A thunderous wave of scriptural reflection rolled through the audience at the recently concluded Deeper Life Global Easter Retreat in Ghana, as Pastor Edward Kofi Twumsiah, National Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church, delivered a bold and thought-provoking message about marital identity and biblical tradition. With passion rooted in doctrine and a voice that echoed conviction, Pastor Twumsiah declared it unbiblical for a wife to refuse to bear her husband's surname after marriage—a position that has ignited discussions across religious, cultural, and gender lines.
Thousands of congregants from across Ghana and beyond gathered at the retreat, an annual spiritual convocation that has long served as a platform for teaching deep biblical truths and reinforcing Deeper Life’s core values. During his sermon, Pastor Twumsiah turned to the Bible, not for the sake of argument but for illumination, as he framed his stance not as a personal opinion but a biblical mandate.
He cited several scriptures to anchor his assertion, weaving together passages that emphasize the unity and covenantal nature of marriage. "When a man and woman come together in holy matrimony," he declared, "they do not merely form a civil union—they enter into a divine covenant. And in this covenant, the wife becomes one flesh with her husband. Just as the church takes on the identity of Christ, so also the wife takes on the name of her husband. Anything less is rebellion against divine order."
Among the scriptural references highlighted were Genesis 2:24, which speaks of a man leaving his father and mother to be united with his wife, and Ephesians 5:22-33, where Apostle Paul draws a direct analogy between the relationship of husband and wife and that of Christ and the Church. According to Pastor Twumsiah, these verses illustrate not just spiritual intimacy, but the transformation of identity that occurs within the marital bond.
The audience, a blend of married couples, young singles, and church leaders, listened attentively as he continued: "Taking on your husband’s name is not merely a tradition—it is a declaration of spiritual unity and respect for God's established order. A woman who refuses to bear her husband's name is saying, in essence, 'I want the benefits of the marriage without the identity of the marriage.' That is unbiblical."
Though rooted in scripture, the statement did not go unnoticed by cultural analysts and social commentators, many of whom view the debate over surnames as a reflection of broader societal tensions between tradition and modernity. Some feminists argue that the expectation for women to adopt their husband’s name is a vestige of patriarchal control, while others defend it as a meaningful gesture of unity and shared legacy.
Pastor Twumsiah, however, did not frame his message in sociopolitical terms. Rather, he positioned it squarely within the context of Christian discipleship and obedience to God’s word. “We are not called to follow trends or conform to the world,” he said. “We are called to follow Christ and uphold His principles—no matter how unpopular they may seem.”
His remarks have sparked a ripple effect, with church members taking the conversation into homes, fellowships, and online platforms. For many, it was an eye-opener that challenged long-held personal views and ignited renewed interest in the biblical foundation of marriage practices. For others, it was a clarion call to return to what they see as godly standards in an era of cultural compromise.
During a post-sermon interaction with regional leaders, Pastor Twumsiah doubled down on his message, urging pastors and counselors within Deeper Life to consistently teach young couples the importance of biblical submission, unity, and identity in marriage. He stressed that while love, communication, and fidelity are often emphasized—as they should be—the symbolic and spiritual act of name-bearing must not be overlooked.
Reactions within the church community have largely been supportive, with several testimonies emerging about how the message brought clarity and conviction to marital choices. Yet, it has also invited criticism from secular quarters, where some have accused the pastor of promoting gender inequality. Social media, as expected, has become a battleground of opinions, with hashtags like #NameAndCovenant and #MaritalIdentity trending locally.
Still, for Pastor Twumsiah and many in the Deeper Life fold, the issue is not up for cultural arbitration. “God’s word does not evolve with society,” he said in his final address of the retreat. “It stands firm, timeless, and true. If we truly believe in the authority of scripture, then we must align every area of our lives—including marriage—with its teachings.”
The Easter retreat closed with fervent prayers, hymnals, and commitments to deeper biblical living. But long after the final “Amen,” the message lingers—not just in the pages of retreat handbooks, but in the hearts of couples now contemplating the weight and witness of a name.
0 Comments
Hey there! We love hearing from you. Feel free to share your thoughts, ask questions, or add to the conversation. Just keep it respectful, relevant, and free from spam. Let’s keep this space welcoming for everyone. Thanks for being part of the discussion! 😊