An Analysis of the Challenges Posed by the Itinerant Nature of Pastoral Ministry in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana: A Case Study of the Bono-Ahafo Presbytery

Transfers of ministers have spiritual and administrative implications for church governance. The itinerant nature of pastoral ministry in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana presents unique challenges that affect the clergy, their families, and congregations, including disruptions to family life, strains on personal well-being, and difficulties in establishing long-term relationships with congregants. This research, therefore, was conducted to analyse the challenges of the transfer of ministers in the Bono-Ahafo Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. The mixed methods approach was used to make deductive or inductive use of theory as applicable. Primary data was collected from thirty-seven percent (37%) ministers in the study area. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of respondents indicated that transfer of ministers has significantly affected their families, especially children and spouses. Though most respondents did not wish to remain in their previous stations, almost fifty percent (50%) wished they had been transferred from their current stations Based on the findings, the research concluded that church policy regarding transfers should be opened up discussions. The findings provide empirical evidence towards the initiation of reforms that will minimize the effects associated with transfers of ministers.