Samuel Pipim | Center for Leadership Development

Dr. Samuel Pipim is an effective speaker who has addressed diverse groups of youths, students and young professionals, business executives, healthcare professionals, legislatures and institutions, among others. A prolific writer, he has already authored seventeen books and is likely to write more. Not one to quietly allow things to slide through the cracks, he is known to speak boldly and freely on issues that make many squirm. He has over the years spoken extensively and written copiously about issues of Church-growth style, divorce and remarriage, styles of worship, homosexuality, none of which has endeared him to many in favor of emerging trends and liberalized relaxations of orthodoxy in the Christian church. As a result, his works have been subject to heavy criticisms, some of which are subjective and personal in nature, but a reality that fuels his naturally-inquisitive mind and drives him to further research.

In May 2011, Dr. Samuel Koranteng Pipim resigned from his primary work as Director of CAMPUS, after publicly announcing a moral failure while on an overseas trip. Within a few weeks, he resigned from his other public assignments and withdrew from public engagements to deal with the fallouts from his public announcement of his failure and resignations, a period he refers to as his “night.” It was during this nighttime that he started sharing short, inspirational messages with some of his online friends who were discouraged about his situation. These ‘Songs in the Night’ have today become “Weekly Thought Nuggets” that details his own experiences and challenges, inspires, and encourages others.

In response to his public resignation, surrender of ministerial credentials, and submission to disfellowship by his local church, many questions have been raised by those genuinely desirous to know the truth, and those who see Dr. Pipim’s spiritual failure as an occasion to get even. His communications on the issue have been limited to providing basic information with careful regard for privacy and confidentiality of other parties involved. Some of his communications regarding his resignation can be found on his web site: http://drpipim.org/resignation.html.

Out of Christian decency he tried to keep identities and details of those involved confidential to prevent future compromise of their lives. But it was not the case with those who capitalized on his fall to push forward their own personal, ideological, financial, political, racist, and other agendas. With complete disregard for ethics and professionalism, Christian principles and basic tenets of justice, many individuals and groups recklessly confidential information they got or fabricated with no regard for names, locations, identity or other private circumstances of others, including those they claimed to be helping. Going further, some of these people continue to engage in unethical and indecent harassment of organizations, groups, and individuals that are connected to him, stalking some for weeks and months on end and virtually harassing them to dissociate from him. Many web pages and posts have been used to promote the defamatory responses by these individuals and groups.

Dr. Samuel Pipim’s response to all the furor is that he the Lord has graciously given him another chance to put his God-given talents, gifts, successes, and failures, and will not expend this time to focus on those whose wish is to completely remove him from any future service, including even his own personal activities. He and his family are grateful for those who encouraged and supported them in his nighttime even as they made it clear that they did not condone his failure. Without downplaying his moral failure, he reminds those who condemn him that an extensive media trial based on one side of a story does not satisfy requirements for justice by either God or man. He accepts his moral failure but discountenances allegations of rape, and homosexuality as a mischievous and malicious twist of a moral failure on his part by those who seek for him to vanish, or be tarnished, and forever banished.

For more information:
Samuel Koranteng Pipim 
http://drpipim.org
http://eaglesonline.org/

Samuel Koranteng Pipim - An Eagle Is An Eagle

“A weed is a plant whose virtues have not been discovered” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Those who’re quick to dismiss you on account of your past or present circumstances will later discover your worth. Oprah Winfrey was fired from her TV reporter’s job and advised: “You’re not fit for TV.” Steve Jobs was forced out of the Apple company he founded, but returned 15 years later to rescue it from near bankruptcy. Today’s defeats are the feats of tomorrow. Rejected now? You’re still God’s eagle. A wounded eagle is still an EAGLE, and not a chicken or a turkey! Through God’s grace and mercy wounded eagles can heal to soar again (Isaiah 40:31; Proverbs 24:16; Micah 7:8-10, 18-20). An eagle is an eagle. You!—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim

Samuel Koranteng-Pipim: Permission is granted to share thought nuggets from this website provided they are reproduced in full and are for non-commercial use only. Pertinent quotes can also be excerpted from the nuggets and shared with others. Users of both nuggets and/or quotes must acknowledge Samuel Koranteng Pipim as the author and give the appropriate EAGLESonline link as the source.

