“Do My Prophets no Harm” (Ps 105:15b): Bible and Leadership in the Neo-Prophetic Movement in Ghana

Abstract

Since the rise of the Neo-Prophetic Movement in the Christian landscape in Ghana, several cases of questionable behaviour of Church leaders have been recorded and widely circulated in the media. These behaviours, ranging from uncouth language to criminal conduct, have sometimes warranted the intervention of law enforcement agents, who step in to apprehend or caution offenders. Surprisingly, the wider Ghanaian society has been largely tolerant of these church leaders, affording them wide coverage on national television and marks of respect during social events. Using the distinct interest approach of African Biblical Hermeneutics, this study examines Ps 105 as a biblical passage whose interpretation or misinterpretation appears to contribute to perceptions of immunity for church leaders in Ghana, particularly within the Neo-prophetic movement. The study argues that a clearer understanding of passages such as Ps 105 could contribute to greater accountability among church leaders in Ghana.