Towards Reaching An Optimal Lord’s Supper Participation Rate In The Church Of Pentecost

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INTRODUCTION

The Lord’s Supper is one of the ordinances that Jesus Christ instituted during his stay on earth. He instituted it during His last Passover with the disciples. “As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘Take this and eat it, for this is my body.’ And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, ‘Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many’” (Matt. 26:26-28, NLT). This was Jesus’ instructions to the disciples before His crucifixion. It was to be carried on from generation to generation—any time they meet on the Lord’s Day, in remembering him as they did so. “… Do this to remember me” (Lk. 22:19, NLT).

As followers of Christ, we are bound to observe this ordinance to remember the Lord Jesus’ death and to keep announcing His death till he comes. “For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again” (1 Cor. 11:26). Furthermore, this is a congregational act by which we corporately affirm our faith, celebrate the completed work of Christ, focus on our unity, and visibly proclaim to the world that Jesus is the only way of salvation.

The Church of Pentecost (CoP) is a leading Pentecostal church in Ghana. It is established in 136 countries around the globe (CoP Website). The Church stresses the importance of partaking in the Lord’s Supper to her members. As an institution that seeks the holistic growth of her members, CoP places much premium on the Lord’s Supper and other New Testament rituals in the body of Christ. To ensure that her members partake in the Lord’s Supper without any hindrance, the church sets aside a week in every month for members to prepare themselves for the sacred ritual. This set period is to make members become conscious of the fact that they have a glorious feast with the Lord Jesus Christ. This beholds on them, to continually set themselves apart. This achieves the purpose of ensuring maximum participation by members.

However, there are quite a number of members who do not attend the Lord’s Supper, hence, making the church not to achieve the optimum rate of participation. From the recent Extraordinary Council Meetings held from May 4-6, 2022, at Gomoa Fetteh, it was identified that the participation rate of the church populace for Lord’s Supper was not at optimal level. This is a challenge to the clergy and laity! This, coupled with other factors, led to the writing of this paper. Why will individuals who profess to be followers of Christ stay away from dinning with the Lord Jesus Christ who has commanded us to fellowship with him?

This paper looks into the meaning of ordinance and the Lord’s Supper as an ordinance. Factors accounting for some members not participating in the Lord’s Supper will be highlighted. Finally, some suggestions towards reaching an optimal participation rate for Lord’s Supper in the CoP will be outlined.

THE ORDINANCE OF THE CHURCH

The Encarta English Dictionary defines ordinance as “a law or rule made by an authority such as a city government.” This law must be observed by all under the authority of the government. Failure to observe the law calls for punishment to the offender.Also, it “is something regularly done because it is formally prescribed, especially a religious ceremony such as Communion” (Collins Dictionary).

Protestants have historically recognized two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, whereas Roman Catholics have held to seven sacraments: baptism, Lord’s Supper, confirmation, penance, extreme unction, holy orders, and marriage. There exist differences of opinion regarding terminology. Catholics (and some Protestants) prefer the term sacrament, which comes from the Latin sacramentum, meaning “a thing set apart as sacred”.  

The term sacramentum in the Latin Vulgate was also used to translate the Greek word musterion (Eph. 5:32) and “came to be used for anything that had a secret or mysterious significance.” Saint Augustine of Hippo called it “visible form of an invisible grace.” Sacrament was later defined as an “outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.” It is for this reason that many Protestants (including CoP) have preferred the term ordinance.

An ordinance is usually “not considered a conduit of grace but simply a practice commanded to be performed by the Lord.” It might be defined as “an outward rite prescribed by Christ to be performed by His church.” It is a practice that demonstrates the participants’ faith. Simply put, an ordinance is an act of man in obedience to God.

In the CoP, there are two main ordinances the church upholds and put them into practice. They are the Baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper.

THE LORD’S SUPPER AS AN ORDINANCE

Jesus established two ordinances for the church—water baptism (Matt. 28:19) and the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:24, 25). The Lord’s Supper is the continuation of the identity of a believer with the body of Christ which is the church. It is a reminder of God’s commitment to and covenant with his people through Christ.

The name “Lord’s Supper” comes from 1 Corinthians 11:20. Other names for the ceremony include “the Last Supper” (Matt 26:29), “the Lord’s Table” (1 Cor 10:21), “Fellowship” (1 Cor 10:16), “Eucharist” (the Greek word for ‘thanksgiving’ in Matt 26:27; Mk 14:23), “Breaking of Bread” (Acts 2:42, NRSV), “the Mass” and “the Cup of Blessing” (1 Cor 10:16, KJV).

Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper on the eve of his crucifixion during the last supper he shared with the disciples. Jesus was eager to eat the Holy Communion with his disciples during the Passover feast (Lk. 22:7-23, Matt. 26:17-30, Mk. 14:12-26), before his departure from earth. He took bread and, when He had broken it, said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Cor. 11:24). In the same way, he also took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Cor. 11:25). After dinning with them, Jesus commanded his disciples to continue in the practice in remembrance of him.

