“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”  – Rev. Abigail Tandoh Norman

Introduction

Blessed with a loving family, Rev. Abigail Tandoh Norman’s life journey, like many believers, has known its share of valleys. Yet, it was in a season of profound brokenness, a spiritual crossroads, that Abigail discovered a powerful truth: the deepest surrender often precedes the highest calling. What could have been a moment of retreat became the fertile ground for a ministry dedicated to inspiring others with her testimony, a mission to bring healing and tangible hope to those in need. 

Join Afrik Digest as we explore the compelling journey of Abigail Tandoh Norman, the driving force behind Total Gospel Outreach Ministries, a haven built on radical love and a desire to see every soul feel seen, valued, and embraced by God’s unwavering presence.

My Background and Call into the Ministry

My name is Abigail Tandoh Norman. Though I was born in Philadelphia, my upbringing in Ghana shaped much of my spiritual foundation. I am blessed with a supportive husband and a beautiful daughter, and together, we have navigated life with faith at the center. My life has always been deeply intertwined with the church, yet my journey as a believer has been anything but seamless. There was a time when I felt utterly lost and broken, questioning everything. Moments like these lead believers to a crossroads—to allow the struggles to deepen faith or to backslide. In my case, my brokenness became the catalyst for a greater calling.

In my most vulnerable season, I recognized that there is no greater purpose than to serve God wholeheartedly. It was in complete surrender that I accepted the call to ministry. Nearly seven years later, I remain committed to the mission God placed on my heart—to use my testimony to inspire others, bringing healing and hope to those in need. Despite success in the corporate world, my true fulfillment has always been in the house of the Lord. My journey has led me to serve in various roles—praise and worship leader, mentor to women and youth, and active organizer of community outreach initiatives. The only role I haven’t formally taken on is ushering, though I have stepped in when needed.

During my season of struggle, seeking God’s face revealed an even deeper relationship with Him. It was then that I developed a special heart for single women, those who have faced divorce, and children who have suffered abandonment or abuse. Having once lived in spiritual isolation, I understood firsthand the pain of feeling unseen, unheard, and lost, which compelled me to serve with compassion and understanding. It was in this revelation that God made my calling clear. When discussions began among elders about starting a ministry branch in America, my name was presented. I had been involved in community concerts and outreach, so while many knew me, few had seen me preach or lead in this capacity. I hesitated at first, aware of my own imperfections—but ultimately, I stepped forward in faith, knowing God does not call the perfect, but those willing to serve.

Our Vision and Mission

Our mission is firmly rooted in Matthew 28:19, which commands: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

At Total Gospel Outreach Ministries, our vision is simple yet profound—to create a haven of worship where everyone is welcome, no matter their background, struggles, or imperfections. We desire to reflect God’s love in a way that makes people feel seen, valued, and embraced by His presence.

We believe in a ministry without barriers—one that calls not only the seasoned believers, but also those who feel lost, broken, or uncertain. Just as Christ welcomed the weary and the wounded, we open our doors to all who seek transformation.

Our mission is to ignite spiritual renewal, guiding people toward the life-changing love of God. We are committed to bringing more souls into the fold, showing His grace not just through words, but through actions. A quote that encapsulates the essence of our ministry is, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” We believe that genuine connection is essential to discipleship—it is not knowledge alone, but compassion in action that draws people to Christ.

Through this ministry, we seek to leave a legacy of faith, transformation, and radical love, ensuring that every soul touched by Total Gospel Outreach Ministries encounters the presence of God in a meaningful way.

Community Partnerships and Ministry Initiatives
At Total Gospel Outreach Ministries, we believe that serving others is a collective effort. Our commitment to community engagement extends beyond Christian organizations—we welcome partnerships with any group dedicated to uplifting and supporting those in need. Whether we are feeding the hungry, praying for those in crisis, or offering resources to struggling families, our goal is not competition, but collaboration—expanding God’s kingdom through unity and service.

We have had the privilege of working with Volunteers of America and partnering with local churches for impactful outreach initiatives. Even in the simple act of planting flowers throughout our community, we find opportunities to share the love of Christ, bringing beauty and hope to the neighborhoods we serve. Worship is at the heart of our ministry, and music is a powerful bridge that connects people to God. Twice a year, we host musical events featuring diverse cultural sounds, inviting people from all backgrounds into an atmosphere of worship. These gatherings open doors for fellowship, faith, and the celebration of Christ’s message through music. During the Christmas season, we collaborate with organizations to provide gifts and resources to families facing hardship. We also host back-to-school events, ensuring that children in our community have the tools they need to thrive academically and walk confidently into their future.

