Enhancing Inclusivity, Global Engagement In Church Media web

Enhancing Inclusivity, Global Engagement In Church Media

by with No Comment Articles

In today’s rapidly evolving world, where creativity and technology shape communication and worship experiences, church media has become a powerful tool for reaching people across languages, cultures, and borders. The work of media teams in this space cannot be overstated. Their skill, creativity, and dedication to advancing the Gospel through visuals, sound, and storytelling are invaluable. No amount of money can truly compensate for the spiritual and technical investment they pour into the work of God. However, the pace of globalization and the emergence of new media trends require continuous improvement. In just 24 hours, global communication can shift dramatically, influencing how audiences connect with content. The Church must remain proactive, innovative, and sensitive to the needs of a diverse congregation, both in-house and online.

One area deserving attention is the projection of song lyrics during worship services, particularly local songs. In many gatherings, local language songs are displayed without translations or transliterations, making it difficult for non-native speakers to participate fully. Inclusivity begins with understanding, and worship becomes more meaningful when everyone can follow along. Introducing English translations of local songs would promote participation and reflect the Church’s commitment to unity in diversity. A notable example is Koinonia Global, whose media team has integrated translations into their live services. Yoruba songs are projected with English and French translations, allowing worshippers from different linguistic backgrounds to join in. Scriptures are also displayed in multiple languages, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. These efforts underscore the universal nature of the Gospel and remind us that our media expressions should transcend language barriers.

The path forward for church media teams lies in continuous adaptation. By integrating language translations, bilingual scripture displays, and training sign language interpreters, the Church can create a more engaging, accessible, and globally resonant worship experience. These adjustments may seem small, but they communicate a powerful message: Everyone is welcome, everyone belongs, and everyone can participate in worship. Media is more than a technical department; it is a ministry of light, sound, and connection. As we serve God in this vital area, may we remain open to innovation, sensitive to diversity, and committed to excellence. The world is watching, and through our work, they can experience the beauty and inclusivity of the Kingdom of God. By embracing these changes, the Church can ensure that its message reaches and resonates with all, reflecting the heart of God for every nation and people.

Written by Daniel Arko-Adjei

Mission Schools And Religious Harmony Reflecting On Ghana’s Ongoing Debate wev

Mission Schools And Religious Harmony Reflecting On Ghana’s Ongoing Debate

by with No Comment Articles

Ghana’s long-standing conversation on the relationship between mission schools, religious freedom, and national identity has resurfaced with the Shafic Osman versus Wesley Girls’ High School case. This development invites the nation to reflect deeply on how faith-based institutions, many of which laid the foundations of modern education in Ghana, can remain true to their heritage while respecting the constitutional rights of all students. Mission schools have shaped generations of Ghanaian leaders, long before the state assumed full responsibility for public education. Their Christian character is therefore not an afterthought but a key part of their history and identity. In the same vein, Islamic schools also maintain practices rooted in their faith tradition. In a diverse society, what feels natural to one group may feel restrictive to another, making open and honest dialogue essential.

At the heart of the current debate is the question of religious accommodation in public-aided mission schools. While the plaintiffs argue that certain school policies challenge Muslim religious expression, others believe that the historic ethos of mission schools should be preserved. Beneath the legal and public arguments lies a broader national concern: how to safeguard the identity of mission schools without marginalizing minority groups, and how to maintain harmony without diluting the values that shaped these institutions. Global experiences offer lessons. In parts of Europe and North America, governments struggled to define the boundaries of religious accommodation, leading to social tensions, unclear laws, and in some cases parallel systems of norm-setting that later became difficult to manage. Ghana must avoid such pitfalls by grounding its approach in fairness, clarity, and respect for both institutional identity and individual rights.

A balanced way forward requires transparency, clear guidelines, and respect for choice. Mission schools should be open about the core elements of their Christian identity – daily devotions, dress codes, and participation in school worship – so that parents understand what they are choosing. Likewise, national guidelines developed through consultation with Christian and Muslim stakeholders would ensure consistency and prevent confusion. Above all, Ghana must uphold the principle of one law for all while allowing schools to retain the character that makes them distinct.

