The Church Of Pentecost Witnesses Surge In Indigenous Membership Globally web

The Church Of Pentecost Witnesses Surge In Indigenous Membership Globally

In a remarkable testament to its mission and vision, The Church of Pentecost is witnessing a profound paradigm shift in its global outreach efforts.

Traditionally dominated by Ghanaian congregations in its external branches, the church is now experiencing a surge in indigenous membership, reflecting a strategic shift towards embracing and empowering local communities worldwide.

This was revealed by the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye when he presented the State of the Church Address (SOCA) today during the opening session of the 18th Extraordinary Council Meetings at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

Historically, Pentecostal churches in foreign nations often began as small cell groups initiated by Ghanaian expatriates seeking livelihood opportunities abroad. As these groups flourished and expanded, they would solicit support from the Church headquarters in Accra, leading to the deployment of missionaries to nurture these budding congregations.

However, in recent years, guided by a vision to “possess the nations,” the Church of Pentecost has embarked on a strategic reorientation, prioritising the evangelisation and incorporation of indigenous populations into its fold. This shift in focus has yielded remarkable results, with numerous external branches achieving unprecedented levels of indigenous membership.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye shared staggering statistics in his address, illustrating the extent of this transformation.

According to him, external branches in nations such as Andorra, Barbados, Congo Brazzaville, Djibouti, and Ecuador now boast 100% indigenous membership. Similarly, countries like Haiti, Mexico, Mongolia, and Sri Lanka have seen significant increases, with indigenous members forming the majority.

Moreover, the success story extends beyond these nations, encompassing a diverse array of regions worldwide. From the Caribbean to Africa, from Asia to Oceania, The Church of Pentecost is witnessing indigenous communities embracing its teachings and ethos with remarkable enthusiasm and dedication.

Noteworthy examples include homogeneous churches established for Indian communities in Australia, the UK, and the USA, which are flourishing under the guidance of The Church of Pentecost. These developments underscore the church’s commitment to inclusivity, cultural relevance, and empowering local leadership.

St. Lucia, Tunisia, Uganda, Congo DR, Madagascar, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, and numerous other nations have also recorded over 90% indigenous membership, signaling a seismic shift in the demographics of Pentecostal congregations worldwide.

This monumental achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and strategic vision of The Church of Pentecost. By embracing indigenous communities and empowering local leadership, the church is not only fulfilling its mandate to spread the gospel but also fostering sustainable, culturally resonant expressions of Pentecostal faith across the globe.

As The Church of Pentecost continues to expand its footprint and influence, these developments herald a new era of global Pentecostalism characterised by diversity, inclusivity, and indigenous empowerment.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church Of Pentecost Present In 170 Nations web

The Church Of Pentecost Present In 170 Nations

The Church of Pentecost has active presence in 170 nations as the church continues to unleash its members to possess nations for the Lord Jesus Christ through aggressive evangelisation.

This figure represents and addition of 19 new nations in 2023. This was revealed in the 2023 State-of-the-Church Address (SOCA) delivered by the Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, at the opening session of 18th Extraordinary Council Meeting of The Church of Pentecost underway at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, in the Central Region of Ghana.

Commending the gallant members of the church for their untiring efforts at evangelising the world, Apostle Nyamekye mentioned that the total membership of the church currently stands at 4,534,644, representing 7.9% increase from the previous year’s figure. The clergy constitute 3,405, with 116 of them serving as missionaries. The church also has 165,345 officers, comprising 53,762 Elders, 36,088 Deacons and 75,495 Deaconesses.

‘Dearly beloved, once again, with utmost sincerity, I, on behalf of the entire church, express my heartfelt gratitude to these gallant men and women who tirelessly serve as a solid support in our pursuit of the Vision 2023 agenda. Brothers and sisters, your invaluable contributions towards our shared mission as a church are truly appreciated,’ the Chairman remarked.

