Posts in category: Church News

The Projects, Development and Estate Manager at The Church of Pentecost Headquarters, Pastor James Orhin Agyin, has advised Christians to try love when hope and faith fail to work in their favour.

He made this assertion on Friday during the 2023 Headquarters Management and Staff Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa.

Preaching on the topic, “Love, Your Surest Bet For The Years Ahead,” he referred to 1 Corinthians 13:1, 4-8, where the apostle Paul describes love as the greatest of all virtues and contrasts it with faith and hope.

He revealed that God tried faith and hope with humanity but failed to produce the desired results.

According to him, God was disappointed and angry with the wickedness of the human race and almost gave up on them. However, he said, God then tried love, and the result was amazing.

He stressed that love was God’s last card for humanity, saying, “What faith and hope failed to achieve in 4000 years, love did within 33 years.”

Pastor Agyin disclosed that love was the ultimate expression of God’s grace and power. He encouraged the church to try love for the coming years and to see how it would work for them, stressing that love is the surest bet for the years ahead and that the church should embrace it as the ultimate virtue.

“Love never fails; what love cannot do does not exist,” he revealed.

He quoted Philippians 2:9, where the apostle Paul says that God exalted Jesus and gave him the name above every name because of his love and obedience.

“When God relied on love, he saved all,” he remarked.

He cautioned believers of the consequences of hatred, which can affect generations.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Finance and Administration Director of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), Pastor Emmanuel Appah, has issued a clarion call to the staff and management of the CoP Headquarters to unite in supporting leadership in pursuing the new strategic vision of the Church, Vision 2028.

Pastor Emmanuel Appah made this passionate call when he delivered a presentation titled “Supporting the Ministry” today at the ongoing CoP Headquarters Management and Staff Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC).

Using Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:28-30, and Romans 12:8 as foundational texts, Pastor Appah emphasized the Greek meaning of the word ‘ministry’ as “diakonia,” signifying “service” or “to serve.”

He further noted that ministry, in the context of “Vision 2028, is defined as whatever one does to subject their sphere of influence to the principles and values of the kingdom of God.”

Drawing from biblical references in Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:29-30, and Romans 12:8, he highlighted the dual calling of believers – both specific and general. All ministers, according to Pastor Appah, are entrusted with a general calling to support leadership across various church departments, ministries, areas, and sectors.

Pastor Appah emphasised that supporting the ministry involves doing tasks beyond leaders’ capabilities, assisting with tasks leaders can do but should not, and partnering with leaders in shared responsibilities.

“This means relieving our leaders of their burdens, supporting them in their functions, and serving them with love,” he said. He likened supporters of ministry to fingers for the hands of leaders, stressing that a leader without supporters is akin to a hand without fingers.

Using King David’s warriors, he underscored the selflessness, commitment, and humility displayed in their service to the King.

According to him, David’s warriors suffered to give honor to their King, stood with King David to defend their land, and risked their lives for the King and the nation.

He further noted that David’s warriors saw him as a fellow brother, served him with humility and had respect for authority.

He urged both ministers and laity to emulate the exemplary service of David’s warriors and to also support the leadership to excel in their mandate.

Pastor Appah also outlined the characteristics of faithful supporters, emphasising the need for individual decisions to be faithful and trustworthy.

He stressed that the support ministry requires faithfulness, saying, “God will not force us to be faithful to His will and plan for our lives. We must decide to be faithful and trustworthy on our own and pray for the help of the Holy Spirit.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The church building for the Ponayili Assembly in the Gbungbaliga District of The Church of Pentecost has been dedicated to the glory of God.

The ceremony, officiated by the Yendi Area Head, Pastor James Magyam, was held on Tuesday, 12 December, at Ponayili.

Pastor James Magyam delivered a sermon titled: “Honouring God with Your Body, Which is the Temple of God,” with scripture references from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and 1 Pet 1:18-19 at the event.

In his sermon, he mentioned that, as believers, they are the people of God bought at a price, yet they still live in a community with certain traditions and practices.

Accordingly, there are traditions that can be accommodated in their newfound faith in Christ and those that should be reformed by the Word of God, he added.

The people of Corinth, he explained, worshipped the goddess Aphrodite, which corrupted their way of life by making them promiscuous.

He noted that the same can be said of some communities of believers.

He stated that every Christian must acknowledge that they have been bought at a high price and, therefore, do not need to be involved in the corruption of societies but rather honour God in their bodies by living in obedience to His word.

He concluded by charging believers to consider themselves as agents who serve as an example to the community by living lifestyles worthy of the calling to which  they have been called.

In attendance were the chief of the community, Ubor Akcquah Timor, and his elders.