As policymakers, judges and educational leaders deliberate, it is important to recognise that this conversation extends beyond Wesley Girls’ High School. The decisions made today will influence how future generations experience faith, identity, and education in Ghana. Careful, principled leadership will help preserve peace, honour our history, and strengthen the mutual respect that has long characterised our nation.

Written by Dr. Enoch Ofosu

The Authenticity And Power Of God’s Word For The Believer web

The Authenticity And Power Of God’s Word For The Believer

by with No Comment Articles

The word of God is a powerful and transformative force that has the ability to create, build, organize, and bring order to our lives. It is authentic, infallible, sufficient, and undiluted, and has the power to bring situations and circumstances into reality.

In Genesis, we see the power of God’s word on display as He speaks the universe into existence. “AND GOD SAID” is repeated seven times, emphasizing the power and authority of His word. The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, and has the ability to penetrate to the deepest parts of our nature, exposing and judging the thoughts and purposes of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12).

As believers, we are called to stay with the word of God, to feed on it, and to obey it. It is our strength, our guidance, and our light in times of darkness. The word of God has the power to revive our souls, to make us wise, and to give us joy and light (Psalm 19:7-8).

In Ezekiel 37:1-14, we see the prophet Ezekiel prophesying to dry bones, and the word of God bringing life to hopeless and shattered circumstances. This is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God’s word, and its ability to bring life and hope to our situations.

As Christians, our growth, sustainability, and well-being depend on how much of the word of God we have in us. We must prioritize spending time with the word, studying it, meditating on it, and obeying it. The word of God is our lamp and our light, and it guides us on our journey with God.

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of the word of God in action. He is the Word made flesh, and He came to show us the way, the truth, and the life. When we feed on the word, we are feeding on Christ, and we are nourished and sustained by His presence.

The word of God is profitable for rebuking, correction, teaching, and training in righteousness, and it equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Let us commit to staying with the word, to obeying it, and to living it out in our daily lives. May we be practitioners of the word, and not just hearers only.

May the Lord help us to daily abide by His word, and to be genuine doers of His will. Amen.

Written by Elder David Gyamfi, PIWC West Hills

THE SILENT INTRUSION – A NARROW ESCAPE web

The Silent Intrusion – A Narrow Escape

by with No Comment Articles

I had just begun the next face of my career, newly employed and transferred to my first station in the Volta Region, Sogakope, to be precise as an Executive Assistant on September 1, 2025.

Settling in was smooth. The work came with little challenge, and though the environment was not particularly appealing, the people were warm and lively. I inherited the room of my predecessor, continuing the rent from where she left off. Life seemed ordinary, even promising, until the evening that changed everything.

September 30, 2025, began like any other day. I returned home from the office, weary but eager to unwind. But the moment I opened my door, a chill ran down my spine.

My room was in complete disarray. Clothes lay scattered, books tossed aside, the mattress overturned, everything was upside down. It looked as though a storm had raged through, but only within the confines of my space.

I froze, my breath caught in my throat, as the truth struck me with brutal clarity: someone had broken in.

I rushed to check my belongings, heart pounding. Miraculously, nothing was missing. My laptop, tablet, documents, everything was still there. Yet the violation of my personal space left me shaken. The thought that strangers had rummaged through my life while I was away was deeply unsettling.

As I tried to process the shock, I learned that my co-tenant had not been so fortunate. His room had also been invaded, and his personal laptop was gone. The theft was precise, almost surgical. What baffled us most was how they had gained entry.

There were no signs of forced entry, no broken locks, no damaged doors. It was as if the intruders had used a master key, something deliberate and chilling. The locks had been opened, not broken. That detail alone sent shivers down our spines.

The next morning, we wasted no time. A carpenter was called, and additional locks were installed on each door. It was a small measure, but it gave us a fragile sense of control, a way to reclaim our space.

Still, the incident lingered in my mind for days, even weeks. The shock did not fade easily. It was not just about the physical intrusion, but the psychological impact, the feeling of vulnerability in a place that was supposed to be safe.