Touching on some of the activities of the church that induced this remarkable feat, the Chairman enumerated that the church in 2023 undertook 390,545 evangelistic outreaches which resulted in 381,867 souls coming to Christ, an increment of 8.0% from previous year. He explained that the Gospel Sunday morning initiative alone accounted for 119,816 of the souls won. The Ministry to Persons with Disabilities also brought 4,934 to Christ and 33,455 through Home and Urban Missions.

‘The period also saw the planting of 939 churches and the creation of 153 districts. These results signify the church’s commitment to preaching the Gospel,’ he noted.

As of December 2023, the church had a total of 26,525 Assemblies and 3,051 Districts worldwide, indicating a 3.2% and 5.3% increase, respectively, over the previous year’s figures.

The operational statistics further revealed the membership of children in the church also increased. In 2023, efforts at wining children brought 88,937 children to Christ as against 81,281 in 2022, representing 9.4% increase.

As a classical Pentecostal church, The Church of Pentecost continues to lay emphasis on baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this regard, Apostle Nyamekye stated that 322,464 members received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, 173,523 of whom were new converts and 148,941 old members. This was a 21.7% increment over the previous year’s total.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Church Has Power To Possess The World web

The Church Has Power To Possess The World – Apostle Raj

Apostle Sundaram James Raj, the National Head of The Church of Pentecost in India, has underscored the power that God has clothed the Church with to take up kingdoms of the world and turn them to Christ.

Speaking at the Heads’ Session of the 18th Extraordinary Council Meetings of The Church of Pentecost on Monday, April 29, 2024, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, Apostle Raj challenged the Church to rise and take up its rightful position as ordained by God to bring down kingdoms that oppose the will of God.

Quoting from Mark 1;15, Luke 11:20; 17:31; 12:32; Isaiah 41:14; Acts 1:6-8, and 2 Corinthians 4:4, among other scriptures, he noted that God has called believers from every part of the world to form a formidable force called the Church to champion the kingdom of God on earth.

He indicated that possessing the nations for Christ it does not matter the country a believer is domiciled in, because people everywhere are the same (all children of God). Rather, he said, God has placed people at specific countries, ‘knowing what you can do where you are in promoting His kingdom.’

According to him, the ruling party of this world is the kingdom of God which has authority over all things.

He disclosed that God has the ultimate authority, and He has given same power to the Church to take dominion of the kingdom of darkness and rule the world.

‘Our focus should be on the Church because that is the kingdom of God. We should pray for God to use the Church mightily so that we can promote the kingdom of God,’ he said.

Apostle James Raj, however, bemoaned that the Church today sometimes appears to be weak and afraid to assert its power due to fear of persecution.

‘The ultimate authority is in the hands of God. The Church is not to fear the world, but rather the world is to fear the Church. The Church should arise because you have the power, the authority, and the anointing to possess the nations,’ he declared.

PENTECOST NEWS

Serve Without Reservations And Conditions web

Serve Without Reservations And Conditions – Chairman Calls On Ministers

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has called on Ministers of Gospel to willingly serve God and the church without conditions and reservations.

Apostle Nyamekye made the call on Monday, April 29, 2024, when delivering a sermon on the first day of the Heads’ Session of the 18th Extraordinary Council Meetings at the Pentecost Conversion Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region.

Speaking on the theme, ‘The delight of sacrifice; serving God without reservations,’ Chairman Nyamekye indicated that Apostle Paul had great encounters and revelations about God in the early part of his ministry. However, he did not allow that to make him complacent but rather, he desired to have more of such encounters and revelations as captured in Philippians 3:10-15.

Apostle Nyamekye emphasised that being a head, or a leader of a church is not an end to Christian worship.

He, therefore, admonished ministers and all Christians to emulate the selfless life of Apostle Paul and desire more of the things of God, as well as serve in His kingdom willingly without conditions and reservations.

‘Just like Paul, we must always strive to know God and forget about what we have achieved and get hold of what God has destined us for,’ he said.

According to Apostle Nyamekye, the relevance of a person knowing God is that it makes them committed to His service.

‘The more a person knows God, the more he will be committed to His service. Because when you know Him as Lord, you will also know yourself as a servant,’ he stated.

