Royalty Is Leadership – Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah Observes

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The immediate-past Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and former President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, has called on chiefs and queens to use their revered positions to cause positive change in their communities.

He indicated that although royalty comes with glory, God sees the chieftaincy institution as leadership and that chiefs should ensure that their subjects live in peace and prosperity.

Apostle Prof Opoku Onyinah said this on Thursday, June 2, 2022, when addressing the 3rd Royals Conference of The Church of Pentecost under the auspices of the Chieftaincy Ministry and the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM).

Speaking on the topic, “Effecting Certain Cultural Changes as a Christian Royal” based on Acts 10:9-15; 15:1-7, he said that within every culture, there are some good and beautiful things about it and vice-versa, hence the need to ensure that those dehumanizing and satanic practices are changed for the good of the people.

He touched on certain cruel traditions such as burying dead kings and royals with human heads which, he said, should be stopped.

“As a Christian royal, when you observe some of these negative and evil practices, you should allow the Holy Spirit to help you to change them. When you do this, your reign will thrive. However, it is not easy to effect some of these changes because certain cultural practices are entrenched,” he said.

He recalled an incident in the Book of Acts chapters 10 and 15 where God revealed a vision to Apostle Peter and instructed him to kill and eat some animals, but Peter declined claiming that they were uncleaned. He said God wanted Peter to reach out to the Gentiles so that they too could be saved. He said God wanted Peter to understand that the Gentiles have also been chosen by Him.

About the argument and confusion that erupted between Apostle Paul and the other disciples due to circumcision, the former Chairman admitted that certain beliefs held by people are sometimes very difficult to break and stop.

“It is difficult to change certain cultural practices, but as a Christian royal, you must allow the Holy Spirit to help you to change them. You will face resistance but you must persevere,” he pointed out.

He added: “As a royal, you must know that God has elevated you to this position to transform your communities.”

Apostle Prof Opoku Onyinah listed some principles that will help chiefs to cause transformational changes in their jurisdictions to propel the growth and development of their communities.

He asked them to pray to God to give them insight and understanding about the negative cultural practices they want to effect; find out the background of that cultural practice; examine it; take a firm decision to change it; provide an alternative; prepare for resistance; dialogue with elders and opinion leaders and communicate the change to the people so that everyone will come on board to ensure a smooth implementation of the changes that they want to effect.

PENTECOST NEWS.

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Mission or Martyrdom?: A Polemic Against a Spreading Misinterpretation of “You will be my witnesses [µάρτσρες]” in Acts 1:8

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Introduction

This article is a response to a misinterpretation of Acts 1:8 that is fast spreading. It is in connection with the Greek word µάρησρες, transliterated martyres, which is the plural form of the genitive noun µάρτσς, transliterated as martys. Teachers of the interpretation in question claim that Act 1:8 means that the disciples will receive “power to die” and not power for witnessing Christ including evangelism. One would hear proponents of such a school of thought opine, “What Acts 1:8 is talking about is not evangelism.” They would say, “The witness here is from the Greek word martys which means martyr.” For these preachers, martys means martyr in the Acts 1:8 context, and from their statements, every other place martys is used in the Bible. Their interpretation is one of the worst biblical hermeneutics Christianity can be confronted with. The interpretation of Acts 1:8 is that disciples of Christ would be empowered for Christian mission. In this very short treatise, I shall show that they do not have enough knowledge of µάρησς (martys) and have seriously misinterpreted Acts 1:8 ignoring the original (ordinary) usage of martys. This interpretation is a false teaching that needs to be repulsed and thwarted.