Through it all, I held onto one truth: God had been good. If the intruders had met me in the room, what might have happened? What if it had been my laptop, my tablet, or any other valuable they had taken? I believe it was divine intervention that spared me. This, I know, was the doing of the Lord.

Written by Gina Akua Padi

Lessons For The Living From A Visit To The Osu Cemetery web

Lessons For The Living From A Visit To The Osu Cemetery

by with No Comment Articles

The calm of a Saturday morning in Accra offered a striking contrast to the city’s usual noise as we entered the Osu Cemetery for a burial. The bustling rhythm of life beyond its gates seemed distant. Within those quiet grounds, every path, tomb, and inscription invited deep reflection. What began as a funeral soon became a sober reminder that the cemetery is not merely a resting place for the dead, but a classroom for the living.

Osu Cemetery sits like a silent world within the heart of the capital. Modern buildings tower nearby, the historic castle stands not far off, and in between lies a vast expanse where life’s achievements, titles, and pursuits come to an unmistakable end. Walking through, the air carried the scent of dust, aged flowers, and fallen neem leaves. The open graves – raw, rectangular wounds in the earth – spoke with a clarity that no sermon could rival. They reminded us that mortality is not theoretical; it is certain.

Among the graves were elaborate mausoleums and simple tombs alike: marble, granite, weathered cement, some new, others faded by time. Names once boldly inscribed were now barely visible. Yet the message remained the same – death levels us all. It was moving to come across the resting place of the late Prophet M.K. Yeboah, a former Chairman of The Church of Pentecost whose ministry left a lasting imprint. His tomb stood as a reminder that even the faithful await the resurrection hope promised in Christ.

The cemetery’s silent testimony echoes the words of Hebrews 13:14: “For here we have no lasting city.” All our pursuits of wealth, recognition, or earthly power eventually meet their end here. The question that lingers is: What are we living for that carries eternal weight?

Dr. Myles Munroe’s famous assertion that the cemetery is the richest place on earth felt profoundly true in that moment. Buried beneath the soil are unfulfilled ideas, unwritten books, unpursued callings, and God-given dreams that were never lived out. This stark reality calls believers to “die empty”, to pour out every gift, talent, and assignment God has entrusted to us before our time on earth ends.

Yet, the cemetery is not a place of despair for the Christian. It is a reminder of the victory of Christ’s resurrection. For the believer, the grave is not an end but a waiting place until the trumpet sounds and mortal bodies are raised to life.

Leaving the cemetery, the message was unmistakable: the time to live purposefully for Christ is now. The time to love, forgive, serve, create, and fulfil our calling is now. May we not add to the cemetery’s wealth of unused potential, but live fully for the glory of God, looking ahead to the eternal city where Christ reigns forever.

Written by Elder Louis Sitsofe Hodey (Ashaley District – Madina Area)

Becoming A Truthful Ladder For Christ web

Becoming A Truthful Ladder For Christ

by with No Comment Articles

A ladder is commonly known as a simple tool that helps people reach heights they cannot attain on their own. Beyond its physical function, however, it also offers a profound metaphor for the Christian life. Just as a ladder provides access to higher places, believers are called to serve as spiritual channels through which others encounter God. Scripture presents this image clearly in Jacob’s dream, where a ladder set upon the earth reached into heaven and angels ascended and descended upon it (Genesis 28:12). This was not merely a dream but a revelation of God’s desire to maintain open connection with humanity. Jesus later identifies Himself as the true fulfillment of that ladder, declaring that heaven would be opened over the Son of Man (John 1:51). Through Him alone, humanity finds access to the Father (John 14:6).

With Christ as the ultimate Ladder, believers share in the responsibility of extending His reach to the world. As His body on earth, we are called to be “truthful ladders”; dependable conduits through which others can encounter Him. Just as any physical ladder must lean against a solid and immovable wall, the believer’s stability rests entirely on Christ, who is our firm foundation. Our spiritual integrity is shaped through faithful devotion to Scripture, prayer, and fellowship, ensuring that we can bear the weight of those seeking hope and direction. When anchored in Him, our lives become steady rungs the Holy Spirit uses to guide searching souls toward salvation.