LORD’S SUPPER IN NEW TESTAMENT TIMES

As said earlier, the Lord’s Supper was introduced by Jesus on the eve of His crucifixion. He wanted to leave behind an ordinance for them to remember, and to practice continually until His return (Matt. 26:26-29; Mk. 14:22-25; Lk. 22:14-23). This was a new covenant or testament in contrast with the old Mosaic covenant. To enact the covenant, death was necessary because it provided forgiveness of sins, hence, the symbol of the wine. The Lord’s Supper became a key element in the fellowship of believers (Acts 2:42), and was practiced at their daily meetings (Acts 2:46). It later became a Sunday meal during Sunday gatherings (Acts 20:7) in the Early Church. This was later practiced by the Gentile churches such as Corinthians who kept it as an ordinance (1 Cor. 11:17-34).

EMBLEMS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Unlike the Passover feast which uses lamb with bitter leaves and unleavened bread, Jesus used bread and wine for the Lord’s Supper feast. Why did Jesus use these two items? Below are the reasons why no other objects other than these two were used.

Bread is a universal meal. Although there are different types of bread, every culture has bread. God provided bread for the Israelites when he gave them Manna. This food means “What is this?” They fed on this divine bread for forty (40) years (Exo. 16:15:35, Num. 11:7). The Psalmist call manna ‘corn from heaven’ (Ps. 78: 24). The manna was actually the bread from heaven (Jn. 6:31). Jesus gave them the answer to the long-awaited question that was asked in the wilderness experience by saying “I am the bread which came down from heaven” (Jn. 6:41). Jesus is the living bread (John 6:58). The eating of the manna ensured divine strength and energy for their forty years journey in the wilderness. The miracle bread ensured that there was none sick among the Israelites (Ps. 105: 27-40). The breaking of bread was to show his suffering. Jesus broke the bread himself signifying giving up himself for his death. The soldiers were not able to get hold of Jesus until he gave up himself. “And when he said to them, I am he, they went back, falling to the earth” (Jn. 18:6).

Wine was a symbol of joy (Joel 3:18, Prov. 3:10) and the wine represent the blood of Christ. Passover lamb was shared per house-hold but the blood of Christ was for all humanity. Just as the blood of a Lamb caused Passover over of the angel of death in Egypt, so also the blood of Christ has caused Passover over all believers from death to life.

One may ask whether these are the only emblems. Yes! These are those that Jesus Christ used with His disciples. Notwithstanding believers can use close substitutes. E.g., some churches use wafer or biscuit as bread and red wine or soobolo as wine for the Holy Communion, they are the available.

WHO QUALIFIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LORD’S SUPPER?  

Jesus organised it for all His disciples for they were all believers until the fall of Judas. Paul continued to define those who can partake in the Lord’s Supper by giving yardstick—Self-examination. This, according to him, will keep people from being sick and dying.

In CoP, the Lord’s Supper is opened for anyone who recognises their relationship with God as a right such as a believer (1 Cor. 10:11), one baptised in water (Mt. 28:19), and a self-examined person who is right with his or her Maker (1 Cor. 11:27-29). Such a person must have been extended the right hand of fellowship; a solemn act of partnership signifying acceptance, agreement and trust into the body of Christ. Apostle Paul attests to this: “In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews” (Gal 2:9, NLT).

In contrast, the following are not allowed to partake in the Lord’s Supper: children, unbaptised believers, husband of more than one wife and vice versa, and cohabiting individuals. Others are unbelievers, sinners, indulgence in immoral behaviours, witch or wizard, etc.

REASONS FOR NON-OPTIMAL PARTICIPATION RATE IN THE LORD’S SUPPER

Some Christians do not fall short of dinning with the Lord but give flimsy excuses which keep them away from attending the Lord’s Table. Some of them will be discussed here:

Non-extension of right hand of fellowship. Some Christians do not attend the Lord’s Supper not because of any sin they have committed, but as a result of non-extension of right hand of fellowship. Such people attend church on Lord’s Supper Sundays but are not allowed to dine with the Lord.

Evading paying tithes on the Lord’s Supper Day. The payment of tithes, unlike tax, has been very difficult for some Christians in our generation. As a practice in CoP, tithes are paid on every Sunday, with the first Sunday of every month being the closing period. This is to give monthly workers who receive their salaries at the end of the month the benefit to bring their sacrifice to the Lord. It is said that some Christians intentionally refuse to attend church on the first Sunday of the month, which is the Lord’s Supper Sunday, to evade tithes.

Organising child christening on the Lord’s Supper Day. The situation where children are christened on Lord’s Supper Sundays has been one of the factors for low attendance to the Lord’s Supper. Some churches other than CoP hold such ceremonies which attracts some of our members who are family members and friends to the person in question on the basis of solidarity. Others attend anticipating that they will come and support them also during their turn.

Paying visits to friends in different churches on communion days. In addition to the earlier point discussed, some of our members accompany friends to their church for no reason than to pay them visits. And this happens on the Lord’s Supper Sunday. They therefore exempt themselves from participating in the sacred feast.

