Graduate Spotlight: Lipscomb graduate cultivating future church leaders in Ghana
Frank Essien is poised to strengthen the Church’s impact across Ghana through advanced leadership and spiritual formation skills learned in DMin program.
Keely Hagan | 615-966-6491 |
International student Frank Essien, from Cape Coast, Ghana, came to Lipscomb guided by a profound calling to deepen his pastoral skills.
He will be one step further on his journey when he receives a Doctor of Ministry degree focusing on missional leadership and spiritual formation from the university’s Hazelip School of Theology at the May 4 commencement ceremony.
A passionate teacher and minister in the context of campus ministry, Essien plans to return to Ghana to apply his newfound knowledge and skills in strengthening the Church of Christ’s efforts across the nation.
“I believe my purpose is to prepare and preserve the next generation of spiritual leaders for the church in Ghana,” Essien says.
He is seeking to implement leadership development programs for the Church of Christ’s efforts throughout the nation that will equip clergy and lay leaders to effectively guide their congregations and engage with their communities both spiritually and socially.
Looking further ahead, Essien envisions establishing a leadership institute in Cape Coast that will serve as a hub for spiritual formation and missional training for church leaders. The institute will aim to promote sustainable church growth and vibrant community engagement throughout the West African region.
“The education I have received at Lipscomb has enhanced my effectiveness and efficiency,” he says. “The entire Church of Christ community in Ghana can attest to the difference our ministry is making in terms of preparing for our collective future today.”
Essien says he selected Lipscomb to pursue his DMin degree because the university’s commitment to nurturing exemplary Christian leaders resonates with his own vision of fostering spiritually formed and missionally engaged church communities. The program’s emphasis on deep spiritual formation and advanced competencies aligns seamlessly with his mission-driven approach to ministry.
“I want to be biblically framed, with advanced competencies that will allow my ministry to thrive, with respect for the central role of the church in the mission of God,” he says.
Describing his experience at Lipscomb as “amazing,” he further notes that the faculty, known for their academic pedigree, are genuinely committed to student success and have played a pivotal role in shaping his pastoral journey. Their ability to integrate faith into their teachings has inspired him to achieve the same level of integrity and commitment in his ministry.
Reaching this academic milestone feels like a divine affirmation, Essien says. As he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his ministry, he remains steadfast in his commitment to preparing and preserving the next generation of spiritual leaders for the Church in Ghana