ARCHBISHOP PROF. SIRPAUL HANSON EBONG CLOCKS 73
on March 15, he will be 73. Archbishop Prof. Sir Paul Hanson Ebong. Ebong is a beacon of leadership, mentorship and global ministerial development. Through his leadership, many heads of churches, public and private leaders have earned international charters and recognitions that qualify them to preach and work in various countries. He leads the following organizations:
The Wesley Synod and Ministerial Training
As a key figure in the Wesley Synod, an organization founded over 225 years ago by John Wesley, Archbishop Ebong has been instrumental in championing a structured approach to church leadership. Under his guidance, the Synod has become a vital platform for raising and commissioning church leaders through a systematic process of training, certification, and licensing.
A crucial aspect of his work involves ensuring that churches under the Wesley Synod’s umbrella are internationally chartered. This means that ministers affiliated with these churches have the authority to preach globally, fostering unity and collaboration within the body of Christ. Through the Wesley Synod’s international commission, ministers are not only equipped spiritually but also empowered administratively, allowing them to navigate governmental and ecclesiastical protocols effortlessly.
Global Licensing and Ministerial Empowerment
One of Archbishop Ebong’s most remarkable contributions is his commitment to licensing ministers for global outreach. This has helped ministers to open and run churches in over 147 nations so far. His licensing process is thorough, requiring applicants to answer key questions regarding their theological, ministerial philosophy and leadership trainings, including academic backgrounds.
Once candidates undergo rigourous screening exercise, those who qualify will be recommended for approval for international charter, which allows them to minister in any affiliated church worldwide. This strategic approach ensures that the Gospel is preached with consistency, discipline, and theological soundness.
Archbishop Ebong holds African professorship in charge of St. Thomas-a-Becket University, Canterbury, United Kingdom (STABU), which is licensed in Africa through St. Thomas A-Becket Education Services (RC14069) and chartered under the Wesley Synod International Mission, Canterbury, England, United Kingdom. The university holds international accreditation from the Lutheran University, France, and is a leading institution in Religious Studies, Management and Business Administration, Basic Clinical & Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Defense and Security Studies, Trade, Investment, Management, Consulting, Research and Development, Training and Mentorship, etc.
STABU is recognized as an influential university that offers consulting services, economic feasibility studies, business plans preparation, project management, expert business and security intelligence, legal assistance, academic and business research, innovations and development, and professional training. It provides both regular and correspondence programs in certificate, diploma, bachelors, master’s, and doctorate degrees in theology, philosophy, management, and guidance and counseling. The university prides itself on being a cosmopolitan institution where students from diverse ethnic, gender, and theological backgrounds thrive.
Championing Church Growth and Community Development
Beyond licensing and certification, Archbishop Ebong has a vision that extends to the socio-economic development of communities. He advocates for local churches to be chartered and financially self-sufficient. His model emphasizes collective contributions from churches within a local government area to support the less privileged, settle hospital bills, and provide clean water through borehole projects.
This approach aligns with his belief that the church must go beyond spiritual teachings and actively participate in societal transformation. He envisions a structure where every local government has a bishop responsible for coordinating humanitarian efforts, thereby bridging the gap between the church and government in addressing community needs.
A Call for Government and Church Collaboration
Despite his relentless efforts, Archbishop Ebong acknowledges the challenges of getting government to align with this vision. He has consistently advocated for stronger partnerships between the church and government, emphasizing that structured church leadership can contribute significantly to national development. His international network, which spans Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, and beyond, serves as proof that such models can be successfully implemented when supported by relevant authorities.
Archbishop Sir Paul Hanson Ebong is more than a spiritual leader—he is a visionary human capital developer, reshaping ministerial training and certification for global relevance. His dedication to empowering ministers through education, licensing, and international recognition is paving the way for a new era of structured and impactful Christian leadership. Through his unwavering commitment, he is ensuring that the church remains a powerful force for both spiritual growth and societal transformation worldwide.
As he marks his 73rd birthday on March 15, 2025, it is granted that several leaders, institutions, and churches he has impacted will rally around His Grace, Archbishop Prof. Sir Paul Hanson Ebong, and give him warmth, love, and more shoulders to stand on.