Samuel Koranteng Pipim - HE OPENS DOORS

A Ugandan proverb says, “When God decides to bless a person, even his bull produces young ones.” Jesus said it best: “See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it” (Revelation 3:7). Not even our enemies and frenemies can determine our fate or prospects. Not their envy, hatred, plots, and verdicts. It’s not our wisdom or strength that overturns the odds against us. Nor our abilities, position, connections, or looks that secure opportunities. And it’s not our goodness that qualifies us for salvation or ministry. Rather, it’s “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens” (v. 8). Christ will open your shut doors, if you’ll open your heart’s door to Him (v. 20).—Samuel Koranteng Pipim

THROUGH THE VALLEY - Samuel Koranteng Pipim

Of the many valleys in life, death is the deepest & most dreadful. One out of every one person will walk through this lonesome valley. David confirms & offers hope: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me” (Ps 23:4 NASB). Death is an “even though” reality, not an “if or maybe” event. Green pastures DO turn into gray deserted valleys. But the God who is with us in our valleys of death will also be with us during our other tragedies of life. In the lion’s den, we’ll be safe. In the fiery furnace, we won’t be burned. In the deep waters, we shall not drown. And in life’s journey, we shall walk THROUGH the valley. Emmanuel!—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim.

Samuel Koranteng-Pipim: Permission is granted to share  thought nuggets from this website provided they are reproduced in full and are for non-commercial use only. Pertinent quotes can also be excerpted from the nuggets and shared with others. Users of both nuggets and/or quotes must acknowledge Samuel Koranteng-Pipim as the author and give the appropriate EAGLESonline link as the source.

Samuel Koranteng Pipim - POISON OF THE SOUL

Bitterness or resentment is like acid. It damages both the container in which it’s stored and the vessel on which it’s poured. But bitterness hurts us more than the person we resent. Chances are, our adversary has moved on with life while we remain stuck in our grudge and animosity. Cherishing bitterness is plain stupidity. Worse, it’s “poison” (Acts 8:23), which is why Mandela said, “Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for it to kill your enemy.” The root of bitterness isn’t so much the hurt or bad experiences we’ve suffered, but our unforgiving spirit, pride, and unconvertedness (Ephesians 4:31, 32; Matthew 18:21-35; Hebrews 12:15). Are you poisoned by bitterness? Detox now! Forgive and live!—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim

Samuel Koranteng-Pipim: Permission is granted to share  thought nuggets from this website provided they are reproduced in full and are for non-commercial use only. Pertinent quotes can also be excerpted from the nuggets and shared with others. Users of both nuggets and/or quotes must acknowledge Samuel Koranteng-Pipim as the author and give the appropriate EAGLESonline link as the source.

Tears At Christmas by Samuel Pipim

The Christmas story is not a sanitized account of life. It’s not some sentimental jollity of jingle bells, Xmas plays, and Santa Claus gifts, supposedly to remember Christ’s birth. Besides “peace on earth and goodwill towards men” (Luke 2), there’s also “lamentation, weeping, and great mourning” because of envy, secret plotting, and massacre of the innocent to advance personal and political ambition (Matthew 2:1-18). As at that first Advent, our world today is also full of tears at Christmas time. These tears can’t be wiped away by simply going for shopping, dining, or watching sentimental Xmas movies. Those for whom “Merry Xmas” has become “Teary Xmas” shouldn’t despair. For, He whose Childhood and life were marked by many tears identifies with all our sorrows and griefs. He’ll come again to end all tears.— Samuel Koranteng Pipim

Samuel Pipim - African Eagles

Samuel PIpim has visited worldwide and spoken in many chruch events, religious programs. Samuel Koranteng Pipim is the main director of Eaglesonline network. Eaglesonline is the acronym of EAGLES OnlineEmpowerment & Advisory Group who helps people to leave their failure behind and keep on working with positive mentality.

