Let's Think Nations, Not Churches – Apostle Nyamekye Tells Church Leaders web

Let’s Think Nations, Not Churches – Apostle Nyamekye Tells Church Leaders

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanTop Stories

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has urged church leaders to think of nations, not just churches, and to have passion and zeal for the gospel.

He made this call at the Missions Board Meeting held at the Pentecost Missions Transit Quarters in Accra on February 20, 2024.

He delivered a sermon on the topic “The Power Of The Scattered Believers”, based on Acts 8:1-8, which narrates the story of how the persecution of the early church led to the scattering of the believers and the spread of the gospel in Samaria.

He said that God can use the scattered servants to change the community and the nation, even in the midst of persecution and opposition.

He commended the International Missions Director and the board members for their good advice and guidance that enabled the church to establish its presence in 19 nations in one year.

The Chairman also challenged the church to be a ‘seeing’ ministry, not just a ‘hearing’ one, and to demonstrate the power of God through signs and wonders.

He said that the church should bring great joy to the broken cities and transform them with love and grace.

 “When there is not great joy in the city, then the city is a broken city. Life comes through scattered servants, whether young, old, or any age between,” he said and encouraged the church to be faithful and courageous in the face of challenges and opposition.

Apostle Nyamekye emphasised the importance of unleashing the potential of every believer, regardless of their age, education, or status, and equipping them for the Great Commission.

He said, “It is not about whether they’re educated or illiterates, not shortness or bigness – what is important is to unleash them, direct them, raise them and let them go.”

He stated that the unleashing business should include children, who are also agents of transformation.

The meeting was attended by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, the International Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, Apostle Larri Banimpo (Executive Council Member / National Head for Togo), Apostle James Raj (Executive Council Member / National Head, India), Apostle Miezou Amalanon K. Ernest (President, CoP La Cote D’Ivoire), and Apostle Dr. Lord Elorm Donkor (National Head, CoP UK).

Also present were Pastor George Prah (Member, Missions Board), Elder Dr. Lawyer Ken Aboah (Member, Missions Board), Pastor Emmanuel Appah (Finance and Administration Director, CoP), Elder Prof. Owusu Korankye (Finance Board Chairman) and others.

PENTECOST NEWS.

“Female Christian Teachers Caucus” Inaugurated At Apeguso SHS web

“Female Christian Teachers Caucus” Inaugurated At Apeguso SHS

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

The School Outreach Ministry (SOM) of the Apeguso District in the Agormanya Area of The Church of Pentecost has succeeded in instituting a teachers’ prayer group at Apeguso Senior High School.

The group, known as the “Female Christian Teachers Caucus,” aims to mobilise Christian female teachers for prayers and sharing their expertise in promoting unity and excellence among the teachers in the school.

The prayer team, inaugurated on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, by the School Outreach Ministry, brought together all female teachers in the school, including Mrs. Victoria Asabea Badoo, the Headmistress of Apeguso Senior High School.

Also present were Pastor Clement Kofi Amankwa (Apeguso District Minister and Agormanya Area Media Ministry Chairman), Elder Daniel Lomo (Apeguso District Schools Outreach Ministry Leader), and Elder Benedict Foley, among others.

Speaking on the topic “His Divine Power,” with reference to 2 Peter 1:3-4, at the inauguration service held at the school’s premises, Pastor Clement Kofi Amankwa explained that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ has been given power over sin and evil.

He explained that believers must keep themselves pure to continue accessing the power and glory of God and, therefore, urged the gathering to exercise this power by depending fully on the Holy Spirit and abstaining from sin and anything that weighs them down.

Pastor Amankwa also advised them not to look elsewhere for power but to remain faithful to God in all circumstances, and God Himself would provide them with power to perform wonders.

He further explained that God’s divine power is the source of the believer’s energy, granting believers in this life and beyond the power to partake in the divine nature with exceedingly great and wonderful promises sufficient to keep them from falling.

He emphasised that through holiness, faith in God, and a disciplined prayer life, Christians could overcome every obstacle, enhancing excellence in all spheres of their lives.

The Apeguso District Minister, therefore, urged the teachers present to remain hardworking, united, prayerful, and peaceful in the school to make a positive impact. He further admonished the gathering to make the prayer team effective and vibrant.

Report by Apeguso Media Ministry Team

Guard The Structural Integrity Of Your Marriage - Pastor Laryea Tells Couples web

Guard The Structural Integrity Of Your Marriage – Pastor Laryea Tells Couples

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

Pastor Paul Odai Laryea, the IT Manager of The Church of Pentecost and Resident Minister of Danquah Worship Centre in La Area, has stressed the importance of preserving the structural integrity of marriages. 