The Ponayili Assembly, which was started in 1996 with 14 adult members, was initially under the Lugni District but was later ceded to the Wulensi District due to proximity and ease of reach.

The assembly, consequently, became part of the newly-created Gbuungbaliga District in 2018.

The building project was started under the supervision of the outgoing District Minister, Pastor Jerry Ohene Acquah, and was later overseen by the new minister P/Overseer Eric Okyere, to its successful completion.

Report by Pastor Martin Ossom Boafo (Area Reporter).

The Madina Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Martin Seth Appiah, has dedicated a set of public address systems valued at GHS 245,350.00 to support its evangelistic outreaches.

The items include four pairs of line arrays (speakers), dual sub-speakers (2 pairs), amplifiers for arrays, bass speakers, monitors (2 each), a 32″ digital mixer and an audio link. 

The rest are XLR plugs (40 pieces), speak on (30 pieces), signal cable and amplifier rack, among others.

The equipment, which provides quality sound for the Area’s monthly prayer meetings, conventions, crusades and other outdoor events, is also expected to reduce the high cost of rentals.

“We spend a lot of money renting PA systems for our monthly prayer meetings, time with the Holy Ghost all night, and other activities,” Apostle M. S. Appiah disclosed, adding, “We believe as stewards of God’s money, acquiring our equipment will give us value for money and cut off the recurrent expenditure we have had to incur at every instance.”

He expressed his gratitude to the Area Executive Committee members and the presbytery for buying into the vision to acquire the equipment, which is a one-time cost and will serve the Area for a very long time.

In a related development, the Area has also inaugurated a 15-member Area Pentecost Endowment Fund (PENTEF) Committee to oversee the establishment of the Area’s skill training programme for the youth, the unemployed and the vulnerable in the Madina area and beyond. 

The members of the endowment fund are Elder James Dwamena Yamoah (Chairman), Deaconess Daisy Bosompem, Esq (Secretary), Madam Akosua Gyamfua, Deaconess Dr Mavis Bamudez and Deaconess Dr Augustina Naami.

Others are Elder Daniel Afari Boateng, Deaconess Grace Nkansah, Deaconess Philomina Agyei, Elder Emmanuel Badu, Elder Benjamin Akuffo, and Deaconess Beatrice Opoku. 

The rest are Elder Kwabena Agyemang, Pastor Patrick Anto (Area Secretary) and Elder Barnabas Miah (Area Deacon).

PENTEF Madina Area is expected to be launched in February 2024.

Report by Samuel Owusu Amofa

The Yennyawoso District of The Church of Pentecost has officially inaugurated its newly formed choir at a colourful ceremony held on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the Central Assembly auditorium.

In his inaugural address, the District Minister, Pastor Maxwell Adubofourh Asiedu, who officiated the ceremony, underscored the importance of choir in contemporary Christian service.

With copious scriptural references, he stated: “The God, whom David sang to glorify, is still the same, therefore, there is the need for us to also sing to His glory.”

Referencing a quote by Paul Billheimer, who once said: “Satan is allergic to praise. So, where there is massive, triumphant praise, Satan is paralyzed, bound and banished,” Pastor Adubofourh Asiedu highlighted the power of music, charging the choristers to embrace commitment, dedication and discipline to sustain the choir.

He also hinted of a “Mega Praise Festival” to be held in March next year.

Known as “Jewels of Praise” the choir treated the audience to various renditions of choral tunes, which kept the gathering on their feet. They stirred the auditorium with a wonderful display of song and dance, akin to a Zulu war dance.

The Onyx Choir of Ahenema Kokoben District of The Church of Pentecost, and Deaconess Rebecca Akoto, who graced the occasion also gave riveting performances to wow the congregants at the ceremony.

As part of the event, the patrons, patronesses and executives of the choir were introduced and prayed for.

Present at the event were Mrs. Joana Amoakowaah Adubofourh Asiedu (wife of the District Minister), District Executive Committee Members, Deaconess Bernice Apraku (District Women’s Ministry Leader), Presiding Elders, among others.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

The Media Ministry Pastor of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Dr Felix Dela Klutse, has revealed that a critical way for Christians to transform their world is when their work announces their presence, just as Jesus’ life on earth announced His presence.

He said this Thursday during the 2023 Headquarters Management and Staff Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa.

He based his message on 1 Peter 2:9, where the Apostle Peter describes the church as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. 

Pastor Dr Klutse explained that God has chosen believers, given them access to Him, made them His partners, called them to holiness, and set them apart for His glory.

He challenged the church to show forth the praises of God in the world by transforming it with their work and witness. He said that an agent of transformation stands out among the lot and attracts people to Christ.