Excellence is distinction. Mediocrity is extinction. Mediocrity is content with its condition and accomplishments. It settles for good when better is available.But excellence betters its best. Choose to be distinct, not extinct. That’s the choice Africa has to make.Africans must move from the chicken mind-set to an eagle mind-set, from mediocrity to excellence. In the famous words of Dr. J. E. K. Aggrey (1875–1927): “My people of Africa, we were created in the image of God … We are eagles. Stretch forth your wings and fly! Don’t be content with the food of chickens.” This is what excellence calls for. Soar like eagles.

Samuel Pipim - Who Is A True African?

The mark of a real African is not the geographical location, the color of the skin, 

ability to wear some kentecloths or some other piece of traditional clothing. Being 

a true African is not about an ability to cook and eat a particular dish, having a 

particular braid of hair, dance to a musical rhythm, have a funny-sounding name, 

or perform some athletic feats. Rather, the hallmark of true Africans is (or ought to 

be) their ability to think—the ability to think differently and act differently. This 

ability to think and act differently is the hallmark of a transformed mind, and must 

define what it means to be an African.

Samuel Pipim is the director of EAGLESOnline Empowerment & AdvisoryGroup 

which helps the people struggling with their failures in life. Samuel Koranteng 

Pipim has spoken in many events, youth programs, church programs. User can 

get every resource from his Eaglesonline website under the resources page.

Samuel Pipim : Renowned Speaker and Author

Dr. Samuel Pipim is a renowned speaker and author who was born and raised in Ghana. There, he studied Engineering before proceeding to the United States for graduate studies in Systematic Theology at Andrews University.  Dr. Pipim wrote his PhD dissertation on ‘The Role of the Holy Spirit in Biblical Interpretation’ and investigated the subject via the works prominent Evangelical scholar James I. Packer. It was an area that previously attracted very little attention but remains vital to the Christian’s correct understanding of God’s Inspired Word.

A passionate advocate for youth empowerment and excellence, Dr. Pipim has worked hard to bring about positive change in the lives of youth, both religious and secular. Having spent his young years in Africa, he could relate well to the issues and concerns of the African youth.  He is credited with the empowerment of many youths to start grassroots movements.
He served for twelve years (1998-2011) as a director for public campus ministries, ministering to students, faculty, and staff at the University of Michigan. Today, he directs two Centers of Leadership Development called (Empowerment and Advisory Group for Leadership, Excellence, & Service) and ANANSE (African Network & Advisory for Needed Services & Excellence). You can find out more on www.EAGLESonline.org.

His book Patience in the Midst of Trials and Afflictions has been a blessing to thousands. As an inspirational speaker, Dr. Pipim presents Bible truths in a dynamic, crystal-clear way that will absolutely fascinate you.

Samuel Pipim: HOPE THROUGH THE DARK

Samuel Koranteng Pipim, PhD—a US-based Ghanaian author, inspirational speaker, leadership trainer, and advocate for youth empowerment—was trained in engineering and systematic theology. His latest works are stimulating and inspirational. Hope Through the Dark (subtitled: "Inspirational Nuggets on Failure, Betrayal, and Hurt") is nugget-style book that will challenge and warm your heart.

“Without the dark, we cannot clearly see the stars. Similarly, the dark moments of adversity often reveal some of life’s most valuable gifts or blessings.” That’s the central message of this newly-released book. Arguing that “hope begins in the night, and sees light at the end of the dark tunnel,” this inspirational book seeks to encourage those who are dealing with the bitter pain of personal failure, hurt inflicted by others, or both. It shows how to turn those bitter lemons into sweet lemonades of life. Grounded in the Word of God, Hope Through the Dark is for those who have felt the sharp, stinging blows of doubts and discouragement on account of the failure or hurt they have experienced. The Wounded Eagle Books website composed of every book authored and co-authored by Samuel Pipim. Just visit and read your favorite one from the website directly.

Samuel Pipim Leadership in the Church: Are We Honestly Mistaken?

The new buzzword in church circles today is leadership. And the thrust seems to be towards “inclusiveness, balance, and diversity” in spiritual leadership at every level of church administration, from local congregations to the General Conference.

