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CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: 🚫 Assemblies of God Says NO to Honorary “Dr.” Titles | Ministry Integrity Move?

🚨 Assemblies of God Bans Pastors and Clergy from Using Honorary “Dr.” Titles 🚨 This move is intended to uphold honesty, integrity, and humility in ministry. Pastors and clergy with real academic degrees must now have them verified, while honorary titles will no longer be used. Do you support this decision, or do you think honorary titles should still be recognized in the church? Drop your thoughts in Comments and let’s discuss!

Hi everyone,

The Assemblies of God Church in Ghana has officially banned its pastors and clergy from using “Dr.” titles based on honorary doctorates, citing the need for honesty, humility, and integrity in ministry.

This bold decision comes in response to concerns about academic integrity and public trust. Leaders who have earned degrees must now submit them for verification, while honorary titles will no longer be recognized.

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The Assemblies of God Church in Ghana has directed all its pastors and clergy to stop using “Dr.” based on honorary doctorate titles—regardless of whether the awarding institutions are accredited or not.

The church’s decision aligns with regulations from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), which does not recognize such honorary titles as valid academic credentials.

As per a July 11 circular by Rev. Ernest Birikorang (Ph.D.), pastors with genuine degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or earned Ph.D.) must submit their certificates to GTEC for official verification. Non-compliance may lead to suspension.

Rev. Stephen Wengam, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, voluntarily stopped using the “Dr.” title despite having an honorary doctorate, setting a leadership example.

Ghana’s enforcement underlines the importance of distinguishing earned academic qualifications from honorary titles, which GTEC deems misleading and unethical.

The crackdown is part of a larger campaign to combat diploma mills and uphold the credibility of real academic achievement.

By stripping honorary titles from pastors and clergy, the church reinforces trust, humility, and honesty within its leadership — crucial for maintaining public and spiritual confidence.

QUESTION: What do you think? Should pastors and clergy continue using honorary doctorates, or does this policy strengthen the church’s credibility? Please share your thoughts in the Comments section.

🚫 Assemblies of God Says NO to Honorary “Dr.” Titles | Ministry Integrity Move? | Christian Breaking News!