A ladder with a weak or compromised structure is not only ineffective but dangerous. It gives the illusion of safety while posing the risk of collapse. In the same way, a Christian whose foundation is not Christ becomes vulnerable to the pressures of life and the temptations of the world. Such instability undermines their witness and jeopardises their own spiritual wellbeing, a warning Scripture does not treat lightly (1 Corinthians 9:27). The call to be a truthful ladder therefore demands spiritual vigilance, intentional growth, and unwavering dependence on God.

The Apostle Paul captured the heart of this responsibility when he urged believers to imitate him as he imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). This invitation reflects the boldness of a life aligned with God, one that others can safely follow. It is often easier to preach at a distance than to demonstrate Christ-like character among those who know us well. Yet our most compelling testimony is the consistency of our daily lives, lived with integrity, humility, and love. When our character mirrors Christ, our lives naturally invite others to draw near to Him.

Believers carry a sacred calling to stand as truthful ladders between a searching world and the saving grace of God. May we hold firmly to Christ, grow in integrity, and allow our lives to guide others upward toward Him. Shalom.

Written by Mr. Felix Amanfo, Assistant Local Teens Coordinator (Safo Assembly – Kotobadi District)

Go and Tell-A Divine Commission for Every Believer web

Go and Tell: A Divine Commission for Every Believer

by with No Comment Articles

In the Christian journey, the command to “Go and Tell” resounds as both a divine imperative and a profound empowerment. It is not merely an option or suggestion; it is a clear mandate from God to every believer to share His goodness, testimony and power with the world. This calling is deeply rooted in Scripture and demonstrated throughout the lives of faithful followers in the Bible.

The instruction “Go and Tell” echoes across numerous biblical passages, affirming that we are sent as messengers to proclaim the transformative grace of God. In Exodus 4:12 (KJV), God reassured Moses, “Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”

This reminder assures believers that although the task may seem daunting, God equips His people with the words and power they need.

Similarly, the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19–20 (KJV) strengthens this charge: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”

Jesus calls His followers not to remain passive, but to go out boldly into the world with His saving message. This remains the heartbeat of the Christian mission.

Many often ask, “What should I go and tell?” The answer lies in sharing the living testimony of God’s goodness, faithfulness and miraculous acts in our lives. Psalm 107:2 (NIV) urges: “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.” Our personal stories of victory over trials, sickness or despair become powerful tools that inspire hope and faith in others.

The Book of Acts presents compelling examples of the impact of this mandate. The early Church was driven by the bold testimony of believers like Peter and Paul, whose preaching transformed lives and communities. Acts 4:20 (KJV) records Peter and John declaring, “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Their unwavering commitment reminds us that the essence of our message must be truth, courage and conviction.

The Holy Spirit remains central to this commission. In Acts 1:8 (NIV), Jesus promises, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…” This divine power is not given to be kept, but to be expressed in sharing the gospel, demonstrating God’s love and impacting lives.

A practical illustration of this “Go and Tell” mandate can be seen in the relationship between an apprentice and her master craftsperson. Consider a young apprentice at a salon who spends years learning from her mentor. Upon graduation, she is expected not only to practise these skills but also to teach others, multiply knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the craft. If she keeps her skills hidden, both she and those who could have benefited from her training suffer a loss.

In the same way, believers—having been trained through God’s Word, the Holy Spirit and life experiences—are expected to use and share the spiritual gifts, testimonies and knowledge given to them. The Apostle Paul emphasises this principle in 2 Timothy 2:2 (KJV): “And the things that thou hast heard of me… the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” Here, we see a divine pattern of multiplication, stewardship and purposeful transmission.

Moreover, God calls us to “go and tell” not merely out of duty, but with joy and expectation. The Samaritan woman in John 4:28–30 (NIV) exemplifies this beautifully. After encountering Jesus, she could not keep silent. Her simple testimony drew many from her town to Christ.

Today, believers have even greater opportunities to proclaim the gospel. Technology, social media and community networks offer unprecedented platforms for evangelism. Yet, the essence remains unchanged: we carry a sacred responsibility to declare the faithfulness and power of God with clarity and confidence.