This emphasis on leadership could be a legitimate response to the increasing complexity and challenges facing our growing church. But it could also be a reaction against leadership abuse and incompetence at the different levels of church administration. Samuel Pipim

In the ongoing discussion, a few seem to be questioning the legitimacy of an exclusive spiritual leadership by elders or pastors of the church. However, for a majority the real issue is “diversity in leadership.” It appears that almost everyone or every interest group wants a piece of the church’s leadership pie. Not surprisingly, there are calls for “bold and creative” leadership in the church.

In the same vein, some churches are also electing youth as “junior elders.” Advocates argue that since young people have many wonderful talents and abilities to be harnessed by the church, appointing them as “junior elders” is the best way to mentor spiritual leaders for tomorrow’s church.

Others, borrowing from the leadership models in today’s megachurches, have embraced certain notions of “anointed and visionary” leadership. In some cases, pastors with dictatorial tendencies have made themselves the sole leaders and CEOs of their local congregations or administrative levels, and are unilaterally or arbitrarily imposing their wills and agendas on the constituencies of the church units to which they have been appointed. Pastors who are more benevolent have practically marginalized the church-appointed board of elders and have replaced it with their own handpicked “leadership facilitators” and “leadership committees,” making these new “leadership teams” the spiritual leaders of the church.

Leadership is also the new banner under which feminist interest groups are now campaigning subtly for their agenda. In the name of “inclusiveness and gender sensitivity or gender diversity” there is a renewed push for “women in leadership”—by which they mean “women elders,” “women pastors,” and “women clergy.” Carefully crafted “women in leadership” seminars, conferences, certification programs, and study materials are being widely promoted to “empower” and “advance”women as “partners in leadership.”

When egalitarian philosophy is applied to discussions on Biblical leadership, advocates claim that anyone should be allowed to serve as a spiritual leader in the church, even if there seem to be Biblical restrictions against such a move. For those who do not know what the Bible actually teaches, when the egalitarian ideology is married to certain interpretations of the Biblical concepts of “equality” and “the priesthood of all believers,” the push for “inclusive leadership” can be very seductive. Know more about this at Eaglesonline website.

Samuel Pipim - The Paradox of our Age

“We have taller buildings but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less; we have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, yet less time; we have more degrees but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness; we take more vitamins but see fewer results.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values; we fly in faster planes to arrive there quicker, to do less and return sooner; we sign more contracts only to realize fewer profits; we talk too much, love too seldom, and lie too often.

We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We’ve added years to life not life to years.
We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.
We’ve conquered outer space but not inner space; we’ve done larger things, but not better things; we’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We’ve split the atom, but not our prejudice.

We write more, but learn less; plan more, but accomplish less; we make faster planes, but longer lines; we learned to rush, but not to wait; we have more weapons, but less peace; higher incomes, but lower morals; more parties, but less fun; more food, but less appeasement; more acquaintances, but fewer friends; more effort, but less success.

We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication; drive smaller cars that have bigger problems; build larger factories that produce less. We’ve become long on quantity, but short on quality.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men, but short character; steep in profits, but shallow relationships.

These are times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure and less fun; higher postage, but slower mail; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.

These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; these are times of fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, cartridge living, throw-away morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to prevent, quiet or kill.

It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. Indeed, these are the times!”

Samuel Pipim | Samuel Pipim - EXCELLENCE & LEADERSHIP

Samuel Koranteng Pipim, PhD—a US-based Ghanaian author, inspirational speaker, leadership trainer, and advocate for youth empowerment—was trained in engineering and systematic theology. Samuel Pipim is the Director of the EAGLES and ANANSE Centers for Leadership Development.

"Make no apologies for excellence."

"There's a misguided notion in the church that says, 'If you’re brilliant you cannot be godly, and if you're spiritual you must be a dummy.' I say 'No!' Be brilliant and godly."

“‘Excellence’ and 'Higher than the Highest' are descriptions of the God we serve. Therefore excellence should be the hallmark of any Christian."