Holding of and attending to funeral celebrations. Funerals, as human as we are, is part of us. Nothing can be done about it. Since we live in a community, we must attend funerals. Jesus once said as Christians we are to mourn with those who are mourning. This also affects members participation to the Lord’s Supper in cases where members travel and do not attend church. There can also be instances where members lose close relation(s). Since funerals are normally communal affairs, church members often abandon church services (including Communion services) to attend what they regard as ‘important family affair.

The demand for a special kind of apparel often prevents people from partaking in the Lord’s Supper. Some Christians from their background are used to the wearing of white clothes during Lord’s Supper days. Such practice stem from their backgrounds as idol worshippers. It is known from our forebears that idolaters are fond of putting on white apparels during their ritual services. From this same perception, some Christians have carried it over into Christendom. This has eaten them up to the extent that they find it difficult to attend the Lord’s Table when there is no white dress to put on.

Many Christians abstain from the Lord’s Supper because they had sex with their partners. Having sex in marriage is good. Sex should be enjoyed by married couples even on the eve of attending the Lord’s Supper, when the need arises. This does not make married couples unholy. Remember what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:5, “Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer” (NLT). In other words, couples have to decide together when not to have sex which could either be before or after Lord’s Supper. Where there is no agreement, one should not deprive the other of sexual relations. In this case, it is biblically not wrong to have sex either before or after Lord’s Supper.

Some New Testament believers (women) still see themselves as unholy during their menstrual period. Their belief stems from Leviticus 15:19-28, which regard as unholy women who are in their periods. They believe that such women must not come close to the congregation. They were to stay behind till they were sanctified and rituals performed. A similar one is the emission of semen from men (Lev 15:16-17).

Some Christians stay away from the Lord’s Supper because of what is referred to as “Job’s Syndrome”. They blatantly refuse to partake in the Lord’s Supper with the reason being that perhaps they might have committed evil unknowingly, hence, do not want to encounter the Lord’s wrath at the supper. They take precedence from Job’s prayer on behalf of his children that “…perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts” (Job 1:5, NIV). They fail to recognise God’s provision for all those who confess their sins to Him for forgiveness.

Remaining an unforgiving Christian is also one reason why since members abstain from the Lord’s Supper. Until one forgives, his sins are not forgiven. Jesus said, “…forgive, and ye shall be forgiven…” (Lk. 6:37, NKJV). Some Christians find it difficult to forgive for reasons best known to themselves. This makes them harbour grudges within themselves, making it difficult for them to partake in the Lord’s Supper.

An unbaptised believer cannot partake in the Lord’s Supper which is for believers in the body of Christ. Being accepted into the body of Christ begins from baptism by immersion. Jesus commanded the disciples to baptise everyone who believes in him so that they could be admitted into the body of Christ. Thus, a new convert who is not baptised cannot partake in the Lord’s Supper. This is making it difficult for new converts to dine with the Lord.

The issue of Cohabitation also hinders some members from partaking in the Lord’s Supper. This is because the marriage rites has not been fully performed. As a result, some of them feel shy to come to church so they can partake in the Lord’s Supper. They end up not coming at all. Those who are fortunate to attend also become spectators. This discourages them to attend church service on Communion Sundays; thereby, leading to low attendance to the Lord’s Supper.

TOWARDS REACHING AN OPTIMAL LORD’S SUPPER PARTICIPATION RATE IN THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST

We have known from the foregoing discussions the reasons why most of our members do not partake in the Lord’s Supper. Below are some suggested recommendations that can help members in CoP in particular and Christendom in general whip up interest in the Lord’s Supper.

The Church of Pentecost has to extend the right hand of fellowship to new converts. Immediately one accepts Jesus Christ and is baptised, an extension of right hand of fellowship must be extended to new converts so they could partake in the Lord’s Supper. This is done when there are no other factors which could prevent them from dining with the Lord. In other words, new converts are allowed to dine with the Lord when they have no other issues that could deny them from enjoying the meal. Apostle Paul, at repentance, was extended the right hand of fellowship into the body of Christ. This afforded him the chance to be recognised as part of the believers, for they feared him because of his initial fight against the church.

Members must be taught to understand that tithes belong to the Lord. It is very appropriate for believers to pay their tithes, and must be paid to where their spiritual nourishment come from—thus to the Local Church or Assembly; tithes belong to the Lord. Abraham paid tithes to the high priest who gave him bread and wine. “…Then Abram gave him a tenth of all the goods he had taken” (Gen. 14:20). It must be noted that one cannot live throughout the month without eating or drinking. Once a person eats, he has to pay tithes. But where one sincerely knows that he received nothing throughout the tithing week, no one can stop them from attending the Lord’s Supper. Attending the Lord’s Supper is having a personal relationship with God, and no one should be denied of it. Jesus did not deny Judas from dining with him though he knew his intentions.