In conclusion, “Go and Tell” is not only a command; it is a divine empowerment and a joyful responsibility. Like Moses, Peter, Paul, the Samaritan woman and the skilled apprentice, we are called to step out in obedience—empowered by the Holy Spirit—to declare God’s goodness, testify of His saving power and impact lives for eternity. May we rise to this commission with boldness, knowing that our testimony can ignite faith and transform communities.

Written by Debora Addo

Deputy Women’s Commissioner, SRC Pentecost University

Jesus Christ Is The Ultimate Solution To The Human Condition web

Jesus Christ Is The Ultimate Solution To The Human Condition

by with No Comment Articles

The Global Gospel Outreach organised by The E-Church was a transformative five-day spiritual experience held from Wednesday, 5th to Sunday, 9th November 2025. The event, marked by divine impartation, revival, and renewal, featured a rich line-up of speakers including Overseer Isaac Walraevens, Deaconess Priscilla Amakwah, and Pastor Filip Rashev. The grand climax on Sunday was led by Apostle Ebenezer Agyapong, under the powerful theme, “Jesus Is the Answer” (John 14:6).

The atmosphere during the final service was one of faith, worship, and deep expectancy. Delivering the sermon, the Minister-in-Charge emphasised that life’s deepest questions often have simple answers, answers we tend to overlook in our pursuit of complexity. “Jesus is the answer,” he declared, “but humanity continues to search for alternatives that appeal to intellect or emotion, ignoring the truth that has always been right before us; Christ Himself.”

Drawing from Genesis 3, the minister recounted humanity’s fall in the Garden of Eden, explaining that man’s disobedience created the enduring problem of sin and separation from God. The fig leaves Adam and Eve used to cover themselves symbolised human efforts – self-righteousness, moralism, and empty religion – that ultimately fail to reconcile man to God. “Religion is man’s attempt to reach God, but Christianity is God reaching out to man through Christ Jesus,” he stated.

Referencing Numbers 21, he drew a parallel between Moses lifting up the bronze serpent in the wilderness and Christ’s redemptive work on the Cross. Just as the Israelites were healed when they looked upon the bronze serpent, salvation today comes through looking to Jesus, who “became sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21). The minister stressed that while the bronze serpent offered temporary relief, Christ’s sacrifice provides the ultimate and permanent solution to sin.

To illustrate the message, Apostle Agyapong shared a personal story about struggling to start his car because of a weak key battery, until it was replaced, and everything worked perfectly. He likened this to the human condition: “People are trying everything – philosophy, science, wealth, and self-help – but the real issue lies within. Once Jesus, the true source of power, is restored to the heart, everything aligns.”

In his closing remarks, the Minister charged believers to proclaim this timeless truth with boldness: “Jesus is not one of many answers; He is the only Answer.” The Global Gospel Outreach ended with renewed conviction that where human wisdom fails, God’s grace prevails. Indeed, Jesus is still the answer.

Report by Rebecca Siameh

THE MINISTRY TO CELEBRITIES WILL THRIVE web

The Ministry To Celebrities Will Thrive

by with No Comment Articles

PREAMBLE

Let me indicate from the outset that this write-up is going to carry fire. To the one who possesses a teachable spirit, it will be a realisation that the concept of the ministry to celebrities being run by The Church of Pentecost currently is a laudable missiological model that carries the mind of God, involving reaching out to a world that is fast-moving away from him. This drives the salvation history of God, culminating in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ when he walked the face of the earth as man. His ministry of reaching out to a lost world continues in the Church. If we have the Kingdom of God at heart indeed, then we must become promoters of that which advances the salvation of all manner of people, and not become obstinate in such issues, failing to learn and going about spewing our ignorance all over. 

THE CELEBRITIES

Celebrities could be delineated as personalities who have fame in society and have the ability to pull large crowds and influence them. We see many of them in the arts and entertainment industry, politics, sports, or any other venture that commands great attention from the public. Their trade influences the culture, social, and economic fabric of societies. Since they are great influencers, they can shape the ideologies and life practices of people, especially the younger generations.

