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In a world filled with distractions, comfort, and self-focus, one of the clearest and most urgent commands from Jesus Christ still echoes across generations: “Go and tell.” This is not merely a slogan for a church program – it is the heartbeat of the gospel and the final instruction of our Lord before His ascension (Matthew 28:19–20). It remains His command to every believer today.

A powerful illustration of this call is found in the story of four lepers in 2 Kings 7. During a devastating famine in Samaria, the city was under siege, and hunger had driven people to desperation. These four outcasts, excluded and forgotten, decided to risk everything by entering the enemy’s camp. To their amazement, they found it abandoned – the Lord had caused the Assyrians to flee, leaving behind food, wealth, and supplies. As they ate and rejoiced, a moment of conviction struck them. They said to one another, “We are not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves.” (2 Kings 7:9, NIV). Moved by compassion, they returned to the city to share the good news that saved countless lives.

This ancient account carries a timeless truth. Like those lepers, we too have discovered something far greater than food – we have found life in Jesus Christ. We have tasted grace, forgiveness, and peace. Once outcasts, we have been brought near, by His blood (Ephesians 2:13). Yet the world around us remains in a state of spiritual famine. People are perishing without Christ – not from hunger for bread, but for truth, love, and salvation. The question is: will we keep this good news to ourselves, or will we go and tell?

Jesus did not save us to sit in comfort but to become His witnesses. The Christian life is not passive – there is no neutral ground. Spiritual growth comes through obedience and action. The four lepers could have stayed in comfort, but they chose compassion. They understood that salvation is not complete until it is shared.

Sadly, many Christians today remain silent. We eagerly discuss sports, politics, and trends, yet shy away from speaking about Jesus. Perhaps, as Deacon Amponsah observes, this silence stems from uncertainty about one’s own salvation. But when a person truly encounters the transforming power of Christ, silence becomes impossible.

This call is particularly pressing for young believers. “Youth have energy, passion, influence, and boldness,” he notes. “The Great Commission is not only for pastors or missionaries – it is for every believer.” You don’t need a pulpit or microphone to start; begin with your friends, classmates, and neighbors. Share your story. Invite someone to church.

We were not saved merely to escape hell but to serve God and be the light of the world. If four rejected lepers could bring hope to a dying city, what excuse do we have today? The time for action is now. The world is waiting, and heaven is counting on us.

Let us go and tell.

Written by Deacon Daniel Amponsah(Immediate Past PENSA Takoradi Technical University Evangelism Secretary, Moree District)

Team Ghana surprised themselves and the entire world when they clocked 37.79 seconds to set a new national record and qualify for the finals of the Men’s 4x100m, arguably the most competitive event in the world of athletic competitions. In our secondary school days, the winner of this race got the bragging rights for the entire competition, irrespective of the accumulated points or the school’s position on the league table. Before proceeding, kindly watch how the Ghana quartet fared and congratulate them. Unfortunately, athletic nations like Great Britain and South Africa couldn’t finish that race although they all started together. The 4x100m relay is basically a team of four (4) working together by running around the field once, with each taking a 100m dash and exchanging batons till the 400m is completed. Synergy is the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. So, working together to create something greater than either of you could do alone is what synergy is all about.

In athletics, running around the field once is approximately 400m using a standard sporting arena. The current men’s world record and Olympic record is held by Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa with a time of 43.03 seconds. This is the fastest time a male has run the 400m or completed a lap around the field competitively. Indeed, Ghana’s all-time best in the 400m race is held by Joseph Taylor, with a time of 44.98 seconds. However, when four Ghanaian men came together with unity and a sense of purpose to achieve the same goal, they achieved a time of 37.79 seconds. Yes, of course, the stamina fresh limbs bring to bear for each of the 100m in a quartet can’t be compared with a single person running around the field.

Mysteriously, even if you add the all-time 100m best of each of the four in the Ghana squad, the total doesn’t even match the new record all of them have set together. The team consisted of Ibrahim Fuseini, Benjamin Azamati, Paul Amoah, and Abdul Saminu. The last time I checked, each of them’s all-time best 100m dash time was as follows: Ibrahim Fuseini, 9.85s, and Azamati, 9.93s. Paul Amoah’s best 100m is 9.94s, and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu’s is 9.86s. Interestingly, if you add their all-time best times together of 100m each to make the 400m lap, you get 39.71s.

Meanwhile, the new national record they set only a few days ago is 37.79 seconds, comprising Ibrahim Fuseini (10.57), Benjamin Azamati (8.74), Joseph Paul Amoah (9.41), and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu (9.07). In summary, they have achieved together something greater than each of them could do alone. Team Ghana came first in the semifinals, Heat 2, beating the Netherlands with a time of 37.95 seconds, although the latter also qualified for the grand finale. However, in the grand finale made of the USA, FRANCE, CANADA, GERMANY, GHANA, the NETHERLANDS, AUSTRALIA, AND JAPAN, the Netherlands beat Ghana to take the bronze medal, with Ghana placing fourth. So, Ghana clocked 37.79 seconds at the semifinals but 37.93 seconds at the grand finale, while the Netherlands recorded 37.95 seconds at the semifinals but 37.81 seconds at the finals.