Members have to desist from going to naming ceremony on Lord’s Supper days. Christianity is not ‘scratch my back and let me scratch your back’, but it is having a divine encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Many people see church as a group or fan club. This should not be so. A church is the association of individuals who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal saviour. They have also accepted to live by the principles of God so their very lives can be transformed to be like that of Christ. In the end, they are assured of having an eternal home in heaven. Attending church is not like engaging in nnoboa. People exchange their relationship with God for such things. Once they accompany you to church, the next time they expect you to do same for them—by accompanying them to church. There are some who attend such ceremonies even on a Lord’s Supper Sunday. There are times when they don’t even have a direct relationship with the one having the ceremony. Those having the programme may be friends of loved ones. I visited an Assembly in my District on a Lord’s Supper Day to find out that almost four-fifth of the church had gone for naming ceremony of a sister who is not a member of our church. I am not saying one should not accompany a relative to such functions. The church should not encourage members to indulge in such manner. This practice must be discarded. One should be firm to tell a relative not to fix such programmes on such days. Leaders must teach members to desist from such practices. At least, the CoP member should go for Lord’s Supper and after that can accompany the friend.

Members must be encouraged to stop paying visits to their friends’ churches on communion days. In addition to the earlier point discussed, some members who are communicants should stop visiting friends and loved ones who are in different denominations, especially on Lord’s Supper days. Such practices must be discouraged. This, when done, will increase attendance to Lord’s Supper. It is not to discourage members from visiting their friends and loved ones.

Members must be encouraged to prioritize the Lord’s Supper during funerals. Funerals are organised either on Saturday or any day within the week in Ghana. Funerals are not organised on Sundays. Even those who celebrate on Sundays do so after church services. It is unfortunate to know that some Christians fail to dine with the Lord when funerals are organised a day preceding the Lord’s Supper Sunday. There is nothing wrong with finding time in the heat of funeral to celebrate the Lord’s Supper with believers. It even shows one’s maturity in the Lord. Such a behaviour indicates that they place much premium on the fellowship of God as against that of man. Bereaved members must come for the Lord’s Supper and later visit the funeral grounds. Those who travel for funeral should make it a point to dine with the Lord wherever they find themselves on Sundays and report to their presiding afterwards.

Again, members must be encouraged to embrace the “no white clothes for communion service”. There is no specified attire earmarked for the observation of Lord’s Supper rituals. Even in the New Testament, there is no prescribed dress for Christians. The closest one is for believers to dress modestly (1 Tim. 2:9-10). Christians without white colour uniforms should come to church without any feeling of inferiority. Jesus did not prescribe dressing for us when attending the Lord’s Table. Put on anything you have provided it decent.

Sexual acts before the Lord’s Supper is not unholy. Having sex in marriage is good. Sex can be enjoyed by married couples even on the eve of attending the Lord’s Supper. This does not make married couples unholy. In other words, God does not prohibit such act by married couples. Once they enjoy themselves at home, they can still partake in the Holy Communion. Remember, the body of the man is for the woman and a vice versa. “The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife. Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control” (1 Cor 7:4-5, NLT).

Bodily discharges is not evil.  In the New Testament, all these rituals have been dealt with by the blood of Jesus. The animals that were used for purification symbolizes Christ the coming Saviour. He was to die as an atonement for our sins. Hence, believers are no more in condemnation. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1, NKJV). A believer can be in her period and can still dine with the Lord or release bodily fluids and still attend the Lord’s Supper provided it was not a self-induced one such as masturbation.

There is also the need for Christians to have a forgiving heart. Until one forgives, his sins are not forgiven. Jesus said, “…forgive, and ye shall be forgiven…” (Lk. 6:37, NKJV). Jesus expects us to forgive each other. The magnitude of the error should not prevent one from stretching forth the hand of forgiveness.  It is better to forgive so you can partake in the meal in Jesus’ presence than to keep away from it and face eternal punishment. One woman told me; it will be very difficult for her to forgive a fellow Christian who has wronged her. Such a person will find it very difficult to attend the Lord’s Supper. We should forgive.

There is no need for Christians to harbor guilt feelings. In order to partake in the Lord’s Supper and to overcome the Job’s syndrome, members must always pray to God for forgiveness of sin, even when they do not remember committing it. And when confessed, they must believe that they have been forgiven. “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 Jn. 1:9, NLT).

Christians must agree to water baptism. Once a believer accepts Christ, they must be sent for water baptism which is followed with the extension of right hand of fellowship. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19, NLT). This must be done to pave way for new individuals take part in the Lord’s Supper after going through the appropriate teachings.

Christians must be involved in Biblically and socially accepted marriages. Some members who have not paid their partners’ bride price to some of them, feel shy to attend church and not partake in the Lord’s Supper. They end up not coming at all. Those who are fortunate to attend also become spectators. This does not encourage them to attend church service on Communion Sundays. The men are being encourage to perform their partners’ bride price to enable them dine with the Lord.

CONCLUSION

Eating and drinking the body and the wine in the presence of the LORD is not just chemistry but a mystery. It is a divine meal that affirms our fellowship with the Lord. It is a must for all Christians.

As Christians we should be obedient and determine to dine with the Lord at all times. We should let nothing take us from dinning in the presence of the Lord; there are many benefits in partaking in the Lord’s Supper.

When these are observed and practised, the church will reach an optimal participation rate for Lord’s Supper in The Church of Pentecost, in particular, and other denominations in general.

May God help us all.

