Posts in category: Children’s Ministry

In a passionate plea to children’s workers, Apostle Semenya Yao Dogbe, the Takoradi Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, has emphasised the urgent need to “arrest children for Christ” before they fall victim to a life of crime.

Delivering a presentation titled “How the Children Ministry is Run in the Takoradi Area” at the ongoing 2023 Foundation Builders Conference (FBC’23) of the Children’s Ministry, Apostle Dogbe highlighted the critical importance of instilling moral and spiritual values in children during their formative years.

Drawing inspiration from Luke 18:16-18, where Jesus calls for children to come to Him, Apostle Dogbe stressed the need to catch children at a young age for Christ, ensuring their transplantation into the House of God and securing the future sustenance and growth of the church.

Quoting Psalm 92:13-14, he emphasised the promise that those transplanted into the Lord’s own house will flourish, remaining fruitful and vibrant even in old age.

Apostle Dogbe acknowledged the challenging world in which children live today, characterised by occultism, violence, disregard for authority, high rates of drug abuse, negative influences from social media, and various forms of sexualism.

He expressed concern over the dangerous trend of some children being trained for terrorism instead of being equipped to spread the gospel. He questioned whose responsibility it is to save these children for Christ before they become victims of crime themselves.

Aligning with the Church’s vision for 2023, “Possessing the Nations,” the Takoradi Area has placed a strong focus on the children’s ministry.

According to him, the leadership, workers, and members have been diligently nurturing and equipping children with the principles and values of the Kingdom, fostering their growth in wisdom, stature, and favour with God and humanity.

Citing Mark 9:36-37, where Jesus welcomes and values children, Apostle Dogbe emphasised that children have a share in His kingdom.

Apostle Dogbe said that. Children make up 27.91% of the total church membership of the Takoradi Area, emphasising that with these impressive statistics, Takoradi Area Children’s Ministry can potentially become a missions field for The Church of Pentecost in the future.

He outlined some activities the ministry undertook in addition to Sunday morning classes, such as intergenerational services, Jethro initiative classes, community clubs, and teachers’ training sessions.

He said the ministry has also implemented flagship projects of the Children’s Ministry, including the Box Library and One-Child-One-Bible.

He also stated that the Children’s Ministry collaborates with the Home and Urban Ministry (HUM), Ministry to People with Disability (MPWDS), and the School Outreach Ministry to reach out to children and orphanages, visit hospital children’s wards, and connect with basic schools.

“Additionally, the Takoradi Area generously donated 214 half pieces of clothing, valued at GHC 26,040.00, to minister’s wives in eight internal missions areas in Ghana.

“Takoradi Area Children’s Ministry donated 214 half pieces of cloth to ministers’ wives in eight areas of internal missions of Ghana valued at GHC 26,040.00. The presentation took place at PCC during the November Head’s meeting in 2022,” he said.

The second edition of the Foundation Builders’ Conference is currently underway at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, under the theme: “Rekindling the Zeal of the Children’s Worker for Maximum Impact.” The four-day conference, which began on Tuesday, July 5, 2023, had over 1000 children’s workers in attendance nationwide.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Mrs. Mary Nyamekye, the wife of the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, has asserted that God purposefully created women to be suitable and compatible partners for men.

Mrs. Nyamekye said this while exhorting women in the Kasoa Area of the Church on the topic: “A Virtuous Woman: An Excellent Partner to the Man.”

Using Genesis 2:18-23 as scriptural references, she explored the biblical perspective of a virtuous woman.

She explained that the term “Virtuous” encompasses various qualities that make a woman an excellent companion.

Mrs. Nyamekye noted that a virtuous woman displays integrity, kindness, and wisdom, possesses moral excellence, and acts according to godly principles.

“By exemplifying these qualities, she becomes a trustworthy and supportive partner to her husband,” she said.

She, however, stressed that being a suitable helper does not mean being inferior or subordinate but as a partner who complements and assists the man.

According to her, this supportive role that virtuous women play involves offering support, encouragement, and sharing the responsibilities of life’s challenges and endeavours.