If the Ghanaians had run like they did in the semifinal, they would have beaten the Netherlands to win the bronze medal. It is, however, heartwarming to learn that Ghana beat Germany, France, Japan, and Australia. Unfortunately, Team Australia qualified and was fortunate to be among the top 8 finalists, but they were unable to finish the race in the grand finale. The following lessons are gleaned for our Christian pilgrimage;

1. If organizations and institutions have benefited from Synergy, then there’s nothing that believers who work together with a unity of purpose cannot achieve. Indeed, it took God Himself to break the resolve and the power of synergy in the Tower of Babel Project. (Genesis 11:6).

• Not all the athletes in Ghana’s quartet squad ran their personal 100m best, as Ibrahim, for instance, achieved 10.57s, which is below his personal best of 9.85s. Benjamin Azamati, however, clocked 8.74s, with Amoah and Saminu making up for what Ibrahim lost. In the end, they did what each of them couldn’t do by themselves. God knows why He created all of us the way He did and didn’t pile all the skills into a single person, but distributed them in a way that makes the power of togetherness very crucial and critical. We always cover each other’s weaknesses when we stay united as a group to achieve a common goal. The result is always excellent, as the final product has no regrets about individual faults, but everything to celebrate.

• We may display our individual brilliance, talents, or gifts. Still, it is the power and magic of togetherness that enabled Benjamin Azamati, for example, to run a 100m in under 9 seconds.

• Therefore, our individual God-given potentials reach their optimum heights whenever we find people who can share in our vision and work together with us. One man chasing a thousand and two putting ten thousand to flight, as described in Deuteronomy 32:30, is a good illustration of the power of synergy since the simple proportion doesn’t make mathematical sense. Meaning the two can achieve far more than the best of each of them combined, owing to how the synergy factor can extract much deeper the full potential of people in a group assignment.

• Ghana outrun the Netherlands in the semifinals, but in the grand finale, the latter pushed Ghana to the fourth position by placing third and winning the only medal Ghana got close to winning. Therefore, no two situations or scenarios must be compared. Make the best of every situation and leave the rest to God. If you worked with all your heart and gave your best, posterity would be the best judge. Many reasons could account for why the Ghana team couldn’t repeat the time they clocked in the semifinals. So, give your best today, as tomorrow is unknown.

• Ghana beating developed nations like Germany, France, Japan, and Australia in the grand finale means that hard work pays after all. Are you tired of hard work? Please don’t give up yet, because unimaginable successes and mind-boggling testimonies await all who continue to trust God as they put in their best possible effort.

• In the semifinals, Ghana beat the Netherlands, but the tables turned in the finals, although they couldn’t match the time Ghana had run in the semifinals. Today may be the turn of your friend, so fret not. Your time will come if you stay focused and continue to work hard. You can do better tomorrow than the one who outperformed you yesterday or today. Just stay focused.

• The anchor man for the Australian quartet side received the baton from the third runner but somehow stopped running for reasons that are yet to be known in the coming days. So, not all who qualify for the grand finale necessarily win the prize or even finish the race set for them. It is great to make it to the last eight (8) or be selected amongst the prestigious few. However, let’s be mindful that real success is not only finishing the race, but also running in such a way that you win the prize. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Let us stay humble at all times, learning from the mistakes and lapses of those who began the Christian journey joyfully but struggled to complete the race. May God grant all of us the needed wisdom and strict discipline required of us to complete our individual races to God’s glory.

• I may not be an athlete or look like one, but kindly pick a few lessons from the above write-up and share them with your loved ones, especially the younger generation. Apostle Paul wasn’t an athlete, a boxer, or a sports celebrity, yet the Holy Spirit helped him vividly illustrate the Christian pilgrimage through the disciplines of athletics and boxing. In the end, he said, “I have fought a good fight and have finished the race, I have kept the faith…” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Thank you and stay blessed!

Written by Apostle James Orhin Agyin

Last Sunday, The Church of Pentecost worldwide climaxed the annual Children’s Ministry Week celebration with a unique touch. In every assembly across the world, the spotlight was placed on children, as they confidently took charge of the service — leading worship, preaching, moderating, and displaying diverse God-given talents. Their boldness and excellence were rightly celebrated, and they left the congregations with pride and joy for the future of the church.

The children were rightly celebrated for the good job they did. But while we applaud them, there is another group that equally deserves recognition — the Sunday School teachers.

Often working behind the scenes, these dedicated men and women spend countless hours preparing children for moments like these. They rehearse with them, encourage them, correct them, and most importantly, help them grow spiritually, often balancing this with their personal responsibilities. The climax of the Week may last only a day, but the investment that produces such confidence in children takes weeks, months, and even years of selfless service.

Like many church roles, their service comes without financial reward. Yet, they carry it out with joy and pride, motivated only by their love for God and for the children they teach.

One of their greatest contributions is the consistent effort to imbue children with sound doctrine and the values of the Church. From memory verses to Bible lessons, from teaching about salvation to training them in the principles of holiness and service, Sunday School teachers ensure that children grow up with a firm foundation of the faith. This doctrinal grounding is what enables many to hold on to their Christian identity as they transition into youth and adulthood.

Personally, I have benefitted from this ministry. Growing up at the Darkuman Central Assembly in the Kaneshie Area, I passed through the hands of several Sunday School teachers who instilled in me the values and doctrines that continue to shape my life today. To my amazement, some of the same teachers who taught me 15 years ago are still faithfully serving in the same role today. Their consistency and devotion are a testimony of true Christian service. Seeing them go up and down after these years, ensuring that the children put up their best, while I sat behind the media desk birthed the idea of this article.

Today, by God’s grace, I serve as a news anchor and reporter at the Pent Media Centre of The Church of Pentecost. I owe much of who I am to the foundation laid by these teachers who shaped my Christian upbringing.

