The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has made a passionate appeal to Church leaders to make time to interact with the youth and educate them about the core values, rules of conduct and other foundational beliefs of the Church.
According to the General Secretary, many of the grievances of young people in the Church could easily be addressed when ministers and church leaders engage more with them.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi said this yesterday when he addressed participants of the 2023 Global Ministers and Wives’ Conference (GMWC’23) currently ongoing at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.
Speaking on the topic: “The CoP Brand: Rules of Conduct and Core Values,” the General Secretary emphasised the need for the older generation of members to painstakingly teach the youth about the foundational beliefs and practices that were bequeathed to them by their forebears.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi noted that observing the tenets, core values, church culture and rules of conduct inherited from the forebears has given the COP a unique and enviable brand.
“It thus behoves this generation to know, uphold and jealously guard these time-tested Pentecostal distinctive attributes as we seek to reposition the local church for maximum impact,” he said.
To preserve The CoP brand for future generations, Apostle Kumi-Larbi posited that church leaders should engage the youth to clarify any concerns or misgivings they may have regarding the Church’s governance system, The CoP’s way of expressing practical Christian life and ministry, as well as her cultural practices.
“These values and beliefs are in tandem with God’s covenant with the Church, which predates the existence of The Church of Pentecost. I therefore plead with ministers and leaders of The Church of Pentecost at all levels to have time to engage the members, especially the youth; they have questions!” he said.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi also advised the youth to avail themselves to be mentored by the older generation and to seek clarifications on issues from appropriate authorities.
He buttressed his assertion by quoting item “G” of the Church’s Rules of Conduct, which reads: “During casual conversation at home or at work, do not speak disrespectfully or disparagingly about the Church and God’s servants. Make your concerns and grievances known to the appropriate authority for explanation or redress (3 John 9,10; Numbers 12:1-15).”
He advised the Christian youth to refrain from falsely accusing or castigating their spiritual leaders or persons in authority as it may have dire consequences, as seen in the cases of Miriam (Numbers 12:1-15) and Diotrephes (3 John 9, 10).
He reminded them that emphasis on the respect for authority, as well as prayer, the word of God and absolute reliance on the Holy Ghost, are among the variables that have contributed immensely to making The CoP a respected brand in the world.
“It is because of this culture that in 1998, Senior Apostles like S.K. Ansong, B. K. Arthur, D. K. Annan and the rest could subject themselves to the leadership of a young Apostle, Dr. Michael Ntumy, who was elected Chairman of our Church at age 40,” he said.
Concluding his message, Apostle Kumi-Larbi encouraged members, particularly the youth, to cooperate with the Church leadership in protecting and projecting The COP brand.
“For, I foresee that the glory of tomorrow’s Church is far more glorious than the Church today,” he said.
PENTECOST NEWS.