Written by Asamoah Emmanuel Foster

Tears Flow As Prophet Annaba Mensah Laid To Rest

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The Walewale Astroturf was filled with hundreds of mourners from all walks of life on Saturday, June 25, 2022, as they paid their last respect to the late Prophet Evans Annaba Mensah, the deceased Walewale Area Head of The Church of Pentecost.

Loved ones, especially his wife and children, could not hold back their tears as they filed past his body.

Prophet Annaba, 54, who was called to glory on May 28, 2022, was quoted to have said this before breathing his last: “It is not the sick who die, rather those whose time is up; those God wants to call home.”

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, who officiated the funeral service, said he was shaken to the marrow when he was informed about the death of Prophet Annaba.

“I was really devastated when I heard of his death. I felt weak at the moment because he was a dependable person. He carried out instructions and policies of the church to the letter,” the Chairman said, adding, “If we all have the spirit of Prophet Annaba, we will go places.”

Biography

Prophet Evans Annaba Mensah was born on April 14, 1968, at Songe near Garu in the Upper East Region.

He had his basic education at Adiembra L/A Schools and obtained the Middle School Leaving Certificate (MSLC) in 1987. He proceeded to Ampabame Islamic Secondary School in 1988 to further his education but ended at Form 3 due to financial constraints. However, while in ministry, he pursued a degree in Theology from the Pentecost University in 2010.

He was called into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in the year 2000. He served in the following stations: Suma Ahenkro District, from 2000 to 2005; Berekum West District, from 2005 to 2008; Lamashegu District, from 2008 to 2014; Ayebronum District, Suhum, from 2014 to 2019, North Kaneshie District, from 2019 to 2021, and as an Area Head for Walewale, from 2021 to 2022.

Tributes

Various tributes were read to eulogize him. The General Council of The Church of Pentecost described him as very gentle, humble, respectful and dependable, saying, “He was a selfless and God-fearing minister who had a special reverence for the things of God and the policies of the church. He was such a dedicated minister to work with due to his zeal for ministry and team spirit.”

It added: “His devotion to prayer was exemplary. As a result, his ministry was blessed with notable miracles and other supernatural manifestations. His prophetic gifting was sharp, having been blessed particularly with the word of knowledge and word of wisdom.”

According to the General Council, Prophet Annaba was affable and benevolent towards the poor and needy and personally invested in the lives of members to enable them achieve their dreams.

The widow, Mrs Gladys Annaba, had this to say about her late husband: “My dear husband was my prophet, pastor, teacher and mentor. He modelled and shaped my Christian life. He was the priest of the home as he led our morning devotions.”

She added: “I cannot be exhaustive about Daddy, without touching on his prayer life. He was a man of prayer and a great intercessor. Even during his moments of ill-health, he never ceased praying for others, especially those in difficult conditions.”

His children, in their tribute, stated: “Daddy was a man of integrity. He was always content with the little he had. He taught us to be content with what the Lord gives to us. He always advised us to look up to God in any situation we found ourselves in, for our ultimate price is in heaven.

The Walewale Area of the church also described their departed Area Head as a man with great faith who had passion for evangelism, saying, “Nothing could shatter his pursuance of what he was convinced the Lord was leading him to. No wonder, the Area was able to achieve great feats within the short period he was at the helm of affairs. He owned his transformational leadership to the gift of faith he operated in.”

Sermon

In a short sermon, Apostle Eric Nyamekye quoted from Romans 14:8, and said that so far as God is concerned, there is no difference between the dead and the living.

“For God, there is no difference between the dead and the living, because whether we live or die, we are His. The pain that death causes is on this side of the universe [earth], where we have limited understanding of death,” he said.

According to Apostle Nyamekye, the afflictions believers face in life is nowhere close to what they will receive in Christ when they die.

Present at the funeral service were the International Missions Director (IMD) of the church, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, and his wife Deborah; the wife of the Chairman, Mrs Mary Nyamekye, among other dignitaries.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Jesus Came For The Condemned – Apostle Kumi-Larbi

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The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has asserted that Jesus did not come into the world for the righteous but rather for the condemned (sinners).

According to him, it is difficult for one to die for a righteous person, let alone a sinner, but Jesus Christ overlooked all the iniquities of humankind and died on the cross for them.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi made this assertion on Thursday, June 23, 2022, during a four-day crusade organised by the La Area of The Church of Pentecost at the Avenor Park in Accra.

Speaking on the topic “Jesus Is A Friend of Sinners” with Luke 5:32 as his main scripture reference, the General Secretary noted that although the wages of sin is death, through grace, Jesus has saved us from sin and, ultimately, death.

“Even if you are a murderer, drug addict, prostitute, the medicine to heal you is Jesus. This is because if the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed. All you have to do is believe in Jesus, and you would be saved and healed,” he said.

He further noted that Jesus Christ came into the world mainly for those who are lost. 

“The lost is someone who has wandered out of the grace of God because of sin,” he explained.

Examining the story of the Samaritan Woman, Apostle Kumi-Larbi noted that it was important for Jesus to pass through Samaria before going to Galilea just because of the Samaritan woman. 

“Jesus came to die for us. Therefore, whoever is weary and burdened with sin should come to Him. No matter the value of your sin, Jesus is there to save you,” he said.

