lessons and principles embedded within Luke 4:18-19, offering timeless wisdom for effective mission and ministry. The study employed both historical and exegetical approaches to explore the implications of the text and its application to the context of Ghanaian pastors. It also discusses the nature of Jesus’ mission and ministry, mission and ministry in the early Church and ministry to the poor among the church Fathers in order to draw informed conclusions for the text’s implications. This study argues that delving into the contextual significance of Luke 4:18-19, by elucidating its implications for Ghanaian pastors, is key to providing valuable insight on biblical exegesis, interpretation, Christian mission and ministry among young, gifted, but desperate pastors in Ghana. Article 0025-11-01T00:00:00Z