Background of Acts 1:8: A Call unto Missions

The text of concern reads, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (NIV). In the Greek, it is rendered (just for your attention), ἀλλὰ λήµυεζθε δύναµιν ἐπελθόνηος ηοῦ ἁγίοσ πνεύµαηος ἐθ‟ ὑµᾶς, καὶ ἔζεζθέ µοσ µάρτσρες ἔν ηε Ἰεροσζαλὴµ καὶ ἐν πάζῃ ηῇ Ἰοσδαίᾳ καὶ Σαµαρείᾳ καὶ ἕφς ἐζτάηοσ ηῆς γῆς. The immediate background to this text is located in Luke 24. In this chapter, Jesus Christ after his resurrection showed himself to his disciples and commissioned them with these words, “46This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses [µάρησρες] of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:46-49, NIV). This is not to say that other contexts in which the martys is used could be rendered “martyr” in the English language. In this commissioning exhortation, Jesus referred to his disciples as “witnesses”- µάρτσρες to his ministry hence they should go and testify about him. The sequel to Luke continues Evangelist Luke’s account of Jesus’ post-resurrection time with his disciples and his departure message in the sequel bears the same idea. So his charge to them that “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high,” is consistent with this charge of Jesus to his disciples: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” to bear witness or testimony of what they have seen, heard and experience of Jesus Christ. They are to witness or testify of the Gospel everywhere through evangelism, working miracles, signs, and wonders, or missions. This is what we see them doing after the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost. Later on, Ananias who prayed for Paul to gain his sight relayed the same original meaning of µάρτσς (martys) when he exhorted Paul. Paul reported this event thus: Then he said: “The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness [µάρτσς, martys] to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name” (Acts 22:14-16, NIV). How will the meaning stand if the µάρτσρες (martyres) in Luke 24 is to be rendered martyrs? Would it mean that Jesus said “You are martyrs of what is written that “The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and repentance for forgiveness of sins . . .”? Was Jesus in this instance speaking to dead disciples? Rendered this way, it will be complete absurdity! This is what the exponents of the interpretation in question will be saying. How is Acts 22:14-16 going to be understood if µάρτσς (martys) used there is to be rendered martyr? Here, the Lord God was calling Paul into the mission field. Paul did exactly that, bearing witness of the Lord Jesus Christ. In another example, bearing witness or testifying about the resurrection of Christ is the main criterion used to elect an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot. Acts 1:21-22 accounts for it thus, “Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness [µάρτσς, martys] with us of his resurrection (NIV). This is also very clear that martys is used to designate one who testifies about Jesus based on what he has seen concerning the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. These examples are not exhaustive.

In my consultation with Professor Allan Anderson, a renowned scholar of the University of Birmingham, UK, on the hermeneutics of Acts 1:8, this is what he said, “It is power for witnessing/mission. The connection with martyrdom is because the Greek word for “witness” is the word from where we get the English word ‘martyr’ but this is not its ordinary usage.” This has also been confirmed by Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah of the Pentecost University, Ghana.

“Martys Does Not Mean Martyr”

R. Magnusson Davis, the historian and founder of the New Matthew Bible Project posits that William Tyndale did a correct translation of martys when he consistently translated it as “witness” in the New Testament. Davis draws attention to three New Testament passages that were modified to hide the primary meaning of martys as “witness”; Acts 22:20; Revelations 2:13 and Revelation 17:6. She blames that on the analogy James Strong drew between martys and martyr. Davis rightly noted that “the original Greek did not carry such an analogical meaning.” The argument alleges that such a meaning arose in the mind of some early Christians long after the Bible was written due to the persecution that the early Christians who witness or testified about Christ faced which led to the death of some of them. The Encyclopedia Britannica which Davis cited explains the development of the word “martyr” from martys in this light. It is right to hold unto the original meaning the Lord Jesus and the writers of the Bible carried across to us in the Scriptures and not to merely use later events to change the ordinary meaning.

Concluding Remarks

Pentecostalism remains the most successful missionary movement in recent times. The reason is not hard to find. The main reason for this is the emphasis on mission and evangelism. The basis for the coming of the Holy Spirit is missions. The missionary fire of Pentecostalism has been burning its way into every place. The Pentecostal Christian tradition has fully embraced and placed importance on Acts 1:8 and indeed the Lord Jesus who promised to empower them to witness to the ends of the Earth, once again proving he is faithful. Pentecostals are entering every place with the Gospel. Pentecostalism is growing and maturing to the glory of the Lord. We must continue to seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit to advance the mission of God. He charged us; “This message of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the earth as a witness and then the end will come …” (Matt. 24:14). This is the reason for the power we receive when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. The Holy Spirit has come upon millions of Christians and empowered them to bear witness to what they have seen, heard, experienced, and known about the Lord Jesus Christ. In this week of Pentecost 2022, and beyond, may there be a renewal of the movement of the Spirit around the world through the baptism in the Holy Spirit for witnessing.