As we reflect on the beauty of this year’s Children’s Ministry Week, let us not forget the unsung heroes — the Sunday School teachers. They are silently raising tomorrow’s leaders, equipping children with sound doctrine, and inspiring them to live out their faith boldly. They are, indeed, the hands that mould generations.

God bless all Sunday School teachers across the globe, especially those who have laboured for years without recognition. Your impact is eternal, and your reward will surely come from the Lord.

Written by Joshua Kwabena Appauh Heizel (News Anchor, Pent TV)

INTRODUCTION

The Church of Pentecost (CoP), one of the largest Pentecostal churches in the world, has long been known for its strong ministry structures. Ministries are not simply functional arms of the church; they are the very wings of the church. Just as a bird cannot take flight without wings, the church cannot advance without its ministries. These ministries give direction, balance, and strength to the life of the church, making them indispensable in fulfilling its mission.

Broadly, the ministries of The CoP can be grouped into two main categories: the traditional ministries, which have served as the backbone of the church for decades, and the new ministries, which were birthed under the Possessing the Nations Agenda to address emerging societal and spiritual needs. The traditional ministries have been pivotal in sustaining growth and nurturing generations of believers, while the new ministries have extended the church’s reach to groups and contexts that were previously overlooked.

However, there exists a significant research gap regarding the acceptance and integration of these new ministries within the wider body of the church. While the leadership has emphasised their importance in complementing the traditional structures, some members perceive them as unnecessary innovations. As a result, many are not joining these ministries, others are withholding support for their activities, and in some cases, those who willingly and genuinely support them are marginalised. This is especially evident in the case of the Home and Urban Missions (HUM), where workers are sometimes unfairly labelled as associating with outcasts because of the groups they minister to. Such attitudes not only undermine the purpose of these ministries but also weaken the collective mission of the church.

It is therefore crucial to examine the historical development, roles, and significance of both the traditional and new ministries, and to highlight how they complement each other in casting a stronger gospel net. By doing so, the misconceptions can be addressed, and the importance of unified support for all ministries can be reinforced, ensuring that no soul is left behind when the church advances to possess the nations.

THE TRADITIONAL MINISTRIES: THE STRONG WINGS OF THE CHURCH

The traditional ministries of The CoP have served as the strong wings of the church for decades. They were not formed by accident, but out of genuine needs that arose at different points in the church’s history. These ministries became the organised expressions of discipleship, fellowship, and evangelism, and they continue to sustain the growth of the church today.

The Evangelism Ministry has always been the spearhead of the church’s mission. Evangelism was the heartbeat of The Church of Pentecost from its earliest days under Pastor James McKeown, and as the church expanded, there was a pressing need to establish a structured body that could coordinate outreach, crusades, and mission work both locally and internationally. This ministry directs its focus to the unsaved population in villages, towns, cities, and even across continents. Its activities have included street evangelism, open-air crusades, dawn broadcasts, house-to-house witnessing, revival meetings, and tract distribution. Evangelism teams are trained and mobilised, ensuring that every local assembly takes an active role in soul winning. Through this ministry, the church continues to keep evangelism at the very centre of its identity.

The Women’s Ministry of The CoP has a rich history that even predates the official formation of the church in 1962. It began as the Women’s Movement in 1945, organised by Rev. Adam McKeown, Mrs. Sophia McKeown, and Mrs. Christiana Obu, and was officially inaugurated in 1952. In 1951, Mrs. Sophia McKeown, the wife of the founder, further strengthened this fellowship by gathering the wives of church officers for prayer and encouragement. Over time, what started as a small movement of women praying and assisting in church and public life developed into a full ministry dedicated to nurturing women both spiritually and socially. The Women’s Ministry has since grown into a vibrant arm of the church, organising weekly prayer meetings, Bible studies, marriage counselling sessions, and discipleship classes tailored to the needs of women. Beyond its spiritual role, it has been instrumental in hospital visitation, charitable works, and orphanage support, while also empowering women through skills training and economic initiatives. With its strong emphasis on prayer, service, and community care, the Women’s Ministry has remained a vital pillar of the CoP, faithfully sustaining its mission for decades.

The Pentecost Men’s Ministry, popularly known as PEMEM, has also played a crucial role in the life of the church. Although men’s fellowships existed informally for many years, PEMEM was formally launched in 1997 with the vision of raising responsible and godly men who would lead with integrity in the family, church, and society. Its activities include monthly fellowship meetings for teaching and discipleship, men’s conventions and retreats for revival, and training sessions focused on marriage, fatherhood, and leadership. PEMEM has also been a driving force behind evangelism, mission support, and church-building projects, with men often contributing financial and logistical resources to sustain the church’s mission. The ministry continues to mentor younger men while encouraging seasoned ones to be exemplary Christian leaders in every sphere of life.

The Youth Ministry is one of the most vibrant arms of the church. Its beginnings can be traced back to 1948 when groups of young converts organised themselves for prayer and Bible study. By the 1960s, the church recognised the unique needs of young people and formally instituted the ministry. The Youth Ministry primarily targets those between the ages of 12 and 35, including students, young professionals, and apprentices. Its activities range from youth rallies and crusades to campus evangelism, discipleship camps, leadership training programmes, and mentorship initiatives. It also provides platforms for creative expression through music, drama, and media, giving young people opportunities to use their talents for the glory of God. For decades, the Youth Ministry has been a training ground for leadership, producing many of the pastors, elders, and officers who serve the church today.