The four-day crusade is being held under leadership of Apostle John Osei Amaniampong (La Area Head) with Apostle ANY Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary), Apostle Lt. Col. Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode (Resident Minister, Burma Camp Worship Centre), Apostle James Asare (Kasoa Area Head), Apostle ADP James Tetteh (Former Chaplain-General, Ghana Prisons Service), Apostle Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua (Vice-Chancellor, Pentecost University) and Apostle Nana Yaw Agyei (Kade Area Head) as guest speakers.

The event commenced on Wednesday, June 22, and would be climaxed on Saturday, June 25, 2022 with a health-screening exercise.

PENTECOST NEWS

Christians Urged To Seek Divine Knowledge

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Mrs. Gladys Nana Yaa Animah Oduro, wife of the Yennyawoso District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, has advised Christians to commit themselves to divine knowledge acquisition to sail through in their quest to take territories for Christ. 

She explained that knowledge is power and that whoever is destitute of it falls prey to the deceit of the devil and eventually perishes.

She said this in a sermon titled: “Equipping Men to Possess the Nations” on Sunday, June 19, 2022, when she fellowshipped with the members of Grace Assembly to cap off the week-long national celebration of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM).

Taking her main scriptures from 1 Corinthians 4:20 and Ephesians 6:10-17, Mrs. Oduro mentioned that the church is an equipping centre where Christians are girded up for every task assigned to them. 

According to her, whoever goes to church and avails themselves to the teachings of God, becomes fit in all spheres of life because they are exposed to holistic teachings.

Mrs. Oduro, whose message touched on all aspects of human’s life, further noted that possessing the nations agenda of the Church can only be realised with power, but not just a mere talk. The power, on the other hand, she said, is found in the word of God. She, thus, charged Christians to be filled with the word and the knowledge of God in these evil times where everything points to the fact that the second coming of Christ is imminent, saying, “The devil fears those who have the word of God within them.”

She added that those with an in-depth knowledge of God and His words stay put at the Lord’s feet, no matter the circumstances and diligently apply themselves to the word for breakthrough.

She also expressed the need for Christians to maintain good health by adopting good eating habit and exercising regularly.

Reading from Genesis 18:19 and Malachi 2:15, Mrs. Gladys Nana Yaa Animah Oduro urged parents to make a determined effort to train their children in the way of the Lord. She cautioned that failure to do so will deprive them of God’s blessings.

She blamed streetism and waywardness of many children on lack of good parental care and broken homes and strongly advised married couples against divorce, saying, “It is easier to build a strong Christian home than to repair a broken home.”

Report by Yennyawoso District Media Team

God Needs Awakened Men To Possess The Nations – PEMEM Director

by with No Comment Church NewsPEMEMTop Stories

The Director of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, has said that the “possessing the nations” agenda depends on the commitment and dedication of men, who are fully awakened and well-focused on the Great Commission.

Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh made this assertion on Thursday, June 16, 2022, when he gave a presentation on the topic, “When Men Went To Sleep” Matthew 13:24-30 at the Aflao Area PEMEM joint service at the Shekinah Temple, Aflao. 

In his exposition, Apostle Anane Denteh noted that the progress of every nation, family and church hinges on the alertness of men and their commitment to duty.

“Men who sleep on duty cannot achieve any good thing in the society. Therefore, if we want to equip men to possess the nations, then they must first be awakened,” he said. 

He further noted that anyone asleep cannot respond to a call to duty and could not be counted upon to accomplish a task.

“To be given a task and be able to accomplish, it a person must be awakened from his sleep to be sent,” he added. 

“If a home can be a successful place with great progress, the men in the house must be awakened. Likewise, if the church is to make progress in the Kingdom business, then men in the church must be awakened. A married man who is awakened can discern his child’s future and give them the best education so that when the child becomes successful in future, they could take care of him,” he said. 

Expounding Matthew 13:24-30, Apostle Anane Denteh explained that the enemy is only able to cause harm when people go to sleep. 

He, therefore, cautioned men to wake up from their slumber and be watchful and discerning in order to secure the future of their homes, professions, churches, communities and nations, stressing that: “Having a good intention is not enough because the devil is always looking for an opportunity to sow bad seeds in your life.”

Apostle Anane-Denteh urged Christian men not to be reactive to situations but always look ahead and exercise utmost patience, especially when afflicted, and trust that God will surely show up and bring victory. 

“No matter the challenges, the Lord will give us the solution to address them. When you find yourself in a difficult marriage, do not take a shortcut by resorting to divorce. Instead, if you remain patient in the presence of the Lord and obey His word, whatever is yours shall return to you regardless of what the devil will do. Men ought to pray and patiently wait for God’s deliverance.”

Apostle Anane Denteh also used the occasion to share with the congregation the four-year strategic vision of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry and urged all men to embrace it and work hard towards the realising the possessing of the nations agenda. 

Report by Pastor Francis Lamptey (Aflao Area Reporter)

Achimota Chief Celebrates PEMEM Week At Abofu Worship Centre

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As part of the activities to culminate the 2022 Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) week-long national celebration in Abofu Worship Centre in the Achimota Area of The Church of Pentecost, the Chief of Achimota, Nii Ayi-Bonte Adams II, was invited to a special lunch buffet on Sunday, 19th June 2022 at the worship centre.