Delivering a message titled, “Guard the Pillars of your Marriage, anchored Submission and Love,” during a marriage ceremony held at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) Kokomlemle, Accra, on February 17, 2024, Pastor Laryea referred to Ephesians 5:21, 23, 24-27 and Judges 16:26-29, and encouraged couples to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 

He likened the story of Samson pulling down the Philistine pillars to the two pillars of marriage – Submission and Love.

Highlighting the divine significance of these pillars, Pastor Laryea stressed that adherence to God’s guidance is essential for the success of any marriage. He cautioned against cultural differences that might lead to clashes, emphasising the supremacy of God’s word in marital relationships.

Addressing misconceptions about submission, Pastor Laryea rejected the idea that submission is linked solely to a woman’s societal status, asserting that it extends to women in various positions. He emphasised that the husband being the head of the family does not equate to being a boss but rather entails roles designed by God for marital harmony.

He further urged husbands to emulate Christ’s love for the Church, emphasising the need for sacrificial and divine love. He cited 1 Corinthians 13 as a guide for husbands to apply the qualities of love in their marriages.

Offering practical advice, he encouraged couples to treat each other with respect, pray together, remember their vows, and find joy in each other’s company. He highlighted the importance of maintaining transparency, urging couples to share passwords and avoid threats in marital relationships.

In conclusion, Pastor Paul Laryea implored couples to fortify their unions against external threats, ensuring that the pillars of Submission and Love stand strong, echoing the belief that no metaphorical Samson can topple their marriage foundations.

PENTECOST NEWS

Twifo Praso Area Crusade Begins With 35 Souls webv

Twifo Praso Area Crusade Begins With 35 Souls

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The atmosphere was fully charged with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit when the Twifo Praso Area of The Church of Pentecost commenced its maiden crusade on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, with 35 souls being won for Christ on the night. 

The crusade dubbed ‘Twifo For Christ Crusade’ under the theme: “He Came to Set the Captives Free” (Luke 4:18) at Twifo Praso D/A A&D Basic School Park. 

Preaching the sermon, the Twifo Praso Area Head of the Church, Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko, based his sermon on Luke 4:18 and explained that one of the main reasons why Jesus Christ came into the world was to set the captives free from bondage, sickness and the power of sin and Satan. 

According to him, there is no other name through which humanity can be saved apart from the name of Jesus. 

He stated that although sin has placed humankind under the yoke of slavery, the Son of God has manifested Himself to break that yoke and bring freedom to those who believe in Him.

“Jesus Christ outlined His manifesto when He entered the synagogue as follows: ‘to preach the good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives, to recover sight to the blind and to set free the oppressed. Give your life to Him, and He will set you free,” he said. 

To the glory of God, the crusade recorded an attendance of 1,256 people, 35 souls won, 10 Holy Spirit baptisms, and three instant healings.

Present at the programme were Mrs Doris Otu-Nyarko (wife of the Area Head), Pastor Frank Asomani Asare (Twifo Praso Area Evangelism Leader) and Elder Godfred Asare (El-Shadai Prayer Centre Leader), among many other dignitaries.

The crusade will end on Saturday, February 17, 2024.

Report by Joseph Smiles Adu.

Teshie-Nungua Area Ends 3-Day Residential Officers Retreat web

Teshie-Nungua Area Ends 3-Day Residential Officers Retreat

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Teshie Nungua Area of The Church of Pentecost last Friday ended its three-day intensive All-Officers Residential Retreat (Apostolisation) at the Pentecost Convention Center (PCC).

About 2,300 ordained officers (elders, deacons, and deaconesses), ministers and their wives in the Area, and selected members participated in the programme. There were morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. 

In his opening address, the Area Head, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah-Agyeman, stated that the retreat was to usher participants into a new era, a new season of growth, and to transform the local churches. 

“I am excited for the days ahead as we unlock the boundless potential within us,” he stated, adding, “With hearts full of anticipation, let’s embark on this journey together, united in purpose and powered by the Holy Spirit.”

Apostle Nkrumah-Agyeman was hopeful that the retreat would launch a season of transformation and revival that would shake the foundations of the local church in the Teshie-Nungua Area and the world around.