Written by Elder Dr. Stephen Ofotsu Ofoe

Biblical Basis For The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit

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The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He is God Himself. (Matt. 3: 16-17) and plays many distinctive roles in the lives of the believer. He sanctifies, (2 Thess 2:13), guides (Jn 16:13), strengthens (Eph 3:16), indwell (Gal 5:16-18), baptises (Acts 2:4) among others.

The Holy Spirit is the person of God himself; God’s personal presence and God’s empowering presence[1].

One of the distinctive mark of the Pentecostal Movement is speaking with tongues, whether we like it or not, it has made Pentecostalism the most distinct and recognizable entity in the twentieth century.[2]

BIBLICAL BASIS

John the Baptist, who was the forerunner of Jesus, spoke about the baptism of the Holy Spirit and mentioned Jesus as the one who baptises:

‘I baptize you with water, But one more powerful than I will come… He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire’. (Luke 3:16)

‘I would not have known Him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’  (John 1:33)

Jesus then confirmed the words of John:

 ‘I am going to send to you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high’.  (Luke 24:49) ‘For John baptized with water; but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit’.  (Acts 1:5)

The promise of the father as Jesus mentioned was the prophesy of Joel in 2:28 which God said He will pour His Spirit upon all flesh.

Peter described what happened in the upper room on the day of Pentecost, ‘…All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit enabled them’.  (Acts 2:2-4) as the fulfilment of the promise (Acts 2:16-17)

From their experience, the disciples knew that they had been baptised in the Holy Spirit by speaking in tongues. Even though the Holy Spirit is invisible, the effects which He produces can be seen and heard[3]  so the outcome of the baptism was unconceivable; the sound of the mighty wind, the appearance of tongues of fire, the infilling with the Spirit resulted in the speaking of a new tongues. Peter said the fulfilment of the promise was for them, their children…and all those that the Lord will call’   (Acts 2:15- 39)

As mentioned by Peter, the promise was also fulfilled among some other believers:

‘While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcision believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues, and praising God…’  (Acts 10:44-46)

When Peter met the Jewish believers after Cornelius house incidence, he said ‘Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how that He said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit: (Acts 11:16)

Again at Ephesus:

‘When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied’.  (Acts 19:6)

Upon these scriptural basis, Classical Pentecostals believe that the promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues has not ceased but still fulfilling and relevant even today for everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Moreover, the out pouring, coming upon and over shadowing of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost did not mark a distinction between the operations of the Spirit in the lives of the Old and New Testament saints.[4] However, Pentecost signalled the fulfilment of the ancient promise of God to graciously pour out his Spirit like a downpour and rivers of living water on all believers to incorporate them into one body in Christ.[5]

Parham was astonished when his students reported their findings that, while there were different things that occurred when the Pentecostal blessing fell, the indisputable proof on each occasion was that they spoke in other tongues.[6]

CONCLUSION

The advent of the baptism of the Holt Spirit that happened on the day of Pentecost is not just a historical incident but an ever-renewed presence of God through His Spirit into the world.

Written by Pastor Charles Boadi, National Head, Eswatini (Swaziland)

Live In Integrity As Gatekeepers Of Society – Apostle Kumi-Larbi To Chiefs

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The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has advised chiefs to live a life of integrity as gatekeepers of their communities.

Quoting the words of Dwight Eisenhower, Apostle Kumi-Larbi said that “the supreme quality for leadership is unquestionable integrity. Without it, no real success is possible.”

Speaking on the topic, “Chieftaincy and Integrity,” Apostle Kumi-Larbi defined integrity as wholeness, perfection, soundness, simplicity, completeness and sincerity.

The General Secretary was speaking at the ongoing 3rd Royals’ Conference of The Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa-Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022.

This year’s conference is being attended by over 1,500 chiefs and queens and other royals drawn from various parts of Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso.