Apostle Nyamekye charged ministers not to question the nature of the place they are posted to, the weather conditions, who will take care of them, amongst others.

He, however, admonished church leaders to note that regardless of the conditions at where they are posted to, it is the will of God to save the people over there. Hence, it is important that they go and serve without any conditions and reservations.

PENTECOST NEWS

New Combine District Virtuous Ladies Organise Entrepreneurship Training web

New Combine District Virtuous Ladies Organise Entrepreneurship Training

The Virtuous Ladies’ wing of the Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost in New Combine District has organised a three-day free entrepreneurship training for young ladies and persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in Akosombo and its environs.

The Network for Societal Transformation, headed by Elder Okyere, led the training, which was sponsored by the church for 100 young ladies, 50 of whom were members of the church and 50 non-members from the community, including Muslims. The PWDs were also sponsored to participate in the training, providing them with free transportation and feeding.

The training covered a variety of business skills, including the production of Communion Wine, Laundry Soap, Azuma Blows Soap, Hair conditioner, Fish farming, Snail farming, Biodigester, Tom Brown, Banana bread, Cake, Local drinks, Wedding hats, Fascinators, Wedding Bucanes, Stretch Mark Creams, Christmas hampers, Bridal make ups, and Spring roll, among others.

According to the organisers of the training, the programme was aimed at addressing the economic crisis in Akosombo and its environs, where unemployment has led some young ladies into social vices such as prostitution, fornication, stealing, and drug addiction, resulting in high rates of teenage pregnancies in basic schools in the area. The training provided young ladies with sustainable job opportunities through skill training.

The programme ended with a graduation ceremony for the participants, who were given certificates of participation.

The District Minister, Pastor Martin Berko Kesse, advised the trainees to value the opportunity given them to obtain new skills and put their learning into practice, working hard and preserving their bodies for Christ until they marry.

A competition was held between the PWDs, with the two top performers receiving GHC 1,000.00 each from the district, while the National Coordinator for Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPwDs), Pastor Alexander Nyame, promised to top it up with an additional GHC 1,000.00 each for the other three participants.

The event was graced by the National Coordinator for (MPwDs), Pastor Alex and Mrs Nyame, CEO for Networking Group for Societal Transformation, Elder Kumi Aboagye,  the MP for Asuogyaman Constituency, Honourable Ampem Darko, who supported the programme with an amount of GHC 2000.00, Nene Chawe, and Mrs. Esther Funny, the Headmistress of AIS Complex Basic School.

The initiative was commended by the community people and Nene Chawe, an Elder of the Apostolic Church, Ghana, for its inclusivity and aiming at solving societal issues.

The church was urged to continue its efforts for other churches to emulate it.

Report by Raindolf Botcway.

Kaneshie Area Health Guild, PEMEM Fight Malaria web

Kaneshie Area Health Guild, PEMEM Fight Malaria

The Kaneshie Area Health Workers Guild, in collaboration with the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) in the Area, has sensitised members on the need to eliminate malaria in Ghana.

As part of the programme, dedicated health workers in the Area were given training on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the Kaneshie District English Assembly Auditorium on the Ministry of Health (MoH)’s Malaria Elimination Programme. The health workers, in turn, carried out sensitisation programme during PEMEM meeting day on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the districts and local levels, to mark World Malaria Day.

The training programme had Madam Muniratu Venu, a public health nurse from the Ghana Health Service’s National Malaria Elimination Programme equipping the health workers with knowledge on the rationale for the Malaria Elimination Programme, NMESP Development, Ghana’s goal for Malaria Elimination (2024-2028) objectives and strategic interventions, expected outcomes and the role of stakeholders in Malaria Elimination Programme.

Engaging the media after the event, Dr. Nana Yaw Peprah, the Deputy Programme Manager, National Malaria Elimination Programme, who is also an elder of The Church of Pentecost, revealed that the malaria parasite in Ghana has significantly reduced from 50% in the last 20 years to 8% in a current survey which was done in 2022, while mortality has reduced from 333 in 2019 to 146 in 2023.