Mrs. Nyamekye further noted that a virtuous woman positively impacts her family and community because her actions and attitudes shape the atmosphere of her home, nurturing love, respect, and unity within the family.

“She extends her positive influence beyond her immediate family, impacting her community through acts of kindness, charity, and service,” she added.

Concluding her message, Mrs. Nyamekye said that every virtuous woman is a priceless treasure and must always conduct themselves as such.

She, therefore, encouraged women to cultivate these virtues in order to enhance their relationship with their husbands whilst contributing to their personal growth and fulfilment.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Presiding Elder of Mount Olives Worship Centre and Area Executive Committee Member of the Odorkor Area, Elder Ing. Felix Atrsim, has said that every individual has inherent greatness that ought to be harnessed for maximum impact.

Elder Atsrim, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FeDems Company Limited, said this when he gave an inspiring presentation at the Foundation Builders Conference currently underway at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

Speaking on the topic “Maximising Your Potential for Exponential Growth,” he highlighted the significance of recognising and harnessing one’s God-given abilities.

In his sermon, Elder Felix Atsrim noted the importance of reading the Bible and praying daily as the key to achieving exponential growth.

He emphasised that the Bible serves as a manual for guiding believers in their journey toward success. By reconnecting with their source, which is the Word of God, individuals can function more effectively in their endeavours.

The Presiding Elder drew attention to the abundant wisdom contained within the Bible. Citing passages such as 3 John 2, he explained that prosperity is a divine intention for humanity and encompasses all aspects of life. By aligning their wealth and resources with God’s purpose, believers can experience the ease of entering into heavenly realms, as highlighted in Matthew 16:24-26.

Quoting the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-30, he emphasised that when God blesses believers, their wealth becomes a source of awe and respect in the world.

In addition to spiritual maturity, he urged the congregation to aspire for financial prosperity and influence, saying that God desires believers to be influential in shaping society and positively impacting others.

“When God blesses an individual, it becomes His responsibility to sustain that blessing,” he added.

The Presiding Elder defined potential as the latent qualities and abilities within each person that have the potential to lead to future success.

Referring to Genesis 1:28, he reminded the audience that God’s initial act was to bless humankind. Through accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, believers inherit this blessing and tap into the vast potential God has placed within them.

Highlighting the importance of faith, Elder Felix Atsrim emphasized that being linked to God is solely through faith. To unlock exponential growth, he encouraged the congregation to apply faith in all aspects of their lives.

He noted that the Bible is not just a physical textbook but a spiritual guidebook, urging the audience to cultivate a teachable spirit and diligently pursue their endeavors, as highlighted in Proverbs 12:24.

The Presiding Elder further encouraged the congregation to prioritize eternal matters and seek wisdom through prayer. He emphasized the significance of developing a heart of service and helping others, as it is through blessing others that one’s own potential can be further expanded.

Elder Felix Atsrim, ended his presentation by urging believers to recognise the deposit of greatness within them and embrace God’s plan for their growth.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Mrs. Gifty Otu-Appiah, the wife of the Winneba Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, has called on Church leaders and Children’s Ministry workers to endeavour to make the church the safest place for children.

According to her, the local church bears a significant responsibility in safeguarding children not only within the church premises but also wherever dangers may arise.

Mrs. Appiah gave this advice yesterday when she delivered a presentation at the Foundation Builders Conference 2023, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa Fetteh.

Addressing the participants on the topic of “Ensuring Child Safety in/By the Local Church,” Mrs. Otu-Appiah defined child safety as the measures and practices put in place to protect children from harm, injury, abuse, or danger.

She emphasized that child safety encompasses various aspects of a child’s well-being, including their physical, emotional, and psychological security.

She further explained that child safety measures involve creating a secure environment that promotes healthy development and protects children from potential risks or threats.

Mrs. Otu-Appiah also noted the importance of identifying potential hazards, implementing preventive measures, and educating both children and caregivers about safety practices.