The three-day retreat was addressed by Apostle Patrick Aseyorro (Suhum Area Head), Apostle Prof. Kwabena Agyapong Kodua (Vice Chancellor, Pentecost University), Elder Dr Nana Amo Tobin (Group Executive Chairman, Tobinco Group of Companies), Elder Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong (Executive Chairman, Jospong Group of Companies) and Prophet Jonathan Edmund Ameyaw (Rtd). They touched on various aspects of the topics for the programme, such as “The Characteristics of the Church Unleashed,” “The Church as a People of God,” “A People Living by the Principles, Values, and Lifestyles of the Kingdom of God,” and “Raising Godly Families to impact the Church and the State.“

Other topics were “Unleashing Wholistic Witnesses through the local church to impact society” and “Flourishing life through personal devotions and sacrificial giving and tithing.” 

Workshop sessions and physical exercise were also incorporated into the programme. 

Apostle Prof. Agyapong Kodua also led an impartation service on the last day. 

In an interview, some officers said this year’s theme and the retreat had empowered them to leave the comfort of the four walls of the church building and go out into the communities poised to unleash their giftings to influence every sphere of their lives.

Report by Yaa Asantewaah Adu Boahene.

Seek The Peace & Prosperity Of The Nation – Chairman Tells Church Leaders web

Seek The Peace & Prosperity Of The Nation – Chairman Tells Church Leaders

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanTop Stories

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has advised church leaders to seek the peace and prosperity of the nation, especially during an election year.

“When the economy in our nation grows, the churches will also grow. So, seek the peace and prosperity of the land because if it has peace, you too will have peace. We should not excuse ourselves from working for the good of our country because God has linked our peace with its peace, our prosperity with its prosperity,” he said.

The GPCC President made this appeal on Tuesday, February 14, 2024, during the 2024 Heads of Churches and Organisations Conference at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa-Fetteh, when he delivered a sermon on the topic “The Church: God’s Instrument for Peace and Transformation.”

Drawing from Ephesians 3:1-10, Apostle Nyamekye stressed that “God’s intent is that His wisdom will be made known to rulers and forces that govern nations. We are God’s strategic community to bring transformation to societies. We do that so we can salvage our nations to God. The church isn’t an end in itself; it is a means to an end.”

He further quoted John Baker, saying, “Religion is an escape mechanism to suffering.” He reminded the congregation that “When you are born again, it doesn’t insulate you against suffering. But we came to Jesus because he takes away the sins of the world. Jesus has plans for us. All the plans are wrapped up in his Word.”

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost urged Christians to focus on God’s plans for them rather than being preoccupied with what the devil has against them. He said, “Our future is better than our now because the scripture is true. Go back to the simplicity of the gospel. Christianity is a relationship with Christ.”

Referencing Jeremiah 28:2-4, 10, 15, 17, he encouraged Christians to increase in number, even in foreign lands, and not to be deceived by false prophets. He said, “Life is real, there are no easy roads. As long as the earth remains, there will be planting time and harvest time.”

He also urged Christians to seek the peace and prosperity of their land, saying, “When the economy in our nation grows, the churches will also grow. So, seek the peace and prosperity of the land because if it has peace, you too will have peace. We should not excuse ourselves from working for the good of our country because God has linked our peace with its peace, our prosperity with its prosperity. Churches are strategic partners to bring transformation to the nations.”

Apostle Nyamekye concluded his sermon by reminding the congregation of their role in society.

“We are persons in community. We are shaped in many ways by the environment we find ourselves. Corrupt social structures will make life difficult for all of us. Ministry should be part of society, if we do not care about our society, the devil will have a ‘field day’. Mere independence from colonial rule does not solve our problems. Whether we will enjoy God’s providence depends on how we manage what He has freely given. When we do not manage what He has entrusted to us, we corrupt it and eventually lose it”, he bemoaned.

Apostle Nyamekye further addressed the issue of corruption, stating, “Corruption is a human activity. We all need to help in creating environments in our spheres of operation that will be hostile to corruption.”

He identified incompetence and greed as the two key problems leading to mismanagement and corruption.

He outlined the devastating effects of corruption, saying, “Corruption results in poverty, lack of development, diseases, premature deaths, hopelessness, unemployment. Corruption is a social danger; it facilitates environmental degradation. It destroys nations, future, it undermines honesty and hard work. It also favours the privileged few.”

In his call to action, Apostle Nyamekye urged Christians to move away from corrupt practices and to pray for those who seek the peace of the nation.

He concluded by saying, “The key to the nation’s development lies in the character of its people.”

He emphasised the importance of personal integrity and character in nation-building and societal transformation.

PENTECOST NEWS.