"You are an eagle, not a turkey."

"Don't lose your gold of excellence;

Don't substitute the gold for brass;

And never be content with anything less than the real gold."

"Excellence is a Christian obligation. To settle for anything less is, therefore, a denial of faith."

"The dumbest decision smart people can make is to leave God out of their lives."

"Don't settle for mediocrity."

"Excellence is a journey, never a destination"

"The complacency of success is the first step to mediocrity."

Samuel Pipim’s public Bible lectures on a wide variety of subjects are presented in a winsome, dynamic, and crystal clear way that engages both the hearts and minds of his audiences, whether secular or religious.

Samuel Pipim | Samuel Pipim's Views About Radical Leadership

"People who change the world are radicals. They refuse to go along in order to get along. They would rather die than be slaves of public opinion. The status quo labels them as controversial, extremists, and troublemakers. And because they turn their worlds upside down, their names and views are often greeted with fear and dread. The time has come for our Christian commitment to be “radical”—a word whose Latin derivation means going to the root, origin, or essence of a thing. If the Bible is true, if our message is the Truth, if the “signs of the times” mean anything, and if “revival and reformation” are possible, then we must be radical for the Lord. 

The time has come for us to be ashamed of our superficial religious experience, mediocre performance, waffling positions, and the cheap vanilla faith that costs us nothing. Unless we’re radically committed to the Lord and His Word, our profession is empty sloganeering. “Radical commitment” is a call to Christian nonconformity. It’s a plea to stand out and be countercultural. It is a challenge to be real—to practice what we profess. Anything less would be un-Biblical, irrational, and irrelevant—if not a betrayal."

The Time To Trust | Samuel Pipim | Samuel Koranteng Pipim

It’s not when hope’s flag is high in the sky, but when many bow their heads and groan “Why?” The darkest hour is the time for unwavering trust. The apostle Paul trusted at such a time. In shipwreck he said, “When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope for being saved” (Acts 27: 20), but then he went on to say, “Keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God” (v. 25). 

The time to trust God is not when life is calm and sings its psalm; rather, it’s when the storms rage and our song is but a lisping cry.

Samuel Pipim | Dr.Pipim | Little isn’t Little

The highlight of a grand wedding was to be the speech by the bride’s best friend immediately after the vows. The bride’s friend had wanted the minister to “read first John 4:18” (“There’s no fear in love”). But nervous, she said, “read first, John 4:18.” The minister did, aloud: “You’ve had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband.” A little mistake! A little comma or change in intonation. It ruined a grand wedding. It’s “the little foxes that spoil the vines” (Song of Songs 2:15). 

Don’t neglect little things: A little kindness, a little apology, thank you, courtesy, cleanliness, faith, etc. Big doors are opened by little hinges. Little isn’t little

Samuel Pipim

Samuel Pipim | Samuel Koranteng Pipim | AFRICA HAS GREAT LEADERS

Only the ignorant and prejudiced will question the fact that Africa has produced some great leaders in its history—traditional, intellectual, political, and religious leaders.

The Bible and church history also testify to this fact by keeping for posterity many examples of exemplary leadership– e.g. Moses, the Queen of Sheba, Ebed-Melech, Ethiopian Eunuch, Tertullian, Cyprian, St. Augustine, and others. From Egypt to Ethiopia to Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, the records of grand feats of these great leaders shine through still, some of which remain unsurpassed till the present time.

Today, it is highly debatable, if not laughable, to argue that Africa still has such great leaders—leaders who display excellence, humility and selfless service, and inspire others to become effective future leaders. We have lost the legacy of that bygone era of exemplary leadership. Ever since a majority of African nations became independent, the  continent offers a depressing memorial of only a handful of thinking, visionary, and selfless leaders.

Particularly in politics, during the 50+ years after independence, counting from Nkrumah to Mandela, we can scarcely find two dozen great leaders. (I dare you to name more if you doubt this. And in the unlikely event that you succeed, they represent a minor percentage of the more than 200 heads of state who have led the various countries–a pathetic commentary on the state of leadership and leadership development in Africa).