Celebrities, therefore, constitute an important hub of society that must invite special attention from all who mean well for the world. Must the church be nonchalant in this regard? If the church does not critique the reality of celebrities and explore how to shine the light of Christ in that space, then its claim of being the light of the world is questionable. That assertion becomes mere rhetoric without any substance.

 Whilst we could have both Christian and non-Christian celebrities, they have largely been regarded as sinners, followers of Satan, and people of darkness that the church must not associate with. The term “celebrity” has almost become synonymous with worldliness. Some who undermine the ministry to these celebrities see them, sadly, as people that Christians or the church should not share the same space or platform with. Interestingly, they evoke biblical passages to push that idea. Must we stand aloof and allow this to endure? The celebrity community constitutes an important missiological situation that any mission-minded church must pay attention to in its quest to make disciples of all people in accordance with the charge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

It is a good sign that the Vision 2028 of The Church of Pentecost seeks to capitalise on the potential of the church to transform society by establishing a ministry to Celebrities. This ministry pays particularly attention to sending the gospel to the celebrities and disciple them in a bid to transform society.

THE JESUS MODEL: “A FRIEND OF TAX COLLECTORS AND SINNERS”

Drawing on the perception that celebrities are people with whom the church must not associate, and considering this in light of the ministry Jesus carried out on earth during  the days that he walked here as a man, the two are opposed. The ministry of Jesus Christ was revolutionary, challenging the norms of his day. On one hand, Jesus, who was considered a Jewish religious leader, carried himself in a manner that impinged on the ideas and religious practices that were firmly held..  Whilst the religious leaders seemingly lived a “hallowed” life and would not associate with people who were regarded as sinners and irreligious in society, Jesus went to such people. It was this ministerial practice of Jesus that generated the popular phrase in reference to him, “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:34)..

One case in point is when Jesus was invited by a religious leader, a Pharisee, for dinner, and a woman who was regarded as a sinner drew near to Jesus, adored him by weeping on his feet, and cleaning them with her hair.. The host took offence, but Jesus explained away the happening by speaking about repentance, faith, and forgiveness (Luke 7:36-50). By allowing this association with one who was regarded as an obvious sinner, the woman received salvation.

Another example was when Jesus went for another dinner in the home of Levi, a tax collector. That occasion saw many tax collectors and other people dining with Jesus. The Pharisees fumed about this situation and asked, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus retorted, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:27-32). The whole of the ministry of Jesus was marked by a certain compassion towards sinners, so he could bring them to salvation. Jesus would, undoubtedly, have been labelled “a friend of celebrities and sinners,” but he would respond that he has come to call the celebrities as well to repentance.     

Jesus, therefore, modelled a kind of ministry that draws sinners close so they experience God. This is the one who commissioned his church to make disciples of all nations. No one can supplant this example that our Lord Jesus Christ has left for his church. The church must also continue in this spirit.     

This association or friendship with sinful people does not put Jesus in enmity with the Father God, as some people evoke James 4:4 to say that Christians should not associate with unbelievers.  The whole of the book of James addresses certain challenges that the church was battling with. It teaches on issues that bother the Christian life, and cases that do not allow the community of God’s people to live in harmony. In James 4, the Bible was teaching Christians concerning submitting themselves to God. In speaking to the case of discord among the Christians, the writer drew their attention to their selfish desires to have certain possessions, the lack of which has generated dissatisfaction and quarrels among them. The Bible equates such desires with friendship with the world.

A friend to the world is not someone who puts in place a missiological structure to penetrate through the celebrity space and reach out to celebrities with the Gospel by associating with them, but one who has selfish desires and covets worldly pleasures. An admonition in this same book of the Bible is important here: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1). We must be careful about how we interpret the Bible. Upsetting the purpose of God through misrepresentation of the word of God makes you a nuisance.