According to Apostle Kumi-Larbi, the Christian leader who has integrity is sound, reliable, trustworthy, and could therefore be described as dependable.

“Unfortunately, integrity seems to be a critical aspect of leadership which is mostly found wanting, both in the church and society as a whole,” he stated.

He explained that society is bedeviled with corrupt practices such as the multiple sale of land by some chiefs to prospective buyers.

Reading from Proverbs 11:3, he stated that King Solomon understood the importance of integrity, stressing that “the integrity of the upright guides them but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.”

According to Apostle Kumi-Larbi, corruption in society has resulted in some effects on the people, such as poor healthcare delivery, shoddy works, poor educational system, an increasing gap between the rich and the poor, and environmental degradation, among others.

He, therefore, urged the royals to be the accountable gatekeepers who would protect and ensure safety of their subjects in their jurisdictions.

Another issue that prevents chiefs from living a life of integrity, he said, was bribery and extortion. He explained that a bribe is “money, favour, or other consideration given in exchange for one’s influence against what is true, right, or just,” while explaining extortion as “taking money from someone by violence, threats, or the misuse of authority.” 

Using Nehemiah as a model of integrity, he admonished the chiefs to live exemplary lives as Nehemiah did.

According to the General Secretary, in Nehemiah 5:14-17, Nehemiah did not act like others as he refused to take advantage of the people. Instead, he lightened their burdens with the resources he had.

“Chiefs must maintain consistent lifestyle whether people are watching or not,” he said, adding, “Do everything without prioritizing personal gain, because it is an abomination for a king to do evil, for the throne on which he sits has been established in righteousness.”

The 3rd Edition of the Royals Conference has been organised by the Chieftaincy Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, in collaboration with the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM).

PENTECOST NEWS

The Significance Of The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit In The Life Of The Believer

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The word “baptised” means to be completely immersed or submerge in something.  Baptism of the Holy Spirit therefore means to dip, cover, immerse or cloth in or with the presence and the power of God through the Holy Spirit. (Ac. 2:1-4; 10:44-46). Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the ability to speak to God in an unknown language because God has made it possible. (1 Cor. 14:2)

The baptism of the Holy Spirit brings the believer into the body of Christ. It establishes an identity between Christ, who baptises, with the believer, who is being baptised. (Ac. 10:47)

Since the one who baptises is the Lord Jesus Christ, the baptism of the Holy with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues is not an event but an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.

This initial evidence of a common language being spoken by various individuals and groups of believers who were not Jewish, but Greeks and now including all those that the Lord has brought from the uttermost part of the world shows their inclusion into the family of God.[1]

Property developers buy properties that have lost its beauty and value.  Yet, they know what to keep, what to get rid of, what parts need renovation, refurbishing, or complete rebuilding.

So, it is with the believer.  God has purchased the “property” of our lives to become His Temple, indwelling us by His Holy Spirit who powerfully and skilfully works to renovate, develop, transform, and give value to the Lord’s property. (Ac. 10:47)

For most other Christians the presence of the Spirit is just that, presence, for Pentecostals the presence of the Spirit in their midst implies empowerment. This empowerment often manifests itself in spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophesy, or healings[2] (Ac. 19:6)

The baptism in the Holy Spirit comes with an enabling power which empowers the believer with an extra ordinary strength to do all that God will require of us, which our natural ability is unable to accomplish (Zech. 4:6).

The Holy Spirit baptism opens the door for us to enter the realm for the operation of the gifts of the Spirit. It also blesses our lives with a mighty deposit of divine ability.[3] (Ac. 19:6)

Praying in tongues is not just a means of demonstrating that one has been baptized in the Spirit. It is one of the most powerful weapons against all attacks both physical and spiritual.[4] It fills our souls with the love of God for lost humanity, and makes us much more willing to leave our homes, friends and to work in his vineyard’[5]

Speaking in tongues is the passionate heartfelt seeking after God, instilled by the Holy Spirit. It is the kind of prayer that can leap over oceans, speed across burning deserts, spring over mountains, bound through jungles and carry the healing power of God.[6]     