Once, in different parts of Africa, records of truly great leaders were many. But today, we have managed to embrace as acceptable leaders who are mediocre, incompetent, selfish, and shortsighted. Why should anyone entertain the thought of developing a different kind of leadership, when we have succeeded in convincing ourselves that Africa’s lot will improve with this crop of “great leaders”?

With this attitude towards leadership, the challenge of transforming and developing African leadership is not a high priority for our “great leaders.” Given this sorry state of affairs, we have a solemn obligation to pay tribute or homage to the “great leaders” of our post-colonial continent of Africa. Here’s my humble tribute, followed by a personal appeal:

Africa has “great leaders” – intellectual giants, political stalwarts, religious pundits, professional experts, religious authorities and sports heavyweights. Most times they just need convoys of cars and dispatch-riders, loud sirens and a retinue of aides to remind themselves and everybody else of their greatness while alive. It doesn’t matter who else is on the road, since traffic lights are neither meant for them and the masses are not supposed to share the same road with them. When they drive past, road life comes to a halt. And commuters who don’t know this quickly learn the ropes while cooling their heels at the mechanic’s, waiting for their vandalized vehicles to be fixed.

Leadership for these “great leaders” is an opportunity to exercise unchecked or autocratic power and amass wealth for themselves, their families and cronies. Aware of their immortality and in preparation for their demise, they are mindful to pre-select from the pool of their unborn generations to succeed their elected position. In this way they save their constituencies time, energy and money that would otherwise be expended on periodic democratic elections. To their credit, our brand of visionary leaders don’t just fold their hands idly and watch their successors grow up; they keep busy changing statutes and laws, jailing dissenting voices, and literally vanishing opposition figures, to prevent future coups and acrimony.

Yes, Africa has “great leaders.” Men and women who have not allowed dwarfism of intellect, advancement of age or severity of ill-health to dull their greatness or limit the intensity of their commitment to serve their people .

Scan through the pages of our post-colonial history and feel anew the sheer force of these “great leaders” whose relish in grandiosity and pomposity rules out a diagnosis of lack of self esteem. Evidencing this is our political leaders’ creativity which is reflected in some of the self-styled, high-sounding titles used to portray their greatness:

“Lord of all the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Seas”
“Hero of Africa”
“King of Africa”
“Supreme Timber and Caliber of the Black Race”
“Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa”
“First Citizen of the Nation”
“President for Life”
“Father of the Nation”
“Supreme Combatant”
“Second National Hero”
“Emperor” or “God-king”
“Messiah”
“Savior of the People”

Even those with dishonorable practices and records continue with the prefix “Honourable” appended to their names for the rest of their lives, whether they were impeached for just cause, or they merely finished serving their ineffective terms.

The academia, not wanting to be outdone, has also contributed its own ingenious list of titles for its leaders ranging from “Dr (Herbal),” “PhD in progress”, “awaiting MSc,” “MA attempted,” to “BA candidate.” Since the stacking of academic degrees is viewed as evidence of greatness, is it any wonder that our “great leaders” covet the ultimate title “Senior Lecturer Prof Dr Dr”? It doesn’t matter that, often, the acquisition and display of degrees is inversely proportional to one’s accomplishments or contribution to  knowledge.

Oh, our religious leaders, the new hybrid of spirituality and intellectualism, accept the humble titles of “God’s Servant, Pastor Dr,” “Man of God, Most Reverend Professor,” “The Very Reverend Apostle Dr,” and “His All Holiness, Presiding Bishop Dr.”

And the zillions of mushroom church leaders, not to be left out, have concocted grand titles, well stamped with ecclesiastical seals – “Holy Seer,” “Holy Ghost-Filled Apostle,” “Most Anointed Prophet,” “King of Heaven on Earth,” “Spiritual Bulldozer,” and “Prophet, Reverend, Pastor and Founder.”

Africa has “great leaders,” indeed. Many of its great leaders view leadership as something ordained and inherited and therefore their right, irrespective of capability. To question the excesses of our “great” religious leaders is met with the holy decree “Touch not the Lord’s anointed.” And, in society, if you dare challenge the incompetency and lack of vision of the “great” leaders, you risk getting whipped by tribalistic batons.

