Leadership in the church must be defined by sacrifice, service and accountability rather than power and prestige.
That was the central message from the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia, as he presided over the institution and induction of Rev. Dr. Felix Kang Esoh as Dean of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Kumba on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at the Kosala PTS Congregation.
Preaching from John 10 on “the Good Shepherd: a call to faithful leadership,” the Moderator warned against what he described as a growing leadership crisis in both the church and society, where authority is often pursued for personal gain.
“Leadership in today’s world is sometimes defined and understood in terms of power, prestige and control,” he said adding “the church has a responsibility to serve and defend the cause of the weak, the vulnerable and the powerless.”
He contrasted the biblical image of the Good Shepherd with leaders who abandon responsibility when challenges emerge, insisting that spiritual leadership must reflect Christ’s model of sacrifice.
“Power without sacrifice is reckless and abusive,” the Moderator said.
Addressing the new Dean directly, he reminded Rev. Dr. Kang Esoh that the future of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon would be shaped by the quality of ministers trained at the seminary.
“What happens in PTS Kumba will one day be seen and heard in our pulpits, in our congregations and in our witness to the world,” he said.
He described the appointment as a significant moment in the life of the church, noting that Rev. Dr. Kang Felix Esoh joins a long line of leaders who have guided the institution from its days as a theological training centre to its current status as a seminary.
The Moderator praised the seminary’s teaching and non teaching staff, alumni and supporting congregations for sustaining the institution over the years, saying theological education remains a shared responsibility.
In one of the strongest moments of his sermon, he charged the new Dean to lead with integrity.
“My dear brother Felix, guard this institution with clean hands, guard this institution with a faithful heart and with the fear of God,” he said.
He urged him to remain accessible to students and staff.
“Let your office not become a wall, but let your office become a doorway,” the Moderator added.
The ceremony later moved into the formal induction where Rev. Dr. Felix Kang Esoh publicly declared his readiness to serve by raising his right hand before receiving a handshake from the Moderator, officially sealing his appointment.
The atmosphere shifted from solemnity to celebration shortly after the commissioning as the newly inducted Dean joined worshippers in dancing and drumming during the offertory.
Speaking after the induction, Rev. Dr. Felix Kang Esoh said the message of the day would shape his leadership.
“The gospel asks us to be good shepherds,” he said. “Shepherds care for the sheep put under their charge. Our task here is to teach the word of God and train people on how they can translate that into ministry.”
Rev. Dr. Felix Esoh, a theologian and ordained PCC minister, previously served as Vice Dean of the seminary before his appointment. He holds a Doctor of Theology in Church History and has contributed to theological scholarship on Christianity and African culture.
His induction marks a new chapter for one of the PCC’s key institutions responsible for training future pastors and church leaders.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices with reports
Pictures by Ndansi Gilbert
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