The Media Ministry Pastor also reminded church workers that they will be remembered for two things: the problem they solved and the problem they created. He, therefore, urged them to be problem solvers and not problem creators.

He concluded by quoting Acts 1:8, where Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as the power source for the church to be His witnesses in the world. 

He said that the only way to receive this power is to have fellowship with the Holy Spirit and to depend on Him for guidance and strength.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Techiman Area Head and Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Isaac Nii Kotei Djani, has urged Church Elders to own the new strategic vision of the Church, “Vision 2028,” and to ensure its successful actualisation.

Apostle Kotei Djani said this during a consultative meeting with Elders in the Techiman Area at the Dwomor Central Assembly auditorium.

Addressing the gathering, the Techiman Area Head emphasised the immeasurable value of Elders in The Church of Pentecost, saying: “There cannot be a vibrant Church without Elders. Elders of The Church of Pentecost are so unique.”

He further noted that Elders are catalysts because they effect positive change in the local churches, which is the strength base of the Church.  

He cited practical examples of two Elders who discipled him and helped to unleash his God-given potential from the early days of his life.

Apostle Kotei Djani charged the Elders to pay particular attention to the new ministries introduced by the Church in pursuit of the “Possessing the Nations” agenda, such as the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs), Chaplaincy Ministry, Home and Urban Missions (HUM), Pentecost Workers’ Guild (PeWG), etc.

“These new ministries have made the Church more conspicuous and unique,” he added.

He commended the Church Elders for supporting these new ministries and encouraged them to continue supporting the ministries and to educate the members about them.

Apostle Kotei Djani took the opportunity to explain the rationale behind Vision 2028, dubbed “Possessing the Nations: Phase 2.”

He stated that we serve a visionary God who continues to grant the Church great visions. He said that the vision is now a collective vision of the Church; hence, all must own it and run with it.

He explained that Vision 2023 focused on equipping the Church; however, Vision 2028 focuses on unleashing the “equipped Church” into the world to transform it with values and principles of the kingdom of God.

The Techiman Area Head further noted that the first annual theme under Vision 2028 is “A People of God Unleashed to Transform their World (1 Peter 2:9, Acts 1:8).”

He explained that the 2024 theme seeks to drive home the truth that believers are a chosen people, a Kingdom of priests, a sanctified nation, and God’s special possession.

“God has an expectation for us, and this is to declare His stance, His character and lifestyle of His kingdom,” he said.

According to Apostle Kotei Djani, it does not matter how high one goes in the world of work; one must keep one’s position as a child of God.

Reading from Acts 1:8, he stated that the church cannot be deployed/ unleashed with their physical strength, hence the need to seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

“For this reason, we must always yield to the Spirit of God for power to transform our worlds,” he said.

Report by Techiman Area Media Team

The most effective way a leader can impact and transform people is to lead by example, Apostle Derek Kwaning Mireku, Agona Swedru Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, has said.

Apostle Derek Mireku said this during his annual engagement with the staff of the five centers of Compassion International Ghana in the Agona Swedru Area.

Speaking on the topic: ‘Unleashed in Spirit and in Truth to Transform Generations,” the Swedru Area Head emphasised the need for children workers to advance Kingdom values and principles in all their engagements with the youth and children.

He cautioned against questionable lifestyles and urged them to be accountable in their dealings with Compassion International and The Church of Pentecost.

Apostle Mireku observed that as representatives of the church and Compassion International, the staff are strategically placed to be ambassadors of Christ and the two institutions.

He called on them to exhibit a great level of integrity in their dealings with beneficiaries and their guardians.

Touching on the unleashing mandate of the church, Apostle Mireku said the church is God’s power instrument to effect transformation in every sphere of life. “Thus, if we do not go out there, spheres will remain untransformed,” Apostle Mireku iterated, adding that “God is counting on us representing Him well.”

He pleaded with the staff to focus on forming Christ in the people under their care while advancing their social well-being.

Apostle Mireku posited that compassion is about the heart of Christ, and that is the total well-being of the spirit, soul, or body.

“The best way to impact and transform the body, soul, and spirit is by being an example to others in word and deeds,” he stated.

The annual engagement is held every December for the centers to brief the Area Head of their activities and also share best practices amongst themselves.

This year’s meeting was held at the Nyakrom Central Assembly auditorium. In attendance were the seven pastors, including the host minister, Pastor William Ofosu Asiamah, Pastor George Osei-Asiedu (Area Secretary), Pastor Nathaniel Asare (Area Children’s Ministry Leaders), and Pastor Paul Obuobi (Area PENTSOS Coordinator).

Report by Agona Swedru Area Media.