Paul regarded speaking in tongues in highest esteem as a means of communicating with God. So, his reference to ‘inarticulate groaning too deep for words’ in Romans 8:26-27 is understood as referring to the necessity of speaking in tongues.[7] 

When I got born again and baptised in the Holy Spirit, the common life style and experience among newly persons baptised in the Holy Spirit was an extra ordinary deeper love for the Lord, a new freedom and love to worship and praise God which often overflows in spontaneous prayers and speaking in the new language; a concern love for lost souls and immediately we went out to share our faith. This did not come by our own ability, but through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Like the early church, ordinary man were transformed into a bold and fearless witness of the Lord (Ac. 2:15-40). Thus, the Baptism gives the believer access to the power of God for us to share our faith in Christ.

In most congregations, revivals, outreaches and prayer meetings, I witness Spirit-baptized believers exhibited their love for the Lord with all their hearts in their dedicated services, singing, worship and expressing their joy in the public assembly. The manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit was common, the Word of God was proclaimed with boldness and power and the altar call brought many who were hungry for God. We did not waste time but moved from one place to another sharing our faith and new experience.

CONCLUSION

Baptism in the Holy Spirit is only the beginning of a greater and richer encounter of the believer into the operations of the Spirit and an extra ordinary relationship with the Godhead.

Written by Pastor Charles Boadi, National Head, Eswatini (Swaziland)

Chieftaincy Is Integral To The Development Of The Nation – Apostle Nyamekye Asserts

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The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has asserted that the chieftaincy institution is integral to the socio-economic development of the nation.

According to Apostle Nyamekye, the chieftaincy institution has become a channel for community development since traditional leaders have gained a reputation as spokespersons for their people and other stakeholders in state-building.

Apostle Nyamekye said this on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at the 3rd Royals’ Conference being organised by the Chieftaincy Ministry of the church in collaboration with the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa-Fetteh, near Kasoa.

The Chairman, in an opening address, read on his behalf by the General Secretary of the church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, said that the chieftaincy institution, which is one of the most respected institutions in Ghanaian communities, remains the expression of social, cultural, political, religious, traditional, and economic authority in most communities in Ghana.

“I have always held the view that our chieftaincy institution is the soul of our nation. The reason is that the culture, tradition and the governance system of the community revolve around this institution, and I believe the church’s ability to influence this all-important institution will give us some inroads into bringing transformation to our communities,” Apostle Nyamekye stated.

He revealed that The Church of Pentecost through its five-year strategic plan (Vision 2023) dubbed “Possessing the Nations” has gone beyond organising triennial royals conferences and has now created a special ministry to the palaces, known as the ‘Chieftaincy Ministry.’

The Chairman iterated that the theme for the conference which is, “Equipping Royals as Gatekeepers to Possess the Nations,” is an affirmation of the role that traditional leaders play in society.

“The conference shall seek to empower our chiefs and all other royals with the needed skills and competencies based on godly values and principles to transform their spheres of influence,” he emphasised.

He added: “In addition to this, the conference shall serve as a platform where the mandate of the chieftaincy institution in serving as the medium of expression for the social, political, religious, traditional and economic authority in our communities would be enhanced.”

The Chieftaincy Ministry of The Church of Pentecost was inaugurated on September 23, 2021, by the Chairman of the Church. It consists of a 13-member national committee chaired by the Paramount Chief of the Yeji Traditional Area, His Royal Majesty Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Look Out For God’s Interest – Pastor Hagan Tells Christian Youth

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

The Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Ebenezer Hagan, has advised Christian youth to prioritise God’s interest over their personal interest. 

Pastor Hagan said this during the dedication ceremony for the church building of the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) branch of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) on Sunday, May 15, 2022.

In his sermon, which had 1 Chronicles 17:1-2 and Philippians 2:19-21 as his key Bible texts, the Youth Director expressed the concern that individualism, where people seek their own interest and not that of others or God, has become prevalent in the contemporary world.

He noted that David was not just satisfied with having a luxurious palace, but chose to pursue the interest of God by conceiving the idea to put up a suitable house for the Lord. 

According to Pastor Hagan, to look out for the interest of God is to think about the things of God, show concern about the things of God, and defend the cause of God.