To promote unity, love and family life, members of the church invited their spouses who were not members of the church as guests for the occasion.

The Worship Centre was therefore privileged to host the Chief of Achimota, Nii Ayi-Bonte Adams II, whose wife is a deaconess of the church. It was glorious when Nii appeared in his PEMEM cloth with his entourage.

The chief shared a few words of advice to Christian men and urged them to take up their full responsibilities as fathers in the home. He urged men to take a keen interest in the development of their children. He thanked God for The Church of Pentecost and wished all the members well in their endeavours.

The Resident Minister, Pastor Augustine Arthur-Norman, on his part, expressed gratitude to the Chief and his elders for ensuring a peaceful relationship between the church and the community.

Pastor Arthur-Norman commended the Area Head, Apostle David Tettey Tekper, and the Area PEMEM Executive Committee members for helping them to hold a successful programme during the week.

He called on the men to exhibit the Kingdom values and principles in their spheres of life.

Report by Abofu Worship Centre Media Team.

La Area Women’s Ministry Holds 3-Day Empowerment Retreat

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The La Area Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, led by Deaconess Georgina Zekpa, has organised a three-day empowerment retreat for deaconesses and Women’s Ministry Leaders in the Area.

The event took place at the University of Ghana, Legon from 8th to 10th June 2022, on the theme: “Equipping Women as an Army to Possess the Nations.”

In a presentation with scripture reference to Ephesians 4:10-14, the La Area Head, Apostle John Osei Amaniampong, established that the reason for equipping an individual is for growth.

According to him, just as soldiers go through training to equip themselves for the task, so should Christians go through some form of training to equip them to carry out the Kingdom business.

Giving the various classifications of the Church, Apostle Amaniampong indicated that the church triumphant represents believers who have died in Christ. There is also the church militant which represents the current church, and the invisible church which represents unbelievers who would be saved someday.

He noted that there are fruits of the spirit which reveal the personality of Jesus Christ as well as the gifts of the Spirit which also reveal the power of Jesus Christ.

To help achieve the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda, Apostle Amaniampong asked believers to desire and live by the kingdom values, principles and discipline which, he said, are great weapons to overcome the forces of the enemy (2 Timothy 1: 15).

Mrs Esther Ayerakwa, the wife of Apostle Peter Ayerakwa (retired), speaking on the topic: “The Women’s Ministry Worker” based on Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 4: 14-16; Deuteronomy 1: 6-8; Titus 2:3, charged Women’s Ministry leaders to break camp and advance in their sphere of service.

She advised them not to settle and be content with where they are and what they do, saying, “You should always look out for innovative ways to improve your leadership skills. No one is too old or too small to serve.”

She added that leadership is biblical. Therefore, it is not a post but a responsibility.

“Women’s Ministry leaders and deaconesses are supposed to serve with all diligence and patience,” she said, adding, “They are to be serviceable and not the other way round. Leaders are to be committed to their calling; they should see their calling or appointment as a privilege and divine calling because, among all the members, they were seen as able and fit for the calling.”

On her part, Deaconess Cynthia Siaw Agyapong from the Teshie-Nungua Area urged Women’s Ministry leaders to be submissive to their husbands and support them to succeed in their areas of operations.

The event was climaxed with an all-night service.

Some of the topics treated during the retreat included “Before I say I do,” “Humility to Support your Husband to Succeed,” “Drug Abuse,” and “My Success Story,” among others.

The speakers were Deaconess Dr Evelyn Boahene and Deaconess Mercy Araba Tobbin, among others.

Also in attendance were Mrs Mary Amaniampong (wife of La Area Head), a cross-session of pastors in the Area and wives, and Area Women’s Ministry Executives.

Report by Gina Akua Padi.

Elder & Wife Builds Church For Agbevekope Community

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Dr Daniel Workman Atsu, an Elder of The Church of Pentecost, together with his wife, Mrs. Lydia Atsu, have built a magnificent church building for the Agbevekope Assembly in the Agbozume District in the Aflao Area of the church.

The one-storey church building, has an air-conditioned conference room, offices, and stores. The building also has a state-of-the-art audiovisual studio, television sets, an LED screen, and church-branded furnishings.

Elder Dr. Atsu has also constructed four other church projects in the Aflao Area. The projects, totalling GH₵ 2,157,000, are the Agbevekope Children’s Ministry Auditorium and a Baptistry, Tsivoli and Govinakope Assemblies Church Auditoriums.

Other ancillary projects done by him in the community also at the cost of GH₵1,459,000, are 8 Agbevekope Community Basic School Buildings (including the extension of water supply and electricity to the school and parts of the community), Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) building, and 21 self-contained Nurses and Teachers flats.

A special dedication ceremony was held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at the Agbevekope in the Volta Region. The service was officiated by the Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye.

The Chairman was assisted by Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah, Ho Area Head and Co-ordinator of the Volta and Oti Regional Co-ordinating Committee, who also serves as an Executive Council member of the church.