2024 Heads Of Churches & Organisations Conference Underway web

2024 Heads Of Churches & Organisations Conference Underway

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanTop Stories

The annual Heads of Churches and Organisations Conference, organised by the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), has commenced at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa-Fetteh.

The three-day event, which began on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, is set to conclude on February 15, 2024.

The conference is being held under the theme “The Church: God’s Instrument For Peace And Transformation” (Ephesians 2:17).

In his address, the GPCC President, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, emphasised the transformative role of the church in society, stating, “The church remains the hope for the manifestation of the glory of God. We cannot limit our focus to just salvation of souls while ignoring the state of society; it is crucial we care about both.”

With the upcoming elections in Ghana, Apostle Nyamekye highlighted the significant role the church plays during such crucial times. He said, “This year, we will be heading to the polls to elect politicians to head Ghana; the role of the church in this crucial time cannot be overestimated. This requires us to provide our best support in any way possible to ensure that the peace of this nation is safeguarded from one election to another.”

Apostle Nyamekye also urged attendees to maintain a stance of non-partisanship, stating, “We must be a part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

He encouraged participants to recommit themselves to their calling as ministers of the gospel and to be agents of reconciliation in a broken world.

The conference features a line-up of distinguished speakers, including Apostle Eric Nyamekye (President, GPCC), Rt. Rev. Gordon Kisseih (1st Vice President, GPCC), and Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh (2nd Vice President, GPCC).

Among those present were Apostle Emmanuel Tettey (General Secretary, GPCC), Rev. Dr. Francis Sey (Treasurer of GPCC), Apostle General Sam Koranchie Ankrah (Former First Vice President, GPCC), and Bishop Samuel Mensah (Former NEC Member, GPCC), among others.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Finish Strong – Pastor Felix Anti Tells Clergy web

Finish Strong – Pastor Felix Anti Tells Clergy

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Resident Minister for Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Graceland, Pastor Felix Okyere Anti, has charged ministers and wives to do well in discharging their ministerial service to the very end.

Pastor Anti, who doubles as the Administrative Secretary to the General Secretary of the Church, made the call when he delivered a sermon at the Ministers and Wives’ session of the recently-held Sawla Area 2024 Apostolisation in Sawla.

Using Colossians 4:17 as his foundational text, Pastor Felix Anti said that Apostle Paul’s caution to Achippus to finish his ministry strong indicates that one could also finish the ministry “weak.”

He explained that ministry is a call unto service and not a call to ridership or dominance but to offer special service to people. “In the real ministry sense, we are in to serve God, which is not anything to boast about,” he said.

The PIWC-Graceland Resident Minister further noted that when people are made ambassadors, they serve their countrymen in a foreign land. But in ministry, ministers have been called as ambassadors of Christ to serve humanity.

Reading from 1 Timothy 3:1-3, he stated that Apostle Paul admonished Timothy to live above reproach for the office of an overseer is a noble office. “There is nobility around the ministry, and therefore, there is a pastor who can transform many lives. Try then to be the standard of ministry and try your best to grow every day to make the needed impact,” he advised.

Pastor Anti noted that the “unleashed” minister must possess certain qualities that would help maximise their impact in the world. “We must not be mediocre ministers but be temperate and self-controlled. Be respectable and highly esteemed by your people. You must be hospitable and approachable,” he said.

Touching on the various types of ministries, Pastor Anti quoted Romans 12:3-8 to indicate that there are four kinds of ministries, namely: General Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, Ministry of Reconciliation, and Ministry of Sacrifice.

The General Ministry, he explained, is the understanding that every believer has a measure of faith relative to the grace of God and has different gifts. The unleashed minister then must teach and urge the members to identify their gifts and ensure they are working in the church, stressing that “The measure of one’s fulfilment in life is the ability to finish the ministry strong.”

The second type, which he mentioned as the pastoral ministry, is seen in Ephesians 4:11-12. The work of ministry, he stressed, is the equipping of the people, that is, the building of the members who are the body of Christ that makes them change agents to impact their world.

The third type, Ministry of Reconciliation, is the mandate given to the believer to share the good news of the redemptive work of Christ to mankind in order to reconcile the world back to God. “We have been mandated to work instead of God and must endeavour to make the needed impact and be proud of the experiences,” he said.

Making reference to 1 Peter 5:2, he emphasised the role of the unleashed minister of the flock of God who must serve from a pure heart. “Don’t be a butcher but a shepherd who will care for the flock and nurture them and present them blameless before God.”

Pastor Anti said that shepherding the flock of God is a delicate task as it involves souls and their destinies.