He explained that, on the back of these improvements, stakeholders agreed in 2023 that it was time for them to move from malaria control to malaria elimination; the reason for which the National Malaria Elimination Programme has been introduced in 2024.

Pastor Lawyer Daniel Essuman Koomson, the Kaneshie Area Coordinator for the Workers Guild, on his part, indicated that the reason for which the programme was held is that the church has a major role to play in the fight against Malaria.

In order to play this role, Pastor Lawyer Koomson explained that the sensitisation of members on World Malaria Day and after, will make the members conscious of the causes, signs and symptoms of malaria, and activities to undertake to contribute to eliminate malaria in Ghana.

He expressed his gratitude to the members of the Health Workers Guild for their dedication, stating that their effort shows their usefulness in the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda of the church.

Report by Kaneshie Area Media

Kintampo Area Head Dedicates 2 Church Buildings web

Kintampo Area Head Dedicates 2 Church Buildings

The Kintampo Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Francis Agyemang Badu, dedicated two church buildings, namely Korpedekeh and No. 6 assemblies, both in the Mpaha district, on Friday, April 19, 2024.

In his opening address, the Area Head commended the Chairman of the church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and the Executive Council for their constant release of grants to support church buildings in the mission areas.

He mentioned that Headquarters grants for the construction of Community Based Church Buildings (CBCB) had greatly contributed to removing some assemblies from worshipping in classrooms and under trees.

Apostle Agyemang Badu also expressed appreciation to the District Minister, Pastor Philip Osei Agyemang, the District Executive Committee, the presbytery of Mpaha, and all the artisans for their outstanding hard work and various contributions that led to the completion of the buildings.

He advised them to take ownership of the property and ensure they do everything possible to maintain it in good shape for the benefit of posterity.

Presenting the history, the District Secretary, Elder Philip Adugu, mentioned that the No. 6 Assembly was transferred to Mpaha District in 2019 from Mankango District under the Atebubu Area.

He added that the assembly was established in 2011 after an outreach by the Mankango District.

He further revealed that in 2013, the local assembly decided to construct a larger church building. Unfortunately, after reaching the roofing stage, a strong wind destroyed the gables and a portion of the lintel.

However, in November 2023, through the Area Head, Apostle Francis Agyemang Badu, a grant of GHC90,000 was received to reconstruct the entire edifice.

The Korpedekeh Assembly began in 1972 with 15 members under Pastor S.P. Asamoah (now retired), the then District Minister, after a rally in the community.

Some years later, fishing became difficult, and the leaders of the Local Assembly decided to migrate to another place for survival, intending to collapse the church.

Pastor Asamoah, upon hearing the news, came to Korpedekeh, stood at the river bank, and prayed for God’s intervention. The next day, fish were abundant, and the assembly was greatly revived.

The foundation stone was laid in June 2022 by the then Area Head, Apostle Gideon Obeng Darko-Debrah. Upon the arrival of Apostle Francis Agyemang Badu as Area Head, he continued to provide financial support through Missions and Area grants for the completion of the building.

Pastor Philip Osei Agyemang expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Area Head for showing keen interest in the building and promised that the Church’s leadership would ensure proper maintenance is regularly done on the buildings.

In attendance were Mrs. Theresa Agyemang Badu, wife of the Area Head, pastors and wives in the Area, the Chiefs and Elders of the two communities, as well as the officers and members in the Mpaha district.

Report by Pastor Prince Augustine Ababio (Area Reporter)

PIWC-Michel Camp Embarks On Special Outreach web

PIWC-Michel Camp Embarks On Special Outreach

The Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Michel Camp, organized a special outreach where they fed and evangelised to 500 people in orphanages, police cells, ghettos, and slums.

Shedding more light on the evangelistic outreach which took place on April 1, 2024, the Resident Minister, Pastor Lt. Franklin Kumi Lartey, said the activity was dubbed the “Matthew 25 Project,” drawing inspiration from Matthew 25:35-36.