The Children’s Ministry of the Church was established in the early years of the church out of a strong conviction that children are not only the future of the church but also an active part of its present. It began informally when Sunday school teachers and committed mothers started gathering children to teach them Bible stories, songs, and memory verses in ways they could easily understand. This informal effort was later formalised into a full ministry that provided structured discipleship and moral training for children. Over the years, the Children’s Ministry has grown into a vital wing of the church, organising Sunday school classes, Bible clubs, and Vacation Bible Schools, while also engaging children through drama, recitations, quizzes, and worship participation. Beyond spiritual formation, it partners with parents to instil discipline, respect, and responsibility, ensuring that children are nurtured holistically. Many of the current pastors, elders, deacons, and leaders of the church trace their Christian foundation back to the Children’s Ministry, making it one of the most strategic arms of the Church for sustaining faith from one generation to the next.

Together, these ministries have shaped the identity and growth of the Church. Each was birthed in response to a felt need: the Evangelism Ministry to organise and intensify the church’s outreach efforts, the Women’s Ministry to provide fellowship and empowerment for women, PEMEM to raise godly men as spiritual and social leaders, the Youth Ministry to disciple and mobilise the younger generation, and the Children’s Ministry to lay strong biblical foundations in the lives of children at their most formative stage. These ministries became the wings on which the Church soared. However, as effective as they were, their broad approaches meant that some specific groups remained unreached. Certain people continued to slip through the holes of the net, making it necessary for new ministries to emerge to complement the existing ones.

THE NEW MINISTRIES AND THEIR INTERVENTIONS

The Birth of the New Ministries: Responding to Emerging Needs

The new ministries of The Church of Pentecost were not created arbitrarily; they were birthed as deliberate responses to emerging societal, cultural, and spiritual needs. Their formation is directly tied to the church’s strategic vision plans, particularly the Possessing the Nations Agenda.

During Vision 2023 (Phase One of the Possessing the Nations Agenda), the church recognised that although the traditional ministries had done remarkably well, there were still gaps in evangelism and discipleship. Entire groups of people were being overlooked, including persons with disabilities, marginalised, urban dwellers, traditional rulers, school children, and professionals in workplaces. To address these gaps, the church birthed a cluster of new ministries, including the Home and Urban Missions (HUM), Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs), Ministry to the Chieftaincy Institution, School Outreach Ministry (SOM), Pentecost Workers’ Guilds, Chaplaincy Ministry, Counselling Ministry, and the Prisons Ministry. These ministries were therefore born out of necessity; to reach those who had slipped through the “wide holes” of the traditional ministries.

Later, under Vision 2028 (Phase Two of the Possessing the Nations Agenda), the church expanded further to address the growing challenges of globalisation and religious diversity. Three key ministries were birthed during this phase: the Ministry in the Digital Space (E-Church), the Other Sheep Ministry (TOSM), and the Ministry to Celebrities. The rise of digital communication and the global shift toward online interaction made it imperative for the church to establish a permanent online presence for evangelism, discipleship, and fellowship, hence the birth of the E-Church. Likewise, the Other Sheep Ministry was conceived to focus specifically on people of other faiths, such as Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and adherents of African Traditional Religion. These are groups that had often been hard to reach through conventional approaches. In addition, the Ministry to Celebrities emerged out of the recognition that cultural influencers such as musicians, actors, footballers, and media personalities shape societal values, and therefore reaching them with the gospel was crucial so that they too might become ambassadors of Christ within their spheres of influence.

Thus, while the majority of the new ministries were introduced during Vision 2023, the E-Church, Other Sheep Ministry and Ministry to Celebrities stand out as Vision 2028 initiatives, both of which reflect the church’s responsiveness to contemporary realities and its unyielding commitment to reaching all people, in all places, by all means possible.

STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS OF THE NEW MINISTRIES

The HUM ministry is specifically designed to reach those who often fall through the cracks of society. It organises outreach programmes in urban slums, migrant communities, ghettos, and neglected inner-city neighbourhoods. HUM intervenes in the lives of drug addicts, prostitutes, street children, and unreached ethnic groups by combining evangelism with rehabilitation. Practical support, such as shelter, vocational training, and reintegration programmes is offered alongside gospel preaching. HUM reflects the heartbeat of Christ, who came to seek and save the lost.

The MPWDs embodies Christ’s inclusive love. Beyond simply creating accessibility, this ministry provides sign language interpretation during services, produces Braille and audio Bible materials, and organises specialised fellowship groups for persons with disabilities. It also advocates for their dignity within society, countering stigma and marginalisation. Through empowerment programmes, it helps members discover their spiritual gifts, reminding the church that disability does not disqualify anyone from serving in God’s Kingdom.

The Ministry to the Chieftaincy Institution acknowledges the enormous cultural influence of traditional rulers. This ministry reaches out to chiefs, queens, and royals, recognising their role as custodians of heritage. Interventions include organising seminars for chiefs on servant leadership, building chapels within palaces, and offering pastoral care for traditional rulers who come to faith. By building bridges between the gospel and cultural authority, this ministry ensures that Christ is honoured not only in churches but also in traditional seats of power.

The SOM targets children and young adolescents, who form the future of both church and society. It conducts evangelistic programmes in primary and junior high schools, runs Bible clubs, and distributes Christian literature to pupils. It also trains teachers and volunteers to disciple students in Christ-like values. Through mentorship, leadership training, and character development, it sows seeds of faith early, shaping the next generation to grow into mature believers who influence society for Christ.