She highlighted the need for identifying signs of potential harm, responding to allegations or suspicions of abuse, providing support and services to protect children, and holding accountable those who have harmed them.

Mrs. Otu-Appiah emphasized that the primary goal of child protection is to ensure that all children are safe and free from harm, including physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence.

To promote child safety, Mrs. Otu-Appiah advocated that the local church should empower Children’s Ministry workers, establish systems that limit access to children for potential abusers, as well as educate and empower children to participate in their own safety and prevention efforts.

She also stressed the importance of educating parents, guardians, and the community on child abuse prevention and the need to intervene if harm occurs.

Drawing from biblical teachings, Mrs. Otu-Appiah emphasized that God calls the church to be advocates for children and therefore called upon all members of the local church to uphold the biblical mandate of child safety.

She further outlined practical ways in which the local church can ensure child safety. These measures included implementing screening and background checks, developing comprehensive child protection policies, providing training and education for all child workers, ensuring proper supervision and accountability in all activities, securing facilities, maintaining check-in and check-out procedures, and maintaining open communication with parents and caregivers.

She also emphasized the importance of responding to all safety concerns, developing and practicing emergency preparedness plans, and regularly reviewing and updating safety measures.

Mrs. Otu-Appiah ended her presentation by charging church leaders and Children’s Ministry workers to make child safety a top priority, creating an environment that honours children’s God-given dignity and eliminates the chance for abuse and harm.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng, an Executive Council Member and the Bompata Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, has issued a call to action for children’s workers to rekindle their zeal and reaffirm their love for God and the children.

Apostle Adjie-Kwarteng, who also serves as the Coordinator for the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Committee (ARCC), gave this charge today when he spoke on the topic “Zeal: The Virtue to Reposition your Ministry” at the 2023 Foundation Builders Conference at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

The Bompata Area Head noted that zeal is the driving force behind any vocation or ministry, stressing that “without zeal, progress comes to a halt.”

Quoting 1 Kings 19:31, Apostle Adjei-Kwarteng explained that God Himself is driven by His own zeal and accomplishes His work through it.

He further stated that although God does not require zeal, humans must possess it to thrive, especially in the face of challenges.

Apostle Adjei-Kwarteng outlined love, knowledge, jealousy for God, and the joy of the Holy Spirit as the four major components of zeal.

Citing John 21:20, he emphasised the need for children’s workers to develop a more profound love for God and the children.

According to him, the motivation for Children’s Ministry stems from love because when children’s workers genuinely love God, they will also love His church and show a vested interest in the lives of the children entrusted to their care.

He, therefore, urged children’s workers to be zealous for God and jealously guard the children. For by doing so, they demonstrate a possessive concern for the safety and well-being of the children and ensure they are protected from harm and danger.

“Be concerned about the salvation of the children. As children’s workers, let us strive to bring the young ones close to the altar because that is the safest place to keep them away from predators,” he said.

Apostle Adjei-Kwarteng also advised children’s workers to know God personally and to seek knowledge, mainly through the study of the Bible, adding that: “By developing an experiential knowledge of God, children’s workers can effectively carry out their duties.”

Concluding his message, Apostle Adjei-Kwarteng encouraged children’s workers to generate interest and joy in their work.

Stressing the importance of joy, he highlighted that without it, zeal fades, and workers may lose interest in their work; hence they should cultivate joy in order to find fulfilment in their service.

“It is only then that children’s workers can reignite their zeal and make a lasting impact in the lives of the children they serve.,” he said.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Director of the Children’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Prof. William Otoo Ellis, has stressed the indispensable role of Children’s workers in the Church’s quest to raise godly children.

Pastor Prof. Ellis said this today in a welcome address to participants at the Foundation Builders’ Conference (FBC’23) currently underway at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

In his speech, the Children’s Director said that children’s workers, who are popularly known as Sunday School Teachers, serve as conduits for raising godly children; hence, there is a need to build their capacities and reignite their passion in the face of the challenges they encounter while discharging their mandate.