He added that David is one of the kings of Israel who continually looked for the interest of God. He said David did this by bringing back the ark of God after it was captured, always desiring to please God, deciding to build a house of God and giving huge offering to build the house of God even after he was told that he was not the one to build the temple. 

Quoting Philippians 2:21, the Youth Director further noted that although Apostle Paul had so many people around him whom he worked with, it was only Timothy who demonstrated a genuine concern for the things of Christ.

“Unlike Timothy, many people look for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ,” he said.

Pastor Hagan revealed that those who seek the interest of God obtain favour from Him.

“While David was after the interest of God, God was also after the interest of David. So God sent the Prophet Nathan back to David to tell him that God has promised to make his name famous and give him a lasting dynasty,” he said.

The Youth Director ended his message by urging Christian youth to commit themselves to the things of God like David and Timothy. He advised them to always bear in mind that they serve a Good God and He is moved and touched whenever His children seek His interest.

Pastor Hagan also urged them to be creative and innovative in promoting the interest of God, and to see to it that every asset (property) of the Lord, including the new PENSA-TTU church building, is taken good care of.

Report by Pastor Emmanuel Opoku Mensah (PENSA Travelling Secretary for Takoradi Sector)

The Church of Pentecost Royals’ Conference Underway

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The Pentecost Convention Centre, a multi-purpose Christian retreat centre, located at Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana, is this week hosting chiefs and queens from Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso in the 3rd Royals’ Conference being organised by the Chieftaincy Ministry of The Church of Pentecost.

Over 1,500 royals, made up of Paramount Chiefs, Paramount Queenmothers, Divisional Chiefs, and other royals are attending the conference which was officially opened by the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi on Wednesday, June 1, 2022.

The three-day event, which is expected to end on Friday June 3, 2022, is under the theme, “Equipping Royals As Gatekeepers To Possess The Nations” (1 Samuel 18:24-28; Isaiah 21:11; Matthew 13:25-30; Ephesians 5:27).

Distinguished personalities billed to address the conference are Nana Dr Susubribi Krobea Asante (Omanhene of Asante Asokore Traditional Area and accomplished legal luminary), Rt. Rev Prof. Osei Safo-Kantanka (Former Bishop of the Kumasi Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana), Rev Dr Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong (Former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana), Mr James Ebenezer Kobina Dadson (Acting Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission) and Mr Ebenezer Acheampong (Procurement Consultant).

Others are Apostle Eric Nyamekye (Chairman of The Church of Pentecost), Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (International Missions Director of The Church of Pentecost), Apostle Lt. Col. Benjamin Kumi-Woode (Acting Director, Air Force Religious Affairs of the Ghana Armed Forces), and Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (National Co-ordinator of the Chieftaincy Ministry and Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry).

The Royals Conference, an initiative of The Church of Pentecost, is held every three years. The maiden one was held in 2014, followed by the second edition which took place in 2017. However, the third edition which was supposed to have taken place in 2020 could not come on due to the outbreak of COVID-19.  

The gains made from the previous conferences led to the establishment and the inauguration of the Chieftaincy Ministry of the church in 2019. The initiative of the church was designed to serve as a vehicle to bridge the gap that exists between the chieftaincy institution i.e. the palace and the Church.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church of Pentecost Relaunches Ministry to Teens

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

In the advent of repackaging the activities of teenagers in The Church of Pentecost, the Youth Ministry, on Sunday, May 28, 2022, relaunched teen ministry. This was necessitated to help transition teens from the Children’s Ministry of the Church into the mainstream church through the Youth Ministry.

The ceremony, held at the Sophia McKeown Temple (SMT), near the Church’s Head Office, at La, in Accra, was chaired by Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang-Bekoe, International Missions Director of the Church.

The Patron of the Youth Ministry of the Church, who doubles as the Koforidua Area Head of the Church, Apostle Samuel Osei Asante, thanked and commended the efforts of the various predecessors of the leadership of the Ministry, who stood in to ensure a strong foothold in the Church.