Faith in Today’s World
Teaching the Word is foundational, but living out faith authentically is just as critical. I believe in leading through honesty and transparency, sharing the realities of my own struggles—including my divorce—to help others see that faith does not require perfection, only perseverance through God’s grace. The world may challenge believers with doubt and distractions, but we strive to show our congregation that faith is a continuous journey, strengthened in moments of hardship and restored through God’s unfailing love.

The Power of Worship and Cultural Identity

Since the age of seven, worship has shaped my spiritual walk. What once began as duty has transformed into a deep passion, a ministry that continues to evolve. Worship is not just singing—it is an encounter, a moment where the Holy Spirit moves, restoring hearts and guiding souls to Christ. Through our multi-cultural worship concerts, we embrace the diversity of God’s people, creating a welcoming space for all backgrounds to come together in praise. We do not limit our worship within our church walls; instead, we seek to expand our music outreach, bringing the message of Christ to a broader audience, igniting faith through the power of song.

Meeting the Spiritual and Social Needs of Our Community

We recognize that spiritual needs vary, and some challenges require both faith and practical solutions. While certain struggles may be spiritual battles, others need resources, mentorship, and hands-on support. At Total Gospel Outreach Ministries, we strive to meet individuals where they are, providing guidance, wisdom, and tangible help.

Overcoming Mission Challenges
Every growing ministry encounters obstacles, and for us, resources remain one of our biggest challenges. As our vision expands, so do our needs—but God has always provided. Financial and staffing limitations have tested our resilience, yet we continue to witness an outpouring of generosity from volunteers, many of whom come from outside our church family. Their willingness to serve is humbling.

Transformation and Testimonies
Miracles unfold in our ministry time and time again. Recently, a woman struggling with chronic arm pain attended a prayer session. Through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit, she experienced complete healing, a moment that reaffirmed God’s ability to restore what is broken. Beyond physical healing, we have also witnessed financial breakthroughs within our congregation. Members who once faced financial uncertainty have experienced divine provision, testifying that God meets the needs of those who trust in Him.

Raising the Next Generation
At Total Gospel Outreach Ministries, youth involvement is a priority. We believe that the leaders of tomorrow must be engaged today, which is why we provide meaningful opportunities for young people to serve, lead, and grow spiritually.

Through youth services, outreach programs, and leadership roles, we equip young believers to discover their talents, embrace ministry, and strengthen their faith. Our commitment to their spiritual journey ensures that they step into adulthood grounded in purpose, confidence, and a deep connection to God. Recognizing the importance of modern outreach, we have embraced social media to connect with our congregation and expand our ministry’s reach. By encouraging young people to use their talents creatively, we allow technology to serve as a tool for spreading the Gospel. While we have made great strides, we acknowledge that continued growth in digital engagement remains a priority.

What Sets Total Gospel Outreach Ministries Apart
Every church has its unique qualities, but what truly sets us apart is the genuine love that flows through our community. Visitors consistently express how welcomed, embraced, and uplifted they feel upon entering our doors. More than just a place of worship, our church is a family—a place where faith thrives and connections grow.

Fostering Unity and Inclusion
Love is the heartbeat of our ministry. Leading by example and vocalizing the importance of inclusivity has allowed us to cultivate a community that embraces all people. We actively demonstrate God’s command to love our neighbors, ensuring that our church remains a space of acceptance, encouragement, and spiritual refuge.

Biblical Principles That Guide Our Leadership and Decisions
As a pastor, my leadership is anchored in submission to Christ and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Every decision must be God-led, ensuring that faith, wisdom, and biblical truth remain the foundation of our mission.

A Vision for the Future
Our dream is to cultivate a thriving ministry that reaches even more lives, both inside and outside our congregation. We envision expanding outreach programs, increasing our ability to serve those in need, and deepening our connection with the community.

My Favorite Book and Bible Quotes
The Book of Psalms, with its depth of emotion and devotion, resonates with me profoundly, showcasing our intimate relationship with God through worship, prayer, and spiritual reflection.

One verse that continually renews my faith is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse reminds us of the strength we find in our faith.

Leaving a Legacy
Above all, my deepest desire is to be remembered as someone who loved God’s people passionately—a servant who spread hope, faith, and restoration through every word and action. My prayer is that this ministry inspires others to embrace God wholeheartedly, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith and deep spiritual growth.