The Ministry to Celebrities focuses on engaging influential personalities such as musicians, actors, footballers, business moguls, social media influencers, and media personalities. Its interventions include private discipleship programmes, networking events, and mentorship sessions. The aim is not merely conversion but transformation, so that those celebrities, once won to Christ, will use their platforms to shape culture positively and spread kingdom values across media and entertainment spaces.

TOSM, inspired by John 10:16, engages people of other faiths, such as Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Traditionalists. Its interventions include interfaith dialogue, contextualised evangelism, apologetics training, and building trust in religiously diverse communities. This ministry promotes respectful witness, seeking to invite others into the one-fold of Christ while preserving peace and understanding.

The E-Church addresses the growing reality of the digital mission field. It organises online worship services, discipleship classes, and prayer meetings across platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom. It also creates mobile apps, podcasts, and digital devotional resources. This ministry allows people who cannot attend physical gatherings, because of location, disability, or circumstance, to encounter Christ and grow in Christian community.

The Pentecost Workers’ Guilds organise members into professional and vocational groups, creating networks of influence. Lawyers, doctors, teachers, artisans, traders, and civil servants are grouped and trained on how to live out their faith in the workplace. Collectively, the guilds impact institutions with kingdom values, transforming ethics, governance, and service delivery in alignment with Vision 2028.

The Counselling Ministry responds to the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of people in today’s world. It provides Christ-centred guidance for those dealing with marital challenges, trauma, depression, grief, and addiction. It also organises workshops on family life, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. By offering holistic care, this ministry ensures that individuals not only cope with life’s challenges but also thrive through godly wisdom.

The Chaplaincy Ministry extends pastoral presence beyond church walls into workplaces, schools, palaces, hospitals, and security services. Chaplains provide spiritual direction, moral counsel, and prayer support, embedding Christian values in decision-making processes at multiple levels of society. In this way, the ministry helps shape leadership and governance with kingdom principles.

Finally, the Prisons Ministry carries the gospel behind bars, bringing hope to inmates, ex-convicts, and prison officers. It organises Bible studies, literacy classes, and skills training programmes while also providing reintegration support for ex-convicts. The ministry testifies to the redeeming power of God’s grace, as many hardened criminals have become transformed, with prisons turning into worship centres.

CONCLUSION: STRENGTHENING THE WINGS, CASTING THE NET WIDER

The ministries of The CoP, both traditional and new, remain indispensable to the life and mission of the church. The traditional ministries, including Evangelism, Women’s, Men’s (PEMEM), Youth, and Children, have laid the foundation of discipleship, fellowship, and outreach for decades, serving as the strong wings on which the church has soared. They were birthed out of genuine needs at specific times and have been instrumental in shaping generations of believers and sustaining the global growth of the church.

Yet, as effective as they have been, the evolving dynamics of society revealed gaps in evangelism and discipleship. Certain groups continued to slip through the “wide holes” of the traditional nets, prompting the need for new ministries under the Possessing the Nations Agenda. The HUM, MPWDs, Chaplaincy, Counselling, Prisons, and other newly established ministries were created to reach those previously unreached, while the E-Church, the Other Sheep Ministry, and the Ministry to Celebrities have extended the church’s witness into new cultural, religious, and digital frontiers. These ministries are not competitors but complements, ensuring that no soul is left behind when the gospel net is cast.

However, the challenge remains that some members perceive these new ministries as unnecessary, withholding their support or even marginalising those who actively serve in them, particularly HUM workers. Such attitudes weaken the collective mission of the church and undermine its vision of transformation. For the ministries to thrive and for the gospel net to gather all kinds of fish, leaders and members alike must give their maximum support through prayer, participation, and resources. They must avoid labelling or discouraging those who willingly engage in these ministries, recognising that their efforts are directed toward fulfilling the great commission of Christ.

In the end, the health of The CoP lies in the unity and synergy of both its old and new ministries. The wings must continue to give the church flight, and the nets must be strengthened to catch broadly. When these ministries are embraced and supported as one, the church will continue to advance its vision of possessing the nations: transforming every sphere of society with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.

Written by Pastor Emmanuel Foster Asamoah (HUM Pastor, Achimota Sector / Coordinator, PCUPGs, Africa)

INTRODUCTION

The growth of a child into adulthood tells a beautiful story of progress, thrive, resilience, focus, and purpose. A sound mind and body are critical to the thriving of children. This has important implications for their future. How they get acquainted with their environment, learn new skills, acquire social acumen and norms, and aspire high in life are intimately intertwined with a healthy mind and body. Anyone who claims to love children must give them a good start in health, as the lingering effects of their health status today can be overwhelming. In adult life, a good health echo from the past must be created now in childhood.

In today’s fast-evolving world, an issue of great concern is obesity. Obesity is a medical condition defined by the accumulation of excessive fat in the body. Its accompanying health outcomes are enormous. Obesity is a driver of several non-communicable diseases (NCDs), that is, diseases that cannot be transmitted from one person to another, as we see with contagious diseases such as tuberculosis. Obesity predisposes one to heart diseases, certain cancers, and diabetes (type II). Obesity is an important health threat among children today. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) recently reported that 9.2% of children worldwide are obese; one in every ten children is obese. This figure is disturbing. The health and economic implications of this for the future are scary.

Dietary behaviour and sedentary lifestyles are major modifiable causes of this condition. Its growing burden calls for intentional effort towards addressing it in time. It is a public health imperative. Parents, faith communities, schools, traditional communities, health centres, and health directorates at all levels have important roles to play in warring against childhood obesity.