The objective of the project, according to him, was to provide a hot meal to our brothers and sisters in orphanages, slums, police cells, and ghettos while sharing the word of God with them.

Members of the church donated various sums of money and items such as drinks, bottled water, clothes, rice, and cooking oil, totaling GHS 22,000.00, to make the project a reality.

On the Easter Monday holiday, members of PIWC spent the day sharing the gospel and distributing food to four ghettos around Kakasunanka no. 1 and Saki High Tension. Three police cells at Afienya and Community 25 were visited, and two orphanages were also included. Squatters in certain parts of Saki and Afienya Mobole were also ministered to.

Forty people gave their lives to Christ, with some availing themselves to be baptized, and others decided to join the Centre for fellowship.

To God be the glory.

Report by PIWC Michel Camp Evangelism Coordinating Team

PENSA-UCC Undertakes Missions Outreach At Komenda web

PENSA-UCC Undertakes “Missions Outreach” At Komenda

The University of Cape Coast branch of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA-UCC), under the leadership of the Resident Campus Minister, Pastor Frank Akonnor, have embarked on a week-long missions outreach to proclaim the gospel and win souls for Christ in the Komenda District.

The outreach, dubbed “Gospel Across Boundaries” (GAB 2024), commenced on Tuesday, April 23, with about 150 students and will run until Sunday, April 28, 2024..

This year’s theme, “One Name, Jesus Christ,” is anchored on Acts 4:12, with a focus on proclaiming the simple message of the saving name of Jesus Christ to the unreached.

The outreach is hosted by the Komenda District Minister, Pastor Francis Achiah, and is expected to reach thousands of individuals in and around the Komenda community.

The PENSA-UCC team, comprising students, associates and alumni, will engage in evangelism, community service, and other activities to spread the love of Christ Jesus.

“Our goal is to share the transformative power of the gospel with the people of Komenda and beyond. We believe that the name of Jesus has the power to change lives, and we expect to see the great impact of this outreach”, Pastor Frank Akonnor revealed.

“These young people have been unleashed to reach out and win souls for Christ through evangelistic activities such as house-to-house, street evangelism, rallies, community/information center evangelism, and rallies”, he added.

The team has also expressed much anticipation for God to wrought signs and wonders to confirm His word.

“Gospel Across Boundaries” promises to reach the unreached and bring them to the saving knowledge of Christ.

Report by PENSA-UCC Secretariat Team

Tema Pentecost Preparatory School Gets Ultra Modern Library web

Tema Pentecost Preparatory School Gets Ultra Modern Library

An ultramodern library block has been commissioned at the Pentecost Preparatory School (PPS) in Tema to enhance teaching and learning at the school.

The library project, which was commissioned on April 17, 2024, was the brainchild of the Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS) Secretariat, in partnership with International Christian Ministry Book for Peace project.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Team Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu, affirmed his unwavering commitment to reposition the Pentecost Preparatory School (PPS), Tema as a citadel of knowledge and school of choice in the Tema Metro to achieve the unleashed agenda of the church through education.

Referencing Luke 24:1-12, Apostle Ankra-Badu gave a short exhortation on the significance of reading and the five levels of seeing.

The Director of PENTSOS, Elder Richard Amaning, in a short speech reiterated his firm resolution to establish 16 libraries in Pentecost Schools across the country this year.

The Country Director of ICM, Rev. K. Tutu, also intimated his resolve to place a book in the hand of every Ghanaian child as his contribution to ameliorating the dwindling educational fortunes in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the staff and pupils of the school, the Headmaster of PPS – Tema, Tema, Elder Martin Odoi, expressed his deepest appreciation to all who contributed towards the realization of the library project and promised to make the maximum use of it.

The occasion was graced by the Deputy Director of Finance and Administration-Tema Metro Education Directorate, officials of PENTSOS Secretariat, the Headmasters of Madina and Ashiaman PPSs, Pastor Sampson  Dzefe of Community One District and Pastor Jonathan Amoakwa of Community Twelve District of The Church of Pentecost.