“When it comes to focusing on the ministry to the teens in the Church, we cannot forget the great work done by Apostle Peter Ayerakwa (Rtd.), during the times of Pentecost Youth and Evangelistic Movement (PENTYEM); Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah (Rtd.), when he was a District Pastor in Tema, in his book which highlighted and drew the attention of the Church, to the importance of ministering to the teens,” he stated.

He recalled the Church’s current statistics released through the State-of-the-Church address delivered by Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church, at the recently held 17th Extraordinary Council Meetings. He noted that the youth membership of the Church, as at 2021, stood at, 1,438,507, making up 43% of the membership of the Church.

“Together with children under 13 years, the percentage of young people in the Church is 75%. Out of the Youth Ministry’s membership, teenagers make up 45% whilst 55% are young adults,” he pointed out.

Stressing on the role of the church in possessing the nations, Apostle Asante said that there was the need to equip the teens and young adults who make up a large portion of the Church.

The Koforidua Area Head of the Church, further urged the leadership of the youth ministry to revitalize and develop strategies that reaches out to the teens in the church, since major decisions in their lives are made during this period.

“I use this opening to appeal to Area Heads, District Ministers, Presiding Elders and parents, to give maximum support to the ministry to teens,” he said, stressing on the fact that the stability of the relaunch, greatly relied on them.

The Executive Council Member of the Church, used the occasion to also officially launch the Church’s Skills Training Program. This, he asserted falls in line with the five-year strategic vision of the Church, which seeks to encourage and intensify career advisory and counselling services in the youth. 

On his part, the Youth Director of the Ministry, Pastor Ebenezer Hagan, revealed that the rational for the relaunch, was as a result of early teenagers encountering difficulties adjusting to the context of what is preached, during their transition from the Children’s Ministry into the adult church and into the Youth Ministry.

“Owing to the major transition teens are going through (the transition from childhood to adulthood, which is the first major transition in life), teenagers need a lot of support and help,” he further reiterated.

Pastor Hagan also, admonished that, teenagers are most vulnerable to societal pressure, including peer pressure, which they are often ill-equipped to handle; adding: “to assist the teens through this period, we should do all that is possible through the union of divine and human agencies to meet their unmet needs which includes equipping them to overcome such pressures.

Notably, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, International Missions Director of the Church, re-launching the ministry to teens, stated that irrespective of the age of Samuel, he was employed in the temple of the Lord; working with a piety of mind. Therefore, it is imperative for teens in the Church, to be fully employed in the services of the Lord, regardless of their age.

“Young people who serve God, as well as they can, the Lord will enable them to improve that they may serve Him better,” he reemphasized, and led the participants in an intensive time of prayers.

Present were Prophet David Kankam Beditor, (RCC, Coordinator for Greater Accra, and Patron of the Children’s Ministry), Apostle John Amaniampong, (La Area Head), Apostle Daniel K. Noble-Atsu (Rtd.), (a former Director of the Youth Ministry), Apostle Peter Ayerakwa (Rtd.), (a former Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry) and his wife, current and former members of the National Executive Committee of the Youth Ministry.

Also, gracing the occasion were Mrs. Philomena Mireku (Women’s Ministry Director), Elder Lawyer Alfred Aidoo (Deputy Director of the Children’s Ministry), Rev. Dr. Silasi Agyin-Asare (Youth Director of Perez Chapel), representative of One Hope Ghana, AWANA, International Sports Academy (USA), and Compassion Ghana, Youth workers and youth members, especially teenagers from all over the region flooded the auditorium to witness the occasion.

PENTECOST NEWS

Kwahu Kotoso Church Building Dedicated

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

The Kotoso Assembly in the Kwahu Tafo District of The Church of Pentecost on Sunday, May 29, 2022, dedicated its church building to the glory of God.

A short dedication service was conducted by Prophet Foster Kwasi Aniakwaa, Nkawkaw Area Head of the Church, assisted by Overseer Francis Cobbinah, District Minister of Kwahu Tafo.

In attendance was Hon. Isaac Agyarpong, District Chief Executive (DCE) of Kwahu East District, who doubles as Kwahu Tafo District Finance Committee Chairman of the church.

Also present were Mrs. Grace Aniakwaa, wife of Nkawkaw Area Head of the Church and the Area Pastorate, among others.