Joseph Otsibah 
Reflections from a message by Apostle William Ohemeng Kwakye and insights shared by Apostle Gyemeke at the recent Global Ministers and Wives Conference of The Church of Pentecost reaffirm the urgent need to address the growing concern of sheep stealing in contemporary Christianity. Scripture consistently presents believers as sheep under the care of Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd, with church leaders serving as under-shepherds entrusted with their care. This imagery underscores responsibility, accountability, and ethical leadership rather than exploitation.
Sheep stealing, understood as the unethical transfer of already-groomed believers from one congregation to another through inducements rather than genuine evangelism, remains a troubling reality within the Christian landscape. In some contexts, particularly where churches are informally categorised along language or socio-cultural lines, factors such as class perception, material incentives, and aesthetic appeal have become tools for attracting members from other assemblies. While language diversity and welfare support are not inherently wrong, their misuse for competitive growth undermines the unity of the Body of Christ.
Many local-language churches invest years in discipling believers, nurturing spiritual gifts, and developing ministry capacity. When other churches deliberately recruit these trained members without corresponding investment in evangelism or discipleship, it raises serious ethical concerns. Practices such as offering welfare packages, educational support, leadership positions, or superior facilities as recruitment tools shift ministry from compassion-driven service to strategy-driven competition. Similarly, the subtle denigration of other congregations or the retention of visiting members without pastoral engagement erodes inter-church trust and accountability.
The consequences of sheep stealing are far-reaching. It fosters shallow Christian formation, weakens evangelistic urgency, fuels division, and compromises pastoral responsibility. Scripture warns against exploitative shepherding and reminds leaders that true growth comes from God alone. Churches that prioritise transfer growth over soul-winning risk undermining the very mission Christ entrusted to His Church.
There is therefore a clarion call for responsible leadership. Churches must strengthen discipleship systems, uphold ethical boundaries, honour inter-church relationships, and refocus on evangelism among the unreached. Welfare initiatives must flow from genuine love, not hidden recruitment agendas. True ministry builds God’s Kingdom, not personal empires. As the Chief Shepherd watches over His flock, leaders are reminded that integrity today determines the strength and sustainability of the Church tomorrow.
Written by Overseer Alfred Koduah
About The Author
Joseph Attoh 