Speaking at the event, Apostle Eric Nyamekye stated: “You cannot confine God to a place because He is a spirit. Therefore, let us not worry ourselves about where God exists.”

The Chairman, however, noted that God may not dwell in temples made by human hands, but they are not useless.

Reading from 1 Chronicles chapter 22, Apostle Nyamekye explained that King David desired to build a temple for the Lord before his death. However, God instructed his son Solomon, his successor, to rather build the temple.

“When Solomon built the temple, God filled it with splendor that even the priests could not enter the temple,” he said, stressing that, “the temple of the Lord carries the Ark of Covenant (presence of God) and the holy vessels of God (people of God).”

Apostle Nyamekye admonished Christians to avoid living the presence of God behind when going to church. This, he noted, is a prerequisite to having an encounter with God in church.

The Chairman of the church then commended and prayed for Elder Dr Atsu and his family, saying, “You are a replica of the centurion who built the temple for God.”

In an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, Elder Dr Daniel Workman Atsu revealed that his encounter with Jesus Christ led to fundamental changes in his attitude to life and relationship with people.

“I have received motivation and empowerment to show an uncommon love for members of my family, the church, my community, and humanity at large,” he stated.

He pointed out that he has dedicated his life to helping the youth who are desirous to pursue academic excellence or learn trade and skills which could enable them to earn a decent living.

“The school, the health facility, and the church in the Agbevekope community provide the opportunity for the people who want to develop and become blessings to their families and communities,” he added.

Present at the ceremony were the chiefs and community leaders of Agbevekope and its environs, members of the church, and the community members.

Also present were Apostle Peter Kofi Dzemekey (Aflao Area Head), Apostle Joseph Osei-Wusu Brempong (retired) – former Area Head for Aflao, and the Aflao Area pastorate.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Two Pent Media Journalists Selected For Africa Media Fellowship

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Elders Joseph Bill Danquah and Prince Kojo Asare of Pent Media Centre have been selected to participate in the 2022 edition of the Young Africa Media Summit (YAMS) in Accra.

The event, which is being hosted by YALI TV & Partners, is Africa’s premier platform for strategic dialogues on new media technologies, digital transformations in communication, media entrepreneurship, and investment in Africa.

This year’s edition is themed “The Media Industry as an Investment Opportunity in Africa” and would feature plenary sessions, public lectures and experience-sharing between high-profile media and communication experts, institutions and individuals.

The US Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Virginia E. Palmer, together with other top US government officials are expected to grace the event.

The African Union (AU) Media Fellowship has been initiated by the AU Information and Communication Directorate to ensure that the continent takes advantage of emerging technologies and benefits from the digital transformation across globe.

Among other objectives, the AU Media Fellowship seeks to train and equip African journalists and content creators to leverage creativity and innovation within the continent and build their capacity around innovative and transformative tools in journalism and media.

The fellowship would also create a platform for journalists to network and share on best practices and the future of journalism in Africa and the world at large.

Pent Media Centre, the media arm of The Church of Pentecost, would be represented at the event by Elder Danquah, a broadcast journalist and a Master Control Room (MCR) officer of Pent TV who serves as lead-host of the “Asembi Morning Show.”

Elder Asare, a Senior Editor at the Pent Media Centre and head of the church’s digital media team, has also been selected to take part in the training programme on Thursday.

Both journalists would be joined by other young journalists, content creators, bloggers, vloggers and podcasters within the African diaspora for the AU-sponsored event.

PENTECOST NEWS

PEMEM Director Presents Agri-Business Concept In Ho

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The Director of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, has presented the ministry’s entrepreneurial concept in Agri-Business to members of the ministry in the Ho Area of the church.

Addressing local, district and area executive committee members of the ministry at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Ho as part of his recent tour of the Area from 16th to 17th June 2022, Apostle Anane Denteh, who is a member of the Executive Council of the church, disclosed that the ministry has introduced a project called Agri-Business concept to develop the capacity of men in the church.

“This is to beef up the income generation opportunities of the members which is part of the ministry’s social development agenda for its members,” he stated.

He explained that the agri-business concept is in a form of a collapsible fishpond of 1,000 fingerlings to start with. This innovative idea, he said, is easy to construct and through skill development training, the individual who may have no idea in aqua-culture would be tutored into acquiring the basic skills in the management of the fishpond and caring for the fingerlings.

He recommended this to all entrepreneurial and unemployed persons as well as the youth to venture into the business. This, he said, could supplement the income of members of the church.

He added that The Church of Pentecost, in collaboration with the Israeli Embassy, is rolling out more innovative business ventures for the betterment of the members.

He concluded that PEMEM is about to launch its new project dubbed the Pentecost Agri-Business Class to empower the members at the grassroots to develop their social life.

The Ho Area Head and Executive Council member, Apostle Dr Dela Quampah applauded the ministry for the thoughtful interventions and expressed the Area’s readiness to commence the project.

Pastor Michael Arthur, the Ho Area PEMEM Leader and District Minister for Ziavi Dzogbe, also lauded the concept and pledged the Area’s eagerness to implement the Agri-Business project.

Report by Pastor Felix Brakatu.