Jesus’ association with sinners does not mean that he is “unequally yoked with unbelievers” or does not amount to him harmonising with Satan. People refer to 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 to condemn efforts to reach out to the world through the adoption of strategies that will draw the attention of the world, so the gospel is preached. “Come out from among them and be separated,” as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:17, is a popular statement held against efforts such as the ministry to celebrities. In this verse, the Apostle Paul cited Isaiah 52:11 to caution the church against idolatry. In the initial record in context, as seen in Isaiah 52, the Prophet Isaiah was calling on the people of Israel who fled to Egypt during the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem and were now returning from exile to indeed come out from Egypt, putting off any idolatrous ideas and practices that they may have picked up whilst in exile. Paul uses Isaiah 52 to correct the idolatrous tendencies within the church, which the people of God have picked up from the environment in which they were living.

Coming out from among them does not mean we should not approach them to win them to Christ. Structures such as ministry to celebrities are all about preaching Christ and “becoming all things to all people” as Apostle Paul confessed in 1 Corinthians 9:22. This has been how Paul patterned his missionary work and ministry. He was following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is important not to take his teaching in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 out of context. If you do not understand it, humble yourself to be taught. Do not be moved by unwarranted zeal. We must learn from this desire of our Lord Jesus Christ to reach out to the world by all means. This same spirit drives the mission of God must continue in the church.     

THE CHURCH AND MINISTRY OF KATALLAGE (καταλλαγή)

The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ has signed a peace pact with humanity. Those who believe the gospel become reconciled to God. God is the reconciler who empties himself in Christ so that we may come to salvation (2 Corinthians 5:18). It is humanity that has been reconciled. This is the ministry of katallage (reconciliation). Katallage carries the sense of restoration to favour because God has exchanged his righteousness for the guilt of the world. This can be rightly described as a “compromise” of the divinity of God, so that there will be restoration and reconciliation. This ministryhas been delegated to the church; to all believers (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

The call to the ministry of reconciliation is presbeuo(πρεσβεύω), or to be an ambassador or to be a representative of God in the world. This ambassadorial work connotes one going to a place he or she does not strictly belong to represent his or her home country or master there. Whilst the person does not compromise his or her sending culture, the person is supposed to be familiar with the culture of the country he or she finds himself or herself in to facilitate its work of diplomacy.

The church must be familiar with the world in which it lives.  If the church ministers to celebrities, it must not be ignorant of the terrain, or it will commit grievous missiological blunders. This calls for an association; getting close to them just like our Lord Jesus Christ, so that the church can katallassothem or reconcile them to God 

CONCLUSION

Jesus, through the church, is still going into the world to bring people from various backgrounds to salvation. This includes celebrities who have been labelled as belonging to the world. How Jesus Christ modelled his outreach to sinners to bring them to salvation must be continued by the church. The church must fulfill its ministry of reconciliation and restore the world to God through the enabling Spirit of God. The ministry to celebrities has filled a vacuum in missionary work. It must press on to shine the light of Christ into every dark spot in the world. Celebrities can come to faith by hearing the gospel. For them to hear, someone must go. Let’s embrace the model of Jesus to reach out to a world that is fast-moving away from God. No one, out of ignorance or misdirected zeal, can frustrate the purpose of God.       

Written by Elder Dr. Stephen Ofotsu Ofoe

KEEP JERUSALEM web

Keep Jerusalem! – God’s Generational Appeal (Reflections From The James Mckeown Memorial Lectures 2025)

by with No Comment Articles

In a moment charged with divine clarity, the Vice Chancellor of Pentecost University, Apostle Prof. Agyapong-Kodua lifted the timeless hymn, “Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling,” following Apostle Prof. Tsekpoe’s powerful presentation on “Reshaping Generations.” There was a shift in atmosphere as we recognised God’s reminder of a long-neglected command — a call not only to the mission field but to generations. Yet again, we were reminded that this is a timeless charge that calls for a revitalised sense of purpose and conviction. This profound reminder set the stage for the James McKeown Memorial Lecture, an annual gathering that honors the legacy of the Church of Pentecost’s founder while shaping contemporary thought on faith and mission.

The 2025 James McKeown Lecture, held on November 7 at the Pentecost Convention Centre (Egyir Paintsil Auditorium), once again honored the legacy of Ps. James McKeown and highlighted Pentecostalism’s role in global mission. Under the theme “Reshaping Cultures, Generations and Systems,” the event drew theologians, clergy, and church leaders, emphasising how Pentecostal values continue to shape faith and communities and inspire transformative change worldwide.