Ending his presentation, the Administrative Secretary touched on the ministry of sacrifice as a critical component of the unleashed minister.

“We are called to sacrifice. Christ Jesus left his glory to save us; therefore, as servants of God, we must endeavour to sacrifice and ensure that all men get saved. So, go all out and do your best to bring others into the kingdom of God. We are jars of clay unto whom God has put his Spirit,” he said.

He, however, cautioned the ministers to beware of the giant killers (Girls, Females, and Sex; Gold, Finance, and Silver; Glory, Fame, and Self) as they go all out to transform their world to finish strong.

“Remember the devil is not in a hurry to get you; check your morals, your desires, money, among others. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Always set the boundaries and draw the line of resistance while you transform your world and finish strong,” he stated.

Report by Overseer Jones Dwomoh Amankwah (Mandari District)

Apostle Edzii Davidson Fellowships With MPWDs Assembly web

Apostle Edzii Davidson Fellowships With MPWDs Assembly

by with No Comment Church NewsMPWDsTop Stories

The Offinso Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Edzii Davidson, with the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) Assembly in the Offinso Obuasi District of the Church on Communion Sunday.

According to Apostle Samuel Edzii Davidson, the purpose of his visit was to fellowship with the members and to officially share with them the new vision direction of the Church for the next five years, dubbed “Possessing the Nations (Phase II).”

Before administering the Lord’s Supper, the Offinso Area Head, Apostle Edzii Davidson, gave the congregants an exposition on the 2024 theme of the church: “A People of God Unleashed to Transform Their World.”

Reading from 1 Peter 2:9, Acts 1:8, Daniel 5:3, and Genesis 37:37, the Area Head drove home the fact that God has intentionally positioned everyone wherever they find themselves for the sole purpose of bringing transformation to those spheres.

This, he expressed, can only be done after one has been unleashed. He mentioned names like Abraham, who, until he was unleashed, was only restricted to the four walls of his father’s home. But when unleashed, he transformed his world by feeding hundreds of people as an embodiment of God’s blessing. Other examples of people who transformed their world he mentioned were Joseph and Daniel.

Bringing his message to a close, Apostle Edzii Davidson outlined the various topics to be treated in the year and charged the brethren to avail themselves as God’s tools for transformation in their worlds of life.

As part of their visit, which took place on February 4, 2024, Apostle Samuel and Mrs. Winifred Edzii Davidson, on behalf of their family and the Offinso Area, presented two crutches, one wheelchair, assorted food items worth GH¢ 6250.00, and a cash donation of GH¢ 1000.00 to the Assembly.

Elder Sylvester Twum Barima, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Physically Challenged Action Foundation Center, received the items on their behalf and expressed their profound gratitude to the Area Head and the Offinso area for their visit.

Also present at the ceremony were Pastor Austin Kofi Fuachie (Offinso Obuasi District Minister), as well as the Offinso Area Women’s Ministry Leader and her assistant.

Report by Pastor Austin Kofi Fuachie (Offinso Obuasi District)

Be Unleashed With Kingdom Values And Principles – Apostle Kotei Djani web

Be Unleashed With Kingdom Values And Principles – Apostle Kotei Djani

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Techiman Area Head and Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Isaac Nii Kotei Djani, has called on members of the Church to avail themselves to be unleashed with the values and principles of God’s kingdom to transform their spheres. 

According to him, Christians need to acknowledge the exceptional value of the kingdom of God as people who have been saved and commissioned to cause massive transformation.

Apostle Nii Kotei Djani, who also serves as the Coordinator for the Bono and Ahafo Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) of the Church, made the call when speaking at the Techiman Area Ministers and Officers Retreat (Apostolisation) on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Delivering the sermon on “Living by the values and principles of the Kingdom of God,” which is one of the topics under the 2024 theme, he explained that “the Kingdom of God is the domain of God’s influence, where His power, glory, and full nature is witnessed.”

With scripture references from 1 Peter 2:9, Apostle Kotei Diani stressed that “the foundation of Christianity is the values and principles of God’s Kingdom, which helps transform the saved soul, gets rid of their old character, and receive the character of God.”

He went on to note that the Bible is the foundation of God’s kingdom and the salvation of every believer, adding that it contains a guide on how a Christian can live in a godly manner. 

The Techiman Area Head disclosed that God expects Christians to go out and transform societies with the values and principles of His Kingdom, which they have come to gain under his feet.

He, therefore, called on Christians to always exhibit the principles of love, gratitude, self-control, and integrity so that unbelievers will see Christ in them and be transformed. 

PENTECOST NEWS