Ghana

Good News Theological College and Seminary

What is the Good News Theological College and Seminary?

The primary companion of the ELCA in Ghana is not a Lutheran church, but an institution for training pastors and church leaders, the Good News Theological College and Seminary (GNTCS), formerly known as the Good News Training Institute. The ELCA, along with the Mennonite Board of Missions, has partnered with the GNTCS since its beginning in 1971 to provide personnel, scholarships, and financial assistance.

GNTCS is the only school in Ghana sponsored and funded by the Independent, Spiritual, and Pentecostal churches of Ghana. GNTCS is flourishing under the strong leadership of its Ghanaian principal, Thomas Oduro, who completed his PhD in Church History with ELCA international scholarship funds.

As an interdenominational school, the College/Seminary does not teach the doctrines and practices of any individual church, but emphasizes God's plan of redemption as revealed in the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. In addition to academic studies, learners are given individual attention by the staff in the development of their spirituality and personal Christian life. To raise the level of biblical knowledge and pastoral skills for those who are already serving congregations, it offers both full-time and part-time programs of study, as well as Theological Education by Extension (TEE) and special seminars and short-term training programs. Over twenty students are enrolled in the full-time four-year residential program.

How do the Good News Theological College and Seminary and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America accompany one another in ministry?

Through the churchwide ELCA Global Mission unit, the ELCA relates to and is in bilateral relationship with over 80 companion churches and institutions. The ELCA Global Mission unit stewards a relationship with the Good News Theological College and Seminary.

Churchwide funding through the ELCA Global Mission unit supports key priorities identified by the GNTCS. Five Ghanaian faculty members have received training through ELCA Global Mission's International Scholarship program. The ELCA also provides financial support for GNTCS’s operations.

Ghana: The context in which the Good News Theological College and Seminary serves

Independent since 1957, Ghana’s 23 million people speak English as the official language. Major religious beliefs include Christian (69%) traditional (9%) and Muslim (16%). Some economic gains have modestly benefited many Ghanaians, but unemployment is estimated at 20%. The country has achieved economic growth and was awarded a debt-relief package, but when adjusted for inflation, per-capita income remains below the level that existed in 1957 when Ghana achieved independence. Drought, deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, threatened wildlife populations, water pollution, and insufficient potable water are Ghana’s primary environmental concerns. Growth of the economy remains an elusive goal. Human rights and the psychological and physiological after-effects of their abuse are of concern as the new president tries to heal internal conflicts.