The 2018/19 batch of ministerial students of the Pentecost Theological Seminary (PTS) has been commissioned to begin work as full-time ministers of The Church of Pentecost after completing the first year of their residential theological training.
The students, 128 in all, were commissioned by the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye on Friday, August 2, 2019, during a commissioning service and graduation ceremony at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.
The event also witnessed the graduation of the 2016/17 batch of ministerial students who have completed the two-year ministerial formation programme with a Diploma in Theology and Pastoral Studies. In addition, Ministers’ Wives who have successfully undergone the three levels of training were also presented a Certificate in Christian Ministry.
Addressing the gathering at the event, the Principal of PTS, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Anim, said that the Seminary continues to place more emphasis on the personal transformation and spiritual development of the ministerial students without neglecting academic rigour and integrity.
“We paid particular attention to the personal devotions and prayer life of the students with the involvement of senior and experienced ministers including some Apostles and Prophets of the Church who came to have personal interactions with the students through teachings and church services,” he said.
The PTS Principals also revealed that, in line with Vision 2023, the requisite curriculum has been designed and the relevant teaching materials gathered for the commencement of the Elders’ Training Programme at the Seminary, whilst efforts are also being made to put together programmes in Chaplaincy and Counselling for ministerial training and lay leaders of the Church next year.
He also hinted that plans are far advanced to complete the process of integrating the Pentecost University College (PUC) and Pentecost Theological Seminary (PTS).
Delivering the valedictory speech on behalf of his colleagues, Overseer Julius Aryee was grateful to the leadership of the Church for good theological training they have received and remain poised to make the maximum impact on the field
“We came as rough gems but we are leaving here refined and polished to go and possess the nations. Rightly so, the Ministerial Formation and Training programme has made an impact on us and thank God we stand here today as ministers of the gospel equipped and ready to serve just as the motto of the Seminary goes ‘Called To Serve,’” he said.
He also announced that the 2018/19 group of ministerial students have donated towards the development of the Seminary. The donation include musical equipment (microphones and stage monitors), 40 chairs for the JCR/TV room and the establishment of a Barbering/Salon Shop at the hostel to serve the PTS community.
The students have also constructed an eco-centre for relaxation with access for Persons With Disability (PWD) and planted over 150 ornamental, coconut and mango trees
Present at the event were Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary), Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo (International Missions Director), Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah (Board Chairman of PTS), Apostle Dr. Daniel Walker (Rector, Pentecost University College).
Also in attendance were some Staff of the Pentecost Theological Seminary as well as relatives and friends of the graduands.
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