Did I mention tribalism? Yes! Frequently during election time, whether in the church or society, tribalism has become the most comfortable shelter under which most African leaders rest from their hard work of incompetence and selfishness.

Feeble men can’t attempt much, but African leaders have a patent on greatness. From the grandiose promises of campaign trails, to the frail accomplishments of elected terms, and the enforced servitude of supplanted progenies, whenever they eventually decide to leave, Africa’s leaders manage to get a lot done. It is this “greatness” that entitles them to expect the press to warmly sing their praises and coldly squelch disloyal and contrary voices within their ranks.

Is it any wonder that state security exists primarily for the protection of leaders and their own people? Or that huge percentages of national budget allocations ensure that special schools and hospitals attached to presidential palaces are built to keep Africa’s great leaders’ households well educated and in good health while school-aged majority of the citizenry study on natural sandy seats shaded by large leaves from overhanging tree branches?

It really doesn’t matter that children of our “great leaders” go to school abroad anyways, after all it’s not their fault that they were born with limitless choices made possible by the sweat pouring from the brow of the poor masses. And why should it be so bothersome that the leaders themselves fly out of the continent to treat every headache, toothache, cold, and cough, even if primary health care centers don’t exist for miles in their countries?

Africa has “great leaders.” For who else can clutch the giant knives used to cut huge chunks off national cakes and cart the massive pieces away while the masses scramble for crumbs? Is it not clear that the mammoth rats in deep personal coffers and multitude of foreign accounts must be fed? After all, the continent can regain the funds back in the form of foreign aids and loans which will service up to 80% of recurrent expenditure of some national budgets. If trouble looms, not to worry, so assures our great leaders, there’s always a way out of financial crunches. Their unique financial acumen has been displayed countless times by mandates for release of funds or the printing of extra currencies to take care of late-night social emergencies. And there really is no cause for alarm, for inflation is an economic myth.

Not just on local airwaves and newspapers, but major buildings, institutions, and highways also make reference to Africa’s “great leaders,” since most are named after them. (Lest we forget, the highways provide fitting tributes of their philanthropy as the free massages on these roads are offered constantly and freely to the commuters.)

The names of our “great leaders” on important monuments are constant reminders of their enormous contribution to the well-being of their people. These names, carved immortally on our national landmarks, testify to the fact that, indeed, our “great leaders” deserve to be “Presidents for life.” They deserve our utmost respect and reverence.

Truly, our wise, humble, and selfless leaders are Africa’s benevolent “Saviors.” Verily, they are also worthy of our praise for inspiring more “great leaders” to follow in their good steps–and even exceed them. This commendation is what I’ve attempted to do in this brief tribute.

It is, however, incumbent upon all sons and daughters of Africa to render their own mandatory homage to our “great leaders.” Therefore, as I conclude my humble tribute, would you join me, dear reader, as evidence of your own respect  and supreme allegiance to our distinguished leaders by saying: “Long live our ‘great leaders.’ Long live Africa.”

Now that I’ve paid the mandatory tribute to our “great” African leaders, allow me to end on what may seem to them like an off-beat note: It is my twofold plea for transformation in leadership and for leadership development.

You see, an unfortunate tragedy in Africa today is that we have stifled the cultivation, development, and fruition of mature and responsible leadership. Even the very few good ones fail to train their successors. A majority of our “great leaders”—in both society and church—want to be leaders for life. Trapped in the traditional mindset that leaders are not meant to be replaced, they stay in power till they become senile or are shot dead by someone. Thus, they make sure that until they die, no one else will ever come up to positions of prominence.

Our “great” leaders’ view of leadership, at its very best, extend no further than themselves or their immediate family members, who they expect to protect them from possible prosecution for abuse of power/office should they be forced by the constitution to leave office. Otherwise they look for political protégés, whom they can manipulate to continue to pursue and protect their selfish interests.

