Posts in category: Church News

The Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) Travelling Secretary of the Sunyani Sector of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Joseph Owusu Boateng, has said that the basis of Christian discipleship is to strive to be like Christ.

According to Pastor Owusu Boateng, who doubles as an Executive Member of the National Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee (NDLDC), discipleship is not only instructional but also relational and mentorship.

“Disciple-making has no end; it helps people to go beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries, which call for diligence, faithfulness, availability and humility,” he said.

He said this at the National Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee (NDLDC) End of Year Meeting and Equipping the Disciple Maker (EDM) Training held at Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa-Fetteh.

He iterated that discipleship is biblical, life-changing and an ongoing relationship which affects every sphere of life. He, however, explained that discipleship involves the head, heart and hands.

Pastor Owusu Boateng further said that one critical area of discipleship is family discipleship. He said that most of the time is spent in the home, therefore, Christians must give much attention to family devotions.

“Focus on family devotions where there is engagement, exploration, empathy, encouragement and support to members through prayers,” he stated.

He admonished members to utilize strategic times of the day in training their children, saying, “just as Jesus spent time and energy investing in the twelve disciples, leaders must carefully choose faithful, available and teachable people to mentor.”

“I believe if the discipleship enterprise is taken seriously, we would surely raise people to become like Christ,” he concluded.

Report by Pastor Benjamin Elijah Baidoo

Pastor Charles Oduro, the Yennyawoso District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, has charged members and officers of the Church to unite in everything they do as the growth of the Church pivots around unity.

According to him, since God is not the author of confusion, He cannot be present in the absence of unity and oneness.

“The Church cannot grow without unity because God cannot live where there is polarisation and anarchy, for He is not a God of disorder. Therefore, we have to come together, and with one accord, we can move the Church forward,” he said.

Pastor Oduro made this assertion in a sermon titled, “Repositioning the heart to be loyal to God and the Church” on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at the Redemption Assembly auditorium during the climax of the Yennyawoso District week celebration.

Drawing lessons from the story of Uriah in 2 Samuel Chapter 11 with emphasis on verse 11, the Yennyawoso District Minister gave an exposition on the kind of loyalty Uriah exhibited, following the profound statement he made when King David wanted to persuade him to go home and sleep with his wife to cover up for his (David’s) adulterous act.

“Though Uriah was not an Israelite, he was committed to the cause of the Israelites to the extent that he refused to go home and lie with his wife regardless of persuasion of David whilst the ark of God and the Israelites were at the battlefield. This is rare commitment and loyalty,” he said.

Like Uriah, Pastor Oduro urged the gathering to uphold the virtues of loyalty and commitment in their service to God and the Church.

The man of God also spoke against the “do and let’s see” syndrome, where a leader is left alone to their fate by their supporting teams, saying: “When everyone deserts you, it means they want your humiliation, destruction and death.”

Reading from 1 Chronicles 11:9-10; 2 Samuel 21:15-17, Pastor Oduro explained that David succeeded in his reign because the chiefs of warriors, together with all Israel, strongly supported him.

“Great leaders do not succeed alone.” he stated. He, therefore, called on the congregants to rally behind those in leadership positions in The Church of Pentecost to ensure the rapid growth of the Church.

He also urged Christians not to relent and be swollen-headed when they win victories, but to be ever ready for more battles as one victory calls for another battle.

The clergyman advised Christians not to be like Joab, King David’s army commander, who pretended to love David, but had a different mindset about him as he killed Absalom (David’s son) after he was told to protect him (2 Samuel 18:5-17).

Pastor Oduro revealed that loyalty comes with challenges such as persecution, insult, and hatred, but he encouraged Christians not to give up for things shall surely turn in their favour as Christianity involves two experiences – mountain top and valley down.

“If things are not going as expected, it means you are still in your night, but your daybreak will certainly come,” he assured, adding, “God sometimes pushes a believer into a ‘night’ just to test their faithfulness and loyalty.”

“Joseph’s brothers stripped off his coat of many colours, but they could not strip him of his destiny. No trouble is pleasant, but they prepare you for a higher height (1 Peter 5:10),” he further stated whilst urging the gathering to hold allegiance to God.

Referencing a quote by Bob Marley, a reggae artiste, who once said: “Live for yourself and you will live in vain; live for others and you will live again,” Pastor Charles Oduro admonished members and officers of The Church of Pentecost not to castigate or asperse the Church, saying, “If you slander the Church, you slander yourself.” He rather charged them to defend the Church, make the Church better and check what they wish for others as well.

The week-long event was held under the general theme: “Repositioning the Local Church For Maximum Impact In the Nations,” (Colossians 2:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20) with several thematic areas exhaustively treated by various speakers.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah 

The Walewale Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Norman Appiah-Danquah, has said that Christians should not struggle to live upright lives in a dark world because, by virtue of their belief in Christ, they have been made the light of the world.

Apostle Appiah-Danquah said this when he ministered to participants of the Walewale Zone during the recently-held Ministers and Officers’ Retreat (Apostolisation).

In his presentation, the Walewale Area Head stressed that whenever there are rot, corruption and sinful activities in the midst of Christians, it is an indication of the lack of the fear of God on the part of believers.

He further stated that believers who do not live in the fear of God, do not possess enough power to dispel away darkness.

According to him, lack of the fear of God is the root of godless lives in the body of Christ. Hence, to be well-repositioned in life to carry the presence of God, His power and glory for maximum impact, officers and members of the Church must uphold godliness.

“A godless church leader that does not fear the LORD is likely to mismanage tithes and offerings,” he said. Apostle Appiah-Danquah, therefore, charged Christians, particularly Church leaders, to uphold high moral values and embrace godliness; by so doing, they would dispel darkness in the world.

“The highest status any believer can attain is to be like Christ, putting on the form of godliness that carries the expressed image of God,” he said.

The 2023 Ministers and Officers Retreat (Apostolisation) was held at three zones, namely Walewale, Nakpanduri and Gbintiri, in the Area. Other speakers at the event were Pastor Daniel Frimpong Manso (Tepa Area Head) and Pastor Victor Asante Darko (New Site District Minister).

Report by Overseer Ernest K. Akorli (Kpasenkpe District, Walewale Area)

Elder Ebenezer Tagoe, the Presiding Elder of Darkuman Central Assembly in the Darkuman District of The Church of Pentecost, and his wife, Mrs. Angelina Tagoe, have donated sound equipment to the Assembly.

The donation comprises a mixer, one pair of base speakers, a pair of mid-full range speakers, a pair of monitors, a set of amplifiers and a pair of cordless microphones.

Handing over the items, Elder Tagoe indicated that the donation was done voluntarily to support the Assembly and the advancement of the cause of Christ.

Receiving the instruments on behalf of the Assembly, the Darkuman District Minister, Pastor Philip Appoh, commended the couple for the wonderful act of service to God and the Church, saying, “this shows you love the work of God and delight in its progress.”

He further prayed for the couple and urged the members to emulate their exemplary act of sacrificial giving. 

“God is very concerned about people who have His work at heart. He, therefore, blesses them throughout their generation,” he stated.

Report by Joshua Heizel 

Apostle John Osei Amaniampong, A retired minister of The Church of Pentecost, has charged Church leaders to model the fear of the Lord to members in order to stoke the fire of the Holy Spirit in their local churches.

According to him, one major characteristic of the early church was the fear of God, saying, “Unbelievers who heard them were gripped with the fear of God and got converted.”

The immediate-past La Area Head said this on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at the Kaneshie Central Assembly church auditorium during the fourth day of the 2023 Kaneshie Area Ministers and Officers’ Retreat (Apostolisation).

Speaking on the topic: “Stoking the Fire of The Holy Spirit: Living In the Fear of God In the Local Church,” Apostle Amaniampong (Rtd.) said that one of the symbolic representation of the Holy Spirit is fire.

“When Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites, He appeared to him (Moses) in the form of a stoking fire,” he said. He iterated that even though Moses was a murderer, God still used him to deliver he Israelites from slavery.

“As leaders, it is important for us to be full of the power and fire of the Holy Spirit. When the fear of the Lord is upon the members, they preach the gospel with courage and power,” he stated.

Expounding the fear of God, he explained that “it means having a deep respect, reverence and awe for God’s power and authority, adding, “it is to honor God with your life in such a way that you would not do anything in word or deed to displease him.”

He pointed out that in the Bible, the fear of God was described as obedience to God’s word, unconditional sacrifice, compassion for others, refraining from evil, keeping the commands of God, walking in the ways of God, loving God, and serving God with our hearts and soul.

He, however, warned that the absence of the fear of God in the Church would breed sin and all forms of impurities, thereby grieving the Holy Spirit and eventually quenching the Holy fire set in the Church.

He further urged the leaders to teach the members to carry the fear of God into all pursuits of life and eschew all forms of evil. “We need the fear of God to be present to stoke the fore of the Holy Spirit in the Church,” he said.

PENTECOST NEWS

Pentecost University has launched a new programme in Chieftaincy and Traditional Leadership under its Institute of Leadership and Governance. 

The event took place at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, during the annual meeting of Area representatives of the Chieftaincy Ministry of The Church of Pentecost.

In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, extolled the significance of Chieftaincy in modern development. 

Using the English model as case study, the VC said England, regarded as a beacon of democracy and Christianity, continues to preserve and elevate its royalty as a significant agent in diplomacy and the nation’s affairs.  

Prof Agyapong-Kodua, therefore, said the chieftaincy intuition in Ghana and Africa has similar potential to contribute to the economic prosperity of the nations; in addition to their revered area of cultural development and traditional leadership. 

The National Coordinator of the Chieftaincy Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, who also serves as the Director of the Men’s Ministry of the Church (PEMEM) and Executive Council Member of the Church, commended the University for the initiative and pledged the support of his outfit for PU to ensure that the programmes yield the intended objective.

Apostle Anane Denteh also encouraged Christians to take a keen interest in the Chieftaincy institution.  

On his part, the Director of PU’s Institute of Leadership and Governance, Dr. Bismark Owusu-Sekyere, highlighted the significance and the various models of study. 

He said it is an executive-modelled education and is structured to appropriately balance academic intensity and time. 

Dr. Owusu-Sekyere further encouraged chiefs, government officials and all persons with interests in Chieftaincy to enrol in the programme. 

On the same day, the University launched another programme, dubbed “Marriage and Family life.” The two programmes are under the same institute of the University.

The programmes in Chieftaincy and Governance, and Marriage and Family Life are the latest additions to a growing-list of courses initiated by Pentecost University.

PENTECOST NEWS,

The immediate-past Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, has encouraged members and officers of the Church to consistently engage in personal devotions in their homes because it is a sure way to raise family altars.

According to him, the practice of personal devotion is infectious and, therefore, as one constantly engages in it, it affects all members of their household, adding that, this contributes to strengthening the local church for maximum impact in society.

Apostle Professor Onyinah was speaking during the opening of the 2023 Old Tafo Area Ministers and Officers’ Retreat (Apostolisaton) in the Mamponteng Zone on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at the Mamponteng Central Assembly auditorium.

Exhorting the congregants on “Raising Family Altars” the former President of Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) quoted Genesis Chapter 12 and explained that Abraham, after his encounter with the Lord at Shechem, built an altar there to honour the Lord. He noted that the story teaches the believer the importance of daily communion with God.

Prof. Opoku Onyinah enlightened that family devotion is very necessary in the life of a believer because it demands dedication by earmarking a time to commune with the Lord.

“Along with reading, interaction, and instruction from the Scriptures, families often include a time of prayer, worship (singing), and personal application,” he added.

The renowned theologian further elaborated that Abraham’s act effectively impacted his family, as Isaac also took to imitate the steps of his father by building family altars. He inspired the congregation that this year’s theme is viable if only members will reposition themselves and develop a consistent communion with God through personal and family devotions.

The 2023 Old Tafo Area Ministers and Officers’ Retreat (Apostolisation), which kick-started on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, under the auspices of the Area Head, Apostle Daniel Yeboah Nsaful, was on the theme: “Repositioning the Local Church For Maximum Impact in the Nations” (Colossians 2:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). 

It was held at three zonal centres in the Area with Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah (Rtd) and Apostle Sylvester Arhin (Tamale Area Head) as main speakers.

Report by Dennis Owusu & Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

A memorial service was held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the F. S. Safo Memorial Temple at Nungua, Accra for the interment of the late Franklin Agbovi-Hushie, a retired minister of The Church of Pentecost.

Pastor Agbovi-Hushie, a youth coach, died on January 7, 2023, after a short illness at age 65, a few months after retiring from the full-time ministry.

The well-attended memorial service was officiated by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi. He was assisted by some members of the Executive Council namely, Prophet David Kankam Beditor (Ashaiman Area Head), Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Kaneshie Area Head), Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi (Cape Coast Area Head), and Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah (Ho Area Head), as well as the host Area Head, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah-Agyeman, and other heads of the Church. Others present included the clergy, relations and loved ones from various parts of the country.

Tributes

Several tributes read in honour of the late pastor extolled his fine qualities as a husband, father, minister, youth coach, and a statesman.

His wife, Mrs Grace Naa Densua France Hushie, said her husband was an excellent family man who cared so much for her and their children and also helped to shape her Christian and social life.

His children shared a fond memory of how he raised them in the fear of God through constant morning devotions, discipline, and also inculcating in them good values which have helped shaped their lives.

The General Council of the Church described him as one of the best pastors of the Church.

“He was a great asset to the Church, having played key roles in the church, particularly in the Youth Ministry,” it said, adding, “Through his engagement in the Youth Ministry and the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA), he trained and mentored most of our young people who have now become leaders of the church today.”

Sermon

Preaching the sermon at the event, Apostle Daniel Komi Noble-Atsu (Rtd.) spoke about Jesus’s interaction with Martha, the sister of Lazarus, in John 11:23 when He came to Bethany where Lazarus had been buried for four days.

Apostle Noble-Atsu (Rtd.) assured the gathering that all believers who die in Christ are not dead but asleep and would be raised again with a spiritual body when Christ returns the second time. He said they would be caught up in the air to meet Christ and He will reign with them forever.

He described Pastor Agbovi-Hushie as a man of integrity, a workaholic, principled, and one who devoted his energy to nurturing young persons in the Church.

Biography

Pastor Franklin Zutta Dugbartey Agbovi-Hushie was born on 7th February 1957 at Accra Newtown, to the late Mr Michael Agbovi-Hushie of Ada Foah and Mrs Euphemia Mansah Agbovi-Hushie of Osu  (still alive). At age five, he was sent to stay with his uncle, Apostle C. C. A. Hushie (of blessed memory) who trained him in Christian ministry when his parents travelled outside the country.

He was a product of the Presbyterian Senior High School (PRESEC, Osu) and the University of Ghana, Legon. He had his theological education at the Pentecost University and the Akrofi-Christaller Institute, Akropong-Akwapim.

Until his calling into the full-time ministry in the year 2000, he worked at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) as a Senior Assistant Registrar.

In ministry, Pastor Hushie served at Tefle District (2000-2003), Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) Travelling Secretary for the Southen Sector and also doubled as the Resident Minister for Love Worship Centre, Bubiashie, Accra (2003-2006), PENSA Travelling Secretary for Greater Accra Region and at the same time Resident Minister for Abossey Okai Worship Centre (2006-2009), Ashanti Regional PENSA Travelling Secretary and also doubled as the Resident Minister for Bomso Worship Centre, Kumasi (2009-2011).

Other stations he served in were: Sekondi District (2011-2015), North Kaneshie District (2015-2019) and Ola District, Cape Coast (2019-2022), where he retired from active service after serving for 22 years.

He also served on several boards and committees at the national level due to his commitment to the Youth Ministry and PENSA.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Sawla Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor David Amankwah, has called on Christian leaders to reposition themselves and work as bondservants of Christ.

Pastor Amankwah said this when addressing Ministers and Wives in Ashanti Bekwai Area of the church at the Area Apostolisation on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Bekwai Bethel assembly on the topic: ‟Repositioned as a bondservant of Christ for maximum impact.”

Referencing Colossians 2:6-7, Galatians 2: 20 and Deuteronomy 15:12-18, he noted that it is not enough to believe in Jesus as Saviour, rather it is vital to serving Him as Lord, living in Him, rooted and built up in Him.

In repositioning the church, he asked Christians to view themselves as servants with Christ as their Lord. He said, Paul usually introduced himself as a bondservant of Christ in many of his epistles (Romans 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Titus 1:1, Philemon 1:1).

Pastor Amankwah mentioned that in a master-servant relationship, the master has absolute control or authority over the servant. He defined master-servant relationship as where one (master) has complete authority over the other (servant) in directing the manner, place and time of his or her services.

He iterated that Christian leaders are servants of Jesus Christ, and that He has complete authority over their lives.

Reading from Deuteronomy 15:12-18, he said that in the Mosaic law, servants who have served the masters well regained their freedom in the seventh or jubilee year. Yet, if the servant chooses to serve his master voluntarily, the master seals the agreement with a mark that shows the servant belongs to the master all the days of his or her life. The master takes the servant to the community gates (door post) and marks him or her by thrusting an awl through the ear to the door.

Again, he said, Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:17 wrote that he bears the marks of the Lord Jesus on his body. Pastor Amankwah emphasized that believers are inexcusable to work for the Lord as bondservants, saying, “Sometimes, we have to struggle to get a mark (Galatians 2:20).”

Further quoting from 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, he noted that as bondservants of Christ, Christians have been marked with the Holy Spirit and are His servants all their days and that they do not have control over the manner, place and time of service. 

Reading from Philippians 2:5-11, he said that even though Jesus was God He became a bondservant of God the Father and died a vicarious death as a form of service.

He iterated that Jesus taught His disciples to serve each other and practice the kingdom principle of servant leadership (John 13:12-17, Luke 22:24-27).

Quoting from John 21:15-21, the Sawla Area Head stated that the marks of a bondservant are love for the master, obedience, knowledge of the master, risk-bearing factor, excellence and faithfulness.

Pastor David Amankwah concluded by saying that if a servant works and completes his or her service, he or she is rewarded.

Report by Overseer Frank Osei Tutu (Area Media Coordinator)