The 2025 James McKeown Lecture theme, tied to the Possessing the Nations agenda, urged Christians to see every sphere, culture, generation, and system as mission fields. It called believers to influence society, drive research, and act as agents of generational and systemic transformation.

THE CONCEPT OF RESHAPING GENERATIONS

Apostle Prof. Christian Tsekpoe’s lecture on Reshaping Generations emphasised that, beyond cultures and systems, generations must be transformed as vital mission fields. He warned of the “Tragedy of Generations,” where people arise without knowledge of God (citing Joshua 2:7–10), and urged Christians to preserve faith and fulfill the “Go Ye” mandate, starting from their own Jerusalem.

Apostle Prof. Tsekpoe noted that today’s church growth stems from the hard work of Ps. McKeown and the early fathers, reminding us that current efforts are seeds for future fruit. He illustrated the “Tragedy of Generations” through church history — from its birth in Jerusalem with 120 believers, rapid expansion to thousands, and eventual shift of vibrancy from Jerusalem to the Greco-Roman world, then to Rome, Western Europe, and North America. Each shift brought growth in new regions but decline in former centers, leaving once-thriving churches, like Ephesus, in ruins.

Apostle Prof. Tsekpoe stressed that Africa, now seen as Christianity’s center, bears a heavy responsibility to preserve the faith amid global decline. While Europe’s Christian population fell sharply from 98% in 1900 to much lower by 2000, Africa’s share is projected to reach 50% by 2050. Yet worldwide, Christianity has shrunk from 33% in 1900 to 30.5% in 2000 — showing that as the faith grows in one region, it diminishes in another, a recurring “shifting center” challenge.

THE GAP IN MISSIOLOGY

Missions have long focused on foreign fields, while generations are treated as ministries rather than mission fields. Apostle Prof. Tsekpoe emphasised that this neglect of “generational missions” leads to imposing outdated methods — like the biblical example of pouring old wine into new wineskins — which poses the risk of alienating children, youth, and other groups instead of engaging them as vital mission fields.

Matthew 28:19–20 and Acts 1:8 are often misinterpreted and misunderstood as purely geographical mandates. Apostle Prof. Tsekpoe clarified that the Great Commission is both horizontal (to nations) and vertical (to generations), preserving the gospel’s vitality across time. Acts 1:8 places a strong emphasis on maintaining the fire in Jerusalem while expanding to Judea, Samaria, and beyond — adding centers rather than shifting them. Mathematically, this means multiplication without displacement. Thus, the gospel’s center must remain intact even as it spreads.

The decline in the global Christian population reflects a critical gap: reaching and sustaining generations. Had Jerusalem, Asia Minor, the Western world, and other revival centers preserved the faith across generations, today’s disturbing decline would not be as evident. Generational missions are therefore essential to maintaining Christianity’s vitality.

THE INTERGENERATIONAL MISSIONS APPROACH TO RESHAPING GENERATIONS

This approach ensures that there is meaningful engagement between older and younger generations, ensuring the transmission of faith through culturally relevant interaction. Here, the older members intentionally empower the younger generation with leadership opportunities, while the younger generation shows respect and attentiveness to their elders

Pastor James McKeown exemplified this model by incorporating indigenous forms of worship and entrusting local leaders with responsibility during his missionary activities in the Gold Coast. One might ask: if McKeown were present in this generation, would he have permitted certain generational dynamics to endure? The answer is undoubtedly yes. He would have affirmed that younger generations must be given the space to make decisions while being guided through questioning and accountability. Such a balance strengthens the church and safeguards the faith for the future.

CONCLUSION

Dear reader, the call before us is not confined to distant mission fields but extends to generations — our very own Jerusalem. Therefore, rise and minister faithfully to those entrusted to you. Guard your Jerusalem, preserve the faith where you are planted, and ensure that the flame of devotion never dies.

Written by Deacon Ernest Ofori Baah (Bible Studies Coordinator, PENSA-UPSA)