COMING TO MEAN

The term “come to mean,” on the one hand, carries the sense of demonstrating love and warmth towards children as depicted in the biblical anecdote in which Jesus insisted that the children be allowed to come to him when his disciples attempted to prevent that. On the other hand, it indicates the statistical method by which the “weight” of a child is classified as “overweight” or “obese.” Obesity is fairly determined by measuring body mass index (BMI), which is a ratio of the mass of an individual to the square of his or her height.

Meanwhile, in children, this BMI markedly changes with growth as they age, and this varies between the sexes (boys and girls). Consequently, a child’s BMI is measured relative to that of his or her peers using age-for-sex growth charts. That is, a single mean (and standard deviation) cannot accurately tell the BMI of a child.

A more accurate way to do this is to determine the extent to which a child’s BMI departs from the mean of a population of their mates (with respect to age and sex), a standardised method called “Standard Deviation Scores,” determined using percentiles and standard deviation. This method has been recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The fight against the problem of childhood obesity is also about bringing a child’s BMI closer to the mean value of the reference population.

CHILDHOOD OBESITY ECHOES

Nipping overweight and obesity in the bud rests on the fact, which has been scientifically tested, that children who are overweight and obese will likely be obese in adulthood and thus suffer the associated NCDs. It has been shown by Elizabeth A. Lundeen and her colleagues in a prospective cohort study (one in which a group of people exposed to a given risk factor is followed up to see whether they will develop a medical condition) carried out for 20 years that overweight or obesity tends to persist into adult life with its attendant cardiovascular diseases and type-2 diabetes.

Already, there is an alarming increase in the prevalence of NCDs around the world. The WHO, in a 2014 report, takes note that globally, NCDs are responsible for 68% of all deaths. In middle- and low-income countries, where Ghana falls, 75% of this mortality emanates from NCDs, as a 2013 report by WHO indicated. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases are the four main contributors to this increasing prevalence. Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are particularly important in this regard. Diabetes, particularly type-2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease are directly linked to diet choices. Dietary behaviours such as consuming saturated fat, low intake of fruits and vegetables, and high consumption of salt are more specific nutritional factors that have been associated with NCDs.

If things are to remain the way they are at the moment, then we have no option as a world but to expect the worst. Children who are presently overweight and obese face a challenge to their body and mind, which will negatively impact their physical and cognitive development.

SHOWING LOVE, PLAYING OUR ROLE

Our love for children must be demonstrated in how we safeguard their health now. Why won’t society pay particular attention to protecting them from the menace of NCDs?

Children are exposed to energy-dense foods like noodles and sugary drinks. On TV and in shopping centres, they are confronted with such food products through advertisements. Such foods are marketed at vantage places in schools and the larger community. Parents are also often seen feeding their children with such foods as a way of making the children happy, in many instances. Some of them do it because the children demand it. Such an attitude is like a response to this statement I saw on social media: “Forcing your child to eat what you have and not what they like is the highest form of child abuse.”

Children often prefer sugar-sweetened beverages and noodles. Protecting them from consuming these obesogenic foods and encouraging them to eat healthy meals is the highest form of love to show them in this critical period of their life. This is far from being child abuse. This is to say that parents and other family members have an integral role to play in combating childhood obesity. Apart from dietary habits, parents can also ensure that their children do not stay glued to their TV set and electronic gadgets, which will make them sedentary or inactive. Rather, plan a family jogging session and go for walks.

Children’s ministry of churches and other religious bodies must also see themselves as key stakeholders in this public health fight. The practice of sharing sugar-sweetened beverages at children’s meetings must be discouraged. Physical education sessions must be included in the curriculum of these children’s ministries. This “physical exercise intervention” can also be done at the community level through boys’ and girls’ clubs, fully endorsed by community leaders.

Schools must create an environment that will encourage the consumption of healthier foods. Local regulations should be established to prevent the marketing and sale of sugary drinks to schoolchildren. School athletics and sports should be open to all students, not limited to those who are talented in sports. The curriculum of schools must include lessons on food environment, including but not limited to lessons on the health risk of consuming energy-dense foods, sugary drinks, saturated fats, and foods high in salt; and lessons on how to read food labels. Child health departments of health facilities must adopt a system that tracks the BMI of children and follows up on them to assess how they are progressing in controlling the risk factors.

At the national level, policies that control the marketing of unhealthy foods for children must be enacted and enforced. Furthermore, there must be an increase in taxation of unhealthy food products. Meanwhile, manufacturers of such foods must see it as their ethical duty to safeguard the health of the public by producing healthy products.

CONCLUSION

Children must necessarily come to mean. It can be done when we put our minds to it. All stakeholders have a duty to help them thrive now, whilst safeguarding their health for the future. It is a way to hold them dear to ourselves. Whilst darkness looms due to the prevalence of childhood obesity and NCDs with their accompanying morbidity (ill health) and mortality (death), a people who are determined to fight this public health threat can become the light to dispel the darkness.

Written by Dr. Stephen Ofotsu Ofoe

On Sunday, during our Children’s Ministry service, I witnessed something that was both remarkable and a little thought-provoking.

A group of little ones had taken it upon themselves to capture the proceedings—snapping photos and recording videos like seasoned professionals. It was a delightful sight! Imagine children, some barely four years old, crouching and angling their shots so they wouldn’t block the view of others. That’s pure media instinct at work! Clearly, the church has some budding cameramen and women in the making.

But here’s the part that caught my attention: children copy what they see. Every move. Every action. They had clearly observed our media team in action—the squatting, the precision, the focus—and they mimicked it perfectly. It’s both beautiful and a little sobering because it reminds us how closely they are watching us adults.

Now, here’s the gentle concern. We live in a time where everyone wants to be a photographer or videographer simply because we all carry gadgets that can do the job. It’s one thing at a press conference, but during a church service, it can easily become distracting. Let’s leave the capturing of moments to those designated for it. After all, not every prayer, dance, or worship moment needs to be on our personal camera roll.

Don’t get me wrong—I’m not frowning at the children. In fact, I admire their passion and creativity! What we need, though, is for us adults to set better examples. If we do, these young ones will grow up knowing when and how to use their gifts properly.

For now, I celebrate them. What I saw today was more than play; it was raw talent. And if we nurture it well, the church will have an amazing crop of media professionals in the future.

Written by Prince Kojo Asare (News Editor, Pent Media Centre)

In today’s media-driven culture, creativity is often reduced to performance, something designed to catch the eye or impress an audience. But in ministry, creativity carries a different calling. It’s not primarily about flair; it’s about faithfulness. It’s not about aesthetics; it’s about encounter. In a world saturated with visuals, videos, and endless content, it’s easy to assume that creativity in ministry is about keeping up, making things look polished, modern, and appealing. But for the Church, creativity is not just decoration. It’s a revelation. It’s a sacred tool that helps people experience God in ways that are both deeply spiritual and profoundly human. True ministry-driven creativity makes truth visible. It opens hearts, stirs souls, and invites people into moments of divine encounter, not through spectacle, but through Spirit-led expression.

A few reflections to offer:

1. Creativity as a Tool for Revelation

Before creativity was a strategy, it was a divine attribute, God’s first act of revelation. From the intricacies of nature to the poetry of scripture, His creativity reveals His character. As Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God,” and Romans 1:20 reminds us that “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made…”
This means creativity isn’t something we add to the Gospel; it’s woven into how God has always revealed Himself to the world. When we create, whether through design, music, storytelling, or media, we reflect His image and participate in His mission to make truth known. In ministry, creativity serves as a sacred bridge between the eternal and the everyday, helping people see God more clearly through sermon visuals, testimony videos, or spoken word pieces that open hearts to truths that might otherwise be overlooked.

2. The Gospel Deserves More Than Good Design

Excellence is not optional in the kingdom of God; it’s an offering. But excellence doesn’t always mean having the trendiest design or the biggest budget. It means giving God and His people our very best. As Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”  In ministry, great design and quality content are not ends in themselves; they are tools to communicate the Gospel with clarity and care. Our goal is not to impress but to illuminate, creating beauty that serves truth rather than distracts from it. When our creative work amplifies the message instead of overshadowing it, we help people not just see but understand. So before publishing that design, video, or post, ask yourself: Is this serving the message, or just trying to be impressive?  When we create with purpose, we’re not just making things look good—we’re helping people see God more clearly.

3. Making the Invisible Visible

Jesus didn’t deliver abstract theological lectures. He told stories, drew in the dirt, pointed to fig trees, and held up coins. His parables painted vivid pictures because He understood that spiritual truths often need visible handles. As Mark 4:34 notes, “He did not say anything to them without using a parable.”  In the same way, our creative work in ministry helps people visualize the invisible grace, hope, redemption, and love. A baptism video doesn’t just show water; it reveals resurrection. A sermon graphic sets the tone for expectation. A worship lyric video or song bridge can stir hearts before a single word is preached. Creativity becomes a lens through which truth is magnified, helping people not only hear the Gospel but experience it.

4. Creativity That Points to Christ

At its best, creativity in ministry becomes invisible, not because it lacks beauty, but because it so clearly reveals Jesus. When our work is rooted in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit, it becomes a window, not a mirror, revealing Christ rather than reflecting ourselves. As Matthew 5:16 reminds us, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Creativity is powerful, but it must be surrendered. Our colours, compositions, lyrics, and lighting cues aren’t just artistic choices; they’re instruments of revelation. The goal isn’t applause, but alignment. Every element we create should point people to Jesus, not to us. So, ask yourself: Does this inspire transformation or just admiration? Does it point people toward Christ or toward me? When we offer our creative gifts to God, He uses them not just to impress, but to draw hearts to Himself.

5. Creativity as Ministry, Not Just Media

It’s tempting to view creative work in the church as “supporting content.” But creativity is a ministry in its own right. The person writing the social media post is a communicator of God’s hope. The video editor crafting a baptism testimony is a storyteller of redemption. The graphic designer working on a youth retreat flyer is helping teenagers meet Jesus. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” —1 Peter 4:10 (NIV). This mindset shift is vital: creativity in the church isn’t a side hustle for the talented. It’s a calling for the faithful.

Encouragement for Church Creatives: Your Photoshop file is a canvas of hope. Your lyrics are pathways for worship. Your stage design is a setting for divine encounter.

Final Thoughts:

Creativity in ministry isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about making truth visible. It’s about transforming pixels, words, and melodies into portals for encounter, helping people see the Gospel, feel the presence of God, and understand His love in ways that words alone can’t always express. It’s about making the eternal accessible, the invisible visible, and the unseen Saviour seen. Whether you’re behind a camera, designing a flyer, writing a script, or leading worship, remember: your creativity is a calling. You are not just a creative—you are a messenger. So, keep creating. Keep praying. Keep crafting work that points beyond itself to the One who is truth, beauty, and grace embodied. Let your creativity rise not as performance, but as worship. As Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”  trust that God can use your creative offering to do far more than you can see. Keep Creating with Purpose.

Written by Deacon Seth Mensah Odifo (Head of Media, Arts and Sports, HUM)

While reflecting on how televisions receive channels through antennas, I realized that in many cases, the problem is not with the TV or the decoder, but with the antenna. This simple analogy holds a deep spiritual truth. Often, the issue in our spiritual growth is not the Word being preached, but our reception of it.

Many believers point fingers at preachers for their lack of growth. But what if the preacher is sound in doctrine, diligent in study, and accurate in delivery – yet the hearer remains unchanged?

This scenario highlights a critical reality. Spiritual growth does not occur merely because sound doctrine is preached; it occurs when that sound doctrine is properly received and applied.

A viable seed can only flourish in fertile soil. Likewise, even the most powerful sermon, if not received with the right heart and attitude, will not produce growth. Sometimes, the issue is not in the preaching—it is in the posture of the listener.

Time for Honest Reflection

Consider these questions:

1. How do you receive the Word of God? Is your heart open and attentive, or are you distracted and disengaged?
2. Do you listen to the Word for others rather than yourself? When the Word confronts or corrects, do you see it as a message for someone else, or do you allow it to examine your own life?
3. Is your focus only on writing notes without reflecting on the message? Do you revisit your notes prayerfully, or do they gather dust without impact?
4. Are you so caught up in “serving” during church services that you miss the sermon altogether? Ministry involvement is vital, but not at the expense of your own spiritual nourishment.

Do not Waste the Shepherd’s Effort

When God blesses you with a faithful and gifted teacher of the Word, it is your responsibility to receive, reflect, and grow. The skill of a good shepherd should not be wasted on poor listeners. Be intentional about your growth.

Be a fertile ground for the Word. Be teachable. Be transformed. The signal is strong – check your antenna!

Written by Elder Emmanuel Baidoo Madugu, Michel Camp District Youth Leader

As I reflect on my journey as the Cape Coast Area Media Pastor, I am reminded of the instrumental role Elder J. K. Arkoh has played in the Media Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Cape Coast Area. Since my appointment in 2018, I have had the privilege of working alongside this dedicated servant of the Lord, and I must say, his commitment to the propagation of the Gospel is truly inspiring.

Elder Arkoh’s humility, approachability, and visionary leadership have made him a beloved figure in the Central Region and beyond. His selflessness and willingness to cooperate with pastors and leaders have been a blessing to many. As a knowledgeable student of the Word, he has been a valuable asset to our ministry.

One of Elder Arkoh’s greatest strengths is his ability to use the media to spread the Gospel. Through his work on Radio Central (GBC) and ATL FM, he has reached countless people in the Central Region, sharing the love of Christ with a wide audience.

I often refer to Elder Arkoh as “The Media Pastor,” and his dedication to our ministry is reminiscent of the biblical character Caleb, who followed God wholeheartedly (Numbers 14:24). Like Caleb, Elder Arkoh’s life and character are a testament to the power of faithfulness and obedience.

As we celebrate Elder Arkoh’s contributions to the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus, I pray that God will grant him long life to continue to expand the Kingdom business. May his legacy continue to inspire and uplift the body of Christ for generations to come.

Let us appreciate this gallant worker in the Kingdom while he is still with us, that we may sing his praise while he can still hear and see.

Written by Pastor Ebenezer Ayivi Okoampah, Cape Coast Area Media Pastor

The third edition of the All Ministers’ Conference (AMC) has begun at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, and the early signs are nothing short of remarkable. From the arrival to the opening session, it has become clear that this gathering of over 448 denominations is more than just another programme—it is a living testimony that the Church in Ghana can truly stand as a body united.

Already, the atmosphere is different. Doctrinal walls have given way to fellowship, denominational labels have faded into the background, and the love of Christ has taken centre stage.

Ministers from diverse traditions have blended seamlessly, painting a picture of heaven—where no denomination exists, only the redeemed, united in worship of the Lamb.

And indeed, this is what strikes the heart most deeply: it feels like heaven. For once, it does not matter who came from where or which church they represent. In heaven, there will be no Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Charismatic, or Catholic. There will only be the blood-washed, gathered before the throne, lifting one voice in adoration to Christ. The All Ministers’ Conference is giving us a foretaste of that reality.

It has been striking to observe: no one cares about seating arrangements, liturgical styles, or who emphasises offerings and who does not. Instead, there is a shared commitment to the One who unites us all—Jesus Christ.

The queues at the dining halls capture this perfectly: men and women from various churches eating the same food, drinking the same water, and sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with no distinctions. Truly, what unites us is far greater than what divides us.

These early moments offer a profound lesson. Like the people at Babel, whose unity made them unstoppable, the Church—once united—cannot fail. And with the conference theme, “Building the Church for Impact” (Matthew 16:16-18), already resonating strongly, there is no doubt that the coming days will deepen this sense of oneness and set the stage for a more impactful Church in Ghana and beyond.

What we have seen so far is only the beginning. If these first steps are anything to go by, then the future promises a Church knit together in love, walking in power, and poised to make an indelible mark on the world.

The event is being organised by The Church of Pentecost in collaboration with the Lausanne Movement, Ghana.

Written by Prince Kojo Asare (News Editor, Pent Media Centre)