I knew Mr. Joshua N. Kudadjie during my university days, as an undergraduate, when he served as the Head of the Department of the Study of Religions. An affable personality, he endeared himself to all. Students approached him for all our challenges without a shred of intimidation. His lectures were thought-provoking and insightful. He was so down to our level that only illness will make a student absent him/ herself from his lectures.

I vividly recollect my first personal encoun­ter with him. I was in the final year, and went to him as Head of Department, to inquire about procedure for candidature into the ordained ministry. His eyes were still glued to the table when he responded to my knock to enter his office. Upon entering the office, and asking about my mission, he immediately sat up, when I informed him of my desire to enter the ministry; his pen literally dropping unto the table. His first question was “have you told your mother, and what was her response?” As to why my mother’s permission needed to be sought, he did not say. But upon reflection I could read his thoughts. He might have wondered why a 25-year-old would-be graduate would choose the ordained ministry, without first seeking greener pastures elsewhere. He was not a Reverend Minister then, and I could sense within my spirit how elated he was. He provided me with the requirements, and I was grateful. He became my mentor from then on, and I have never regretted sitting at his feet.

As a lecturer at the University of Ghana, Prof Joshua Kudadjie was punctual at lec­tures and taught to the admiration of all his students. He taught to the effect that students who had faith in God grew stronger in the faith, helping his class to appreciate the distinction between faith and academics, as far as reading religious studies at the uni­versity was concerned. He was so nice and saintly that later, when some of us returned to read the master’s degree, unknown to him, we named him as “The Saint” on account of his demeanor, both within and outside lectures. We talked and discussed him in his presence without him knowing.

He was so particular about dressing and dress codes, that some of us have become his disciples, teaching us about the advan­tages of wearing T-shirt singlet instead of the Joe-singlet to absorb sweat, for example.  Not only was Prof. Kudadjie an academic; he was also a churchman and statesman in his own right. He lived his life so well that the younger generation are encouraged to emulate him. He was positive in thought and always proposed an alternative way of dealing with a challenge. He was a great encourager, who was always willing and desirous of helping the younger generation to have their dreams and ambitions fulfilled, by offering some direction. As an ethicist, he was always on the side of truth and right. He would be sorely missed.

In the Methodist Church Ghana, as General Director, Board of Ministries, Prof. Kudadjie injected into the members of the Board, the spirit of hard work, sacrifice and com­mitment to duty. He led the Board with a characteristic humility that pulled everyone along. He was a listener and accommodative of other perspectives during discussions, to improve the work of the Board; seldom would he impose his views without discus­sion. He worked selflessly to the admiration of all. The Methodist church Ghana has really lost a gem, whose replacement is difficult, as people of such character and disposition are rare.

His insights into the liturgy of the church and how it plays out was enviable. During meetings of the Liturgy Committee, of which he was a member, one could not but be convinced with his suggestions, which were taken in good faith. His contributions to the success of the work of the commit­tee was unparalleled. His suggestions were deep, straight to the point, poignant, with sound theological base. The issues/questions he raised were relevant as far as Africans/ Ghanaians in worship were concerned. His predilection for the use of the mother tongue in worship was known by all. Very Rev Prof Kudadjie was a theological gentle giant in all respects. We will sorely miss his invaluable insights into things theological and ethical, ecclesiastical and doctrinal, his humility and sense of respect for authority.

I later happened to serve with him as Probationers and Candidates Secretary, while he was the General Director for the Board of Ministries. Working with him, I was taught both formally and informally that if I grew on the job to the end, that I was his choice to replace him as the General Director for the Board of Ministries when the position became vacant. Again, when his term as Vice Principal at the Methodist University College Ghana was about to end in 2014 he, together with the then Principal, the Very Rev Prof Samuel K. Adjepong, requested the Methodist Church to have me as his replacement.

He was a great mentor to many of us who regard ourselves as his sons and daughters and younger colleagues in ministry.

May his soul rest peacefully in the Lord. Amen.