Africa deserves much more than what is currently being offered by our “great leaders.” Our continent cannot change its lot unless we begin developing a different kind of leadership—genuinely, true, authentic, organic, credible great leaders (the pile up of adjectives is intended to emphasize the urgency oftransformative leadership—the kind advocated by our EAGLESonline).

Where are the great leaders from a continent that boasts of 54 countries and almost 1 billion people? Where are the leaders who display Christ’s life of excellence, humility and service as the model of true leadership? Where are those leaders who follow the example of the apostle Barnabas who trained the apostle Paul so effectively that the latter exceeded the former? Such that, though the New Testament began by talking about “Barnabas and Paul,” it ended by referring to “Paul and Barnabas,” with Paul’s accomplishments far exceeding that of Barnabas.

True leaders train others to succeed them; but great leaders develop others to supercede them.

Samuel Pipim | Samuel Koranteng Pipim | African Imports

We are brainwashed by whatever is imported onto our continent in the name of Christianity. It’s like having someone chew your food for you & spitting it into your mouth to swallow! Of those who get overseas education, many come back with secondhand ideas, like the way we import secondhand clothes, shoes, underwear, & electronics.

We allow Biblically half-baked preachers, teachers, and healers from the West to dupe us into remaining in mental chains. I fear that some of our mindless leaders will impose such misguided ideas and practices upon unsuspecting Africas, simply because they refuse to think for themselves!

Samuel Pipim | Success Has No Choice | Samuel Koranteng Pipim

“We learn almost nothing in victory; but we learn much in defeat,” a football coach once said. I agree. For, when we take time to learn from our mistakes, success has no choice but to fall flat at the feet of failure. Let’s give success no choice. How? graciously accept your defeat; humbly admit your failures; courteously offer no excuses for your faults; willingly accept the consequences of your mistakes; ardently learn from your missteps; and fully surrender your hopes to God’s will. Success wins by falling at the feet of failure

Samuel Pipim | Songs in the Dark

“No words can express how much the world owes to sorrow. Most of the Psalms were born in a wilderness. Most of the Epistles were written in a prison. The greatest thoughts of the greatest thinkers have all passed through fire. The greatest poets have ‘learned in suffering what they taught in song.’…Take comfort, afflicted Christian! When God is about to make pre-eminent use of a person, He puts them in the fire.”—George MacDonald (1824-1905).

Indeed, the pain from my own self-inflicted wounds of failure has given me a new perspective on life—a perspective I now wish to share with my friends on a regular basis. I call these perspectives “Songs in the Dark” thought nuggets. The “Songs in the Dark” are the result of my reflection on Scripture and life experiences. The phrase owes its origin to the words of E.G. White on how birds are taught to sing:

“In the full light of day, and in hearing of the music of other voices, the caged bird will not sing the song that his master seeks to teach him. He learns a snatch of this, a trill of that, but never a separate and entire melody. But the master covers the cage, and places it where the bird will listen to the one song he is to sing. In the dark, he tries and tries again to sing that song until it is learned, and he breaks forth in perfect melody. Then the bird is brought forth, and ever after he can sing that song in the light. Thus God deals with His children. He has a song to teach us, and when we have learned it amid the shadows of affliction we can sing it ever afterward” (Ministry of Healing, 472).

Oswald Chamber’s My Utmost for His Highest says pretty much the same thing:

“At times God puts us through the discipline of darkness to teach us to heed Him. Songbirds are taught to sing in the dark, and we are put into the shadow of God’s hand until we learn to hear Him. ‘What I tell you in darkness,’–watch where God puts you into darkness, and when you are there keep your mouth shut. Are you in the dark just now in your circumstances, or in your life with God? Then remain quiet. If you open your mouth in the dark, you will talk in the wrong mood: darkness is the time to listen. Don’t talk to other people about it; don’t read books to find out the reason of the darkness, but listen and heed. If you talk to other people, you cannot hear what God is saying. When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else when you get into the light.”

If you find any of my “Songs in the Dark” useful, take a moment to pay gratitude to your own pain or suffering. If you listen closely, you may hear God speaking to you through the pain. Take time to learn your song in the dark. Afterwards, you will be brought to the limelight to sing—again.—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim.