Posts in category: Church News

The Metropolitan Archbishop of the Anglican Church in charge of the Province of West Africa, Most Rev. Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, has called on church leaders to pursue the full knowledge of God through Christ as the sure foundation for building the Church and transforming society.

Speaking on the theme, “Building The Church For Impact” at the 2025 All Ministers Conference at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the Anglican Archbishop observed that the world, including Ghana, is plagued with corruption, injustice, greed, and moral decay, yet the Church cannot escape responsibility.

“We have been called individually and collectively, so you take the blame if the faith is being dragged in the mud,” he said, adding, “Where have we gone wrong? But the time is rife now to make an impact.”

Stressing the seriousness of the Church’s mission, he reminded participants of the blood of martyrs shed throughout history, saying, “It is now our time. How can I make an impact, and what kind of impact? Are we being impacted from without, or are we impacting from within?”

He warned against systems of the world crafted by “the calculated craftsmanship of evil minds” that infiltrate the very areas where God intends to reveal His glory, which has become a canker that is so difficult to remove, stressing that God expects the church to impact the world, not the reverse.

According to Archbishop Ben-Smith, the Church must grow numerically, spiritually, and qualitatively. Citing the example of Jesus who began with three, then twelve, then 120 before reaching the multitudes, he called for discipleship and church planting.

Quoting 1 Corinthians 3:9-10, he reminded ministers to be mindful of the foundations they are laying on.

“What are you teaching your people? Jesus declared, ‘I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ Build on the legacy of Christ.”

Highlighting Philippians 3:10-11, he underscored the dynamic nature of knowing God. “The things that seem certain to us are so infinitesimal compared to all that God is and has created. He urged the Church to impart a deeper knowledge of God that persuades people to reject the fleeting materials of this world and embrace Christ, citing 2 Corinthians 5:10.

Referencing 1 Corinthians 13:12, he called on ministers to press forward in love and anchor their knowledge of God in Christ, declaring, “Knowledge without Christ is useless.” He concluded with a heartfelt plea: “Pray that you may know God, that He may reveal Himself to you. He will.”

PENT NEWS

The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, Most Rev. Professor Johnson Kwabena Aamoah-Gyadu, has urged church leaders to uphold the truth of Christ by exercising spiritual, moral, and social authority as the foundation for building an impactful church.

He made this plea when speaking on the topic, “Building The Church For Impact: Lessons from Colossians,” to three thousand church ministers gathered at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, on Tuesday, September 10, 2025, for the All-Ministers Conference (an interdenominational gathering of ministers of the Gospel in Ghana).

“We have to be salt and light. The fragrance and aroma of God, our presence has to count in all sectors of our nation’s development. All power belongs to Jesus,” he declared.

Quoting Colossians 2:8, he admonished ministers to uphold integrity and avoid self-aggrandizement, reminding them that “the pulpit is for God, not you.” He explained that Paul’s epistles consistently addressed problems in the Church in order to make impact, and urged today’s leaders to confront similar issues with doctrinal integrity.

Drawing lessons from the Corinthian church, Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu noted that while the Church was charismatic, its misuse of spiritual gifts for competition bred division. He indicated that Paul deliberately identified his source of authority as Christ to remove doubt about his mandate.

“Don’t prepare your messages from commentaries but from the Spirit of God in order to build up the Church to make an impact,” he stressed.

He further explained that when distortions arise, God Himself uproots them, saying, “If there are negative pillars in the Church, God has to bring His caterpillar to pull them down, especially false and erroneous teachings.” Citing Colossians 1:27, he reminded participants that the mystery of the Gospel is not about human pride.

Highlighting Paul’s prayers for the Colossians, he urged ministers to intercede for one another for an infilling of the knowledge of God so that the Church may lead lives worthy of the call of Christ. He stressed that salvation must be understood not only as deliverance from sin but also as global rescue from oppression through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu drew attention to the supremacy of Christ, quoting Colossians 1:16, “He is the head of the church. Christ is preeminent, for in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.” He cautioned against modern-day distortions such as esoteric teachings, false visions, and plausible but deceptive arguments, affirming that “Scripture must superimpose all other knowledge. Jesus is God’s only accredited solution to redemption.”

He concluded with a passionate call for the Church to keep Christ at the centre of all ministry, stressing: “Don’t be blinded by self-aggrandizement, Christ is preeminent. Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

In a remarkable display of Christian unity, over 3,000 participants from 448 denominations across Ghana converged to be spiritually equipped to build the Church for lasting impact.

PENT NEWS

A private legal practitioner, Mrs Vida Agyekum Acheampong, has urged church leaders to access the supernatural through fasting and prayer.

Mrs Agyekum Acheampong, who serves as a deaconess of The Church of Pentecost, made this call on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, during a presentation on the theme: “Walking in the Supernatural Through Fasting and Prayer” at the 3^rd All Ministers Conference. The interdenominational event was organised by The Church of Pentecost in collaboration with the Lausanne Movement at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, from September 8-10, 2025.

Encouraging Christian leaders to embrace the authority bestowed upon them, she emphasised that Jesus expects believers to walk in the supernatural, referencing Mark 16.

“Although we live in the flesh, Jesus has given us a standing mandate to operate in the supernatural (1 Corinthians 2:1). Walking in the supernatural is not a forbidden agenda. With power, we perform signs and wonders; and with authority, we are mandated to exercise that power,” she stated.

Quoting Acts 10:38, she reminded participants that God is with His people to enable them to exercise divine power. She added that, like John the Baptist in Luke 1:17, many may possess the Word but lack the power, stressing the importance of cultivating both.

On the subject of fasting, she declared, “We can activate the spirit of power in our lives if we make fasting and prayer our ally.”

Referring to John 6, she noted that multitudes followed Jesus because of the signs and wonders He performed, saying, “There is nothing wrong with pursuing signs and wonders, because Jesus said if we believe in Him, signs and wonders will follow us. Walking in the supernatural enhances ministry.”

Quoting Billy Graham, she affirmed that circumstances can be changed through the power of prayer, describing prayer as the medium through which believers transact between the physical and spiritual realms.

“For the believer, fasting is an elevated form of prayer. Jesus was a man of fasting and prayer. Fasting does more than sharpen your spirit; it is an avenue to receive rewards (Matthew 16:17–18),” she explained.

Drawing from biblical examples, she illustrated how fasting and prayer moved the hand of God in 1 Chronicles 20 and secured favour for the Jews during Esther’s time.

“Fasting is a sacrifice you make to God to show that you need Him,” she quoted John Piper the theologian and author, saying that “the one who fasts is the one who shows a fervent longing for the power of God.”  She also referenced Kathryn Kuhlman, who said, “God has not given anything to me except through the price of prayer and fasting. The price is not cheap.”

Also quoting Bob Sawvelle, a renowned pastor and author, she said, “Fasting shows a desperation and determination to touch the Lord.”

Touching on faith, she explained from Matthew 17 and Hebrews 11 that faith progresses from belief to power.

“Faith comprises many parts; the foundation is belief, and the pinnacle is power,” she said, citing how Jesus used faith to calm the storm and walk on water. She reminded ministers that Jesus Himself taught that certain victories come only through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21).

Highlighting biblical precedents, she noted that Elijah, Moses, and Jesus were the only men who fasted for forty days and forty nights, ascending Horeb through sacrifice.

“If you want to stand on the pedestal of Jesus, learn to meet His basic standards – pray and fast. Jesus prayed for long hours, watching with the Lord,” she challenged.

Mrs Agyekum Acheampong also linked fasting and prayer to nation-building, reminding ministers of the prophetic roles of Jeremiah, Daniel, and Isaiah, who spoke God’s mind to turn nations away from destruction.

“Nation-building is not solely the responsibility of politicians but also of men of God. Never relinquish your role as watchers of the land; take joint responsibility for the welfare of the nation. Men of God, arise and be counted!” she urged.

She concluded by exhorting the gathering to persist in prayer and fasting like Elijah until they see the signs of rain.

PENT NEWS

The General Director of the Baptist Mission Society (BMS), UK, Dr. Kang San Tan, has cautioned the global Church against the “paganisation” of Christianity, urging believers to remain rooted in godly living rather than mere cultural practices.

Speaking on the theme “Ordinary People and an Extraordinary God in Missions Today” at the 2025 All Ministers’ Conference (AMC) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, today, Dr. Tan warned that the danger of the Church lies in translating human traditions into doctrines without spiritual depth.

He outlined four key features of what he described as a “paganised church”: the absence of genuine community, the partial conversion of believers, religious devotion reduced to passionless duty, and the loss of confidence in God.

“African Christians are the key to global Christian growth,” Dr. Tan emphasised, adding that the future of world missions cannot depend solely on the West but must begin with the African continent.

He challenged the African Church, particularly Ghana, to rise to the task of taking the gospel beyond its borders.

Drawing lessons from the biblical story of Ruth, he highlighted how God accomplishes His salvation plan through human schemes, apparent chances, and divine providence.

According to him, Africa’s role in sending the gospel back to the West is not coincidental but part of God’s orchestration in this season.

Dr. Tan urged Christians to embody authentic faith by maturing beyond cultural Christianity and becoming godly men and women whose lives influence societies for Christ.

The four-day All Ministers’ Conference, convened by the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has brought together thousands of ministers from across denominations to deliberate on the role of the Church in shaping society.

PENT NEWS.

The President of The Apostolic Church–Ghana, Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh, has called on Christian leaders to pursue impact that is deep, lasting, and transformational, rather than one that is cosmetic and short-lived.

Preaching on the topic “Making an Impact That Will Last – A Negative Approach” at the opening session of the 2025 All Ministers’ Conference (AMC) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, Apostle Dr. Ami-Narh stressed that true impact transcends generations and is not rooted in superficial excitement.

According to him, the Church must go beyond sentiment-driven experiences to focus on depth and discipleship.

“We seem to focus on excitement and noise in church and think we are doing well. But when the excitement is over, what is left? Impact is not in feelings but in reasoning. Preaching saves, but teaching disciples. Without teaching, preaching is wasted,” he stated.

He lamented that many long-standing members are still being fed with “milk” instead of “solid food,” stressing that Christian maturity requires depth in the word of God.

According to him, members should be taught to make impact in society and not just enjoy fellowship in Church.

 “Every child of God must be an asset, not a liability. If you take more than you give, you are a liability. Impact is about giving, not merely receiving,” he said, referencing Hebrews 5:14.

He further noted that: “We must sow the right seed—the word of God. God will not confirm what He has not said. People cannot practice what they do not understand or remember, so we must always preach to generate memory.”

Touching on the distinction between religion and Christianity, Apostle Dr. Ami-Narh observed that although 71 percent of Ghanaians identify as Christians, the majority are nominal and lack consistent commitment to the faith. He warned against a “marriage of convenience” type of Christianity, where worship becomes lip service rather than heart service.

Using the parable of the sower, he highlighted how inattentiveness, absence, and distractions of believers hinder lasting fruitfulness.

He further cautioned against selfishness in Christian practice, likening it to a “selfish tree that cannot bear selfless fruit.” He stressed that believers must grow beyond serving God for personal gain and instead worship Him simply because He is God. “Our faith must grow into love. To impact society, we must show the love of God,” he asserted.

Apostle Dr. Ami-Narh concluded by urging church leaders to nurture believers into maturity so they can positively transform society. “Until you grow to love God, the devil will always find room to operate. The Church belongs to God; He will build it. Our duty is to be faithful and let God do the rest,” he emphasised.

The 2025 All Ministers’ Conference, which runs from September 8 to 10 at PCC, has brought together representatives from over 105 denominations under the theme “Building the Church for Impact” (Matthew 16:16–18).

PENT NEWS.

The National Overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Ghana, Pastor Dr Edward Kofi Tumsiah, has passionately urged church leaders to embrace the supernatural power of God in reaching the unreached with the Gospel across cultures.

Speaking at the opening service of the ongoing All Ministers’ Conference 2025 (A non-denominational conference for pastors) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Pastor Dr Tumsiah cited Acts 26:16 and 22:21 and reminded ministers that the essence of their call is not for worldly possessions but for mission.

“We don’t become ministers and sit down at one place in our comfort zone. Move beyond your comfort zone, ministry is about going and departing far,” he said, stressing that believers must condition their minds to see the “far” as absolute and non-relative since that is the purpose of God’s call.

Pastor Dr Tumsiah revealed that nearly three billion people remain unreached with the Gospel and warned against what he termed “maintenance ministry,” where leaders focus only on preaching to those already saved. Instead, he called for boldness in reaching out to the ghettos, streets, and neglected communities.

“It will surprise you that 71.2% of people assumed to be Christians truly do not know God and His Christ. Sixteen thousand five hundred unique groups of people in the world have never heard about Jesus Christ, so growing the Church through power evangelism is important for Church growth,” he explained.

Referencing 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, he emphasised that the gifts of the Spirit are meant for growth and must be activated, saying, “A time for God to manifest the power of the Holy Ghost in its raw state in the Church is now.”

He further charged ministers to engage in cross-cultural evangelism with humility and adaptability, citing 1 Corinthians 9:19: “We must become all things to all men to by all means save some. We must go into culture and be humble enough as servants of Jesus Christ into different cultures so that we can save them.”

Quoting Matthew 8:18-20, Pastor Dr Tumsiah urged ministers to identify closely with the people they serve, as Christ did in His life.

“Speak the language of the people,” he said, adding, “Be translated like Jesus, because the Gospel is a translated Gospel.”

Drawing on the example of Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci, who immersed himself in Chinese culture to present Christ effectively, Pastor Dr Tumsiah encouraged participants to study, assimilate, and penetrate cultures with the Gospel message.

Concluding his exhortation, he challenged the gathering to go with courage and spiritual power: “Destroying, dismantling, and devastating the kingdom of darkness to release captives, bringing in God’s supernatural power with Jesus as the captain because we are unstoppable.”

PENT NEWS

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has called on the Church in Ghana to rise above denominational barriers and make its collective voice heard in the governance of the nation.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, at the ongoing third non-denominational All Ministers’ Conference at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, the Minister stressed that the time has come for the Church to push its agenda into the corridors of power.

“If there is any time for the Church to be closer to the governance of Ghana, that time is now,” he emphasised.

Hon. Ibrahim described the conference as a divine intervention through the vision of its convener, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC). He noted that this initiative would help prevent the Church from degenerating into a business entity struggling against itself, reminding participants that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.”

The Minister lamented the current governance structure, which acknowledges four arms—the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, and the Media—while leaving out the Church and religion. According to him, the nation must recognise God as the true head, with the Church serving as His representative, while chiefs as custodians of the land must provide balance. “If we all play our part, we will see a morally upright and prosperous Ghana,” he said.

Highlighting the ongoing review of Ghana’s basic school curriculum, Hon. Ibrahim disclosed that various interest groups have begun making submissions. He challenged the clergy with a rhetorical question: “In times like this, as interest groups get ready to present their case, who is speaking for the Church?”

He urged Christian leaders to ensure that morals, values, and Kingdom principles are safeguarded in Ghana’s development. “If we do not forsake denominational barriers, the 71% of the population of Ghana who are Christians will remain a figure without a voice,” he observed.

Citing education as an example of the Church’s role in nation-building, Hon. Ibrahim recalled that the first secondary school in Ghana was established by the Methodist Church in 1876, while it took nearly 50 years for the government to establish the second. He therefore encouraged church leaders not to allow criticism to silence them. “Anyone can criticise the Church, but imagine a Ghana without the Church,” he concluded.

The three-day conference, convened by Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has drawn over 2,000 ministers from 448 denominations across the country. The event, themed “Building the Church for Impact” (Matthew 16:16-18), runs from September 8th to 10th, 2025.

PENT NEWS.

The Avoeme District in the Aflao Area of The Church of Pentecost, has organized a cleanup exercise at the Aflao border as part of efforts to promote environmental sanitation and community development.

The one-day exercise, held in collaboration with Zoomlion Ghana Limited, brought together security agencies including the Police, Customs, Immigration, and the National Fire Service, who participated with fire tenders and other equipment. Hawkers and residents also joined the church members in the activity.

Led by the District Minister, Pastor Daniel Teye Gyan Henanaopeh, the exercise lasted for about five hours.

He explained that the initiative aligns with the church’s vision to champion cleanliness while demonstrating its role as “salt and light” in the community.

RA1 Joseph Agbleze, Welfare Officer of the Customs Division at Aflao, praised the church for the initiative and pledged to collaborate on similar exercises in the future.

The Aflao Manager of Zoomlion also commended the effort, urging other organizations to emulate the church’s example in ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

Report by Emmanuella Dzifa Abordzi, Avoeme District Media