He said the Foundation Builders Conference, thus, aims to equip and empower these dedicated individuals for maximum impact in shaping the church’s future.

“The Foundation Builders’ Conference serves as a platform for intentional and continuous training to enhance the capabilities of children’s workers,” he said.

According to him, there is an urgent need to prioritise the development and support of those entrusted with the spiritual well-being of these young members has become paramount especially with the Children’s Ministry accounting for 31.1% of the church’s total population.

Acknowledging the current global trends and the influence of sophisticated systems, Pastor Ellis further highlighted the importance of increasing attention to the Children’s Ministry.

He referred to the Chairman’s recent State-of-the-Church Address at the 46th General Council Meetings, noting the essential role of children’s workers in nurturing godly children who will shape the future of the church and Christendom.

Quoting Matthew 26:31, he reminded the audience of the importance of strong leadership, stating that “strike the shepherd, and the flock will be scattered.”

He, therefore, expressed deep appreciation to the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Executive Council Members, and Area Heads for their unwavering support and active involvement in all Children’s Ministry activities across their respective jurisdictions.

He also commended the children’s workers for their dedication and for consistently organising innovative programmes and activities that align with the Ministry’s vision.

This year’s Foundation Builders Conference, which is under the theme, “Rekindling the Zeal of the Children’s Worker for Maximum Impact,” has about 1000 participants in attendance.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Children’s workers of The Church of Pentecost have been urged to improve their presentation and facilitation skills in order to excel in their role as child facilitators.

Pastor Peter Adjei, the Greater Accra Children’s Pastor of The Church of Pentecost, issued this call on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, during the 2023 Foundation Builders’ Conference (FBC’23) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa Fetteh.

Speaking on the topic “Facilitation Skills,” Pastor Adjei expressed concern about how some children’s workers continue to struggle with handling various topics in their ministries.

“All around the world, people struggle to connect. Great ideas are discarded or left unsaid, and strategies are not understood. A lot of the time, people can’t connect because workshops or meetings are improperly structured, with too many things happening at once,” he noted.

Pastor Adjei emphasised that two crucial elements that drive every meeting are the content and the process. He further stressed the importance of structuring meetings into different stages and using group tools to ensure a clear understanding of the content and keep everyone on the same page.

To achieve success as a facilitator, he asserted the need for one to be skilful with the Heart, Head, and Hand (3Hs).

He explained that the Heart encompasses the attitude and character the facilitator must demonstrate, while the Head and Hand represent the knowledge and skills required in the facilitation process, respectively.

Concluding his presentation, Pastor Adjei noted that although knowledge and skills are important, the Heart (attitude and character) of the facilitator remains paramount, saying: “The Heart of every facilitator is the most important in every facilitation process because if the Heart is corrupt, both the Head and the Hand will be corrupt too.”

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Kamina Barracks District Minister of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), Pastor Isaac Deku, and his family hosted 109 children in the district at his official residence for a special event dubbed “Children’s Ministry Fun Time.”

The event, held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, aimed to entertain the children and provide them with an opportunity to interact with the District Pastor and his family.

The fun-filled event featured several activities, including food, drinks, a dancing competition and an interactive session with the District Minister.

During the interactive session, Pastor Isaac Deku encouraged the children to remain loyal to The Church of Pentecost and value the CoP brand.

He explained that values such as prayer, ministry excellence, respect for authority, and friendship with the District Pastor, which are integral to the CoP brand, can help them become valuable individuals not only in the Church but also in life as a whole.

He added that since they are the future leaders of the Church, they should embrace these tried and tested values to preserve the CoP brand and successfully carry on from their fathers and take the Church to even greater heights.

Expressing their appreciation to the Children’s Ministry for accepting their invitation, the Deku family presented them with Bibles, Kiddie Fire magazines (the official magazine of the Children’s Ministry), and other CoP literature.

Also present at the programme were the District Children’s Ministry Leader, Brother Joseph Kumitey, and other Children’s workers in the District.

Report by Overseer Isaac Kwabena Tagoe (Assistant Area Reporter, Tamale)