Posts in category: Church News

The Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Elder Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, has advised ministers to spend time teaching their members about financial management so that they will become prosperous and support the advancement of God’s kingdom on earth.

Elder Dr. Siaw Agyepong, who is also the Presiding Elder for Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Graceland, shared this advice today when he presented a paper on the topic: “Sacrificial Giving and Tithing” during the Global Ministers and Wives’ Conference (GMWC) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

According to him, although evangelism is the core mandate, financial management also plays a crucial role in discipling members of the church.

“Out of the 36 parables Jesus gave, 16 were about money. In the Gospels, one out of ten verses deals directly with the subject of money; there are 288 in all. Also, about 15% of Jesus’ teaching was on money and possessions,” he revealed.

Elder Dr. Siaw Agyepong stated that when members become financially sound, the Church stands to benefit from it through tithes and sacrificial giving by the church members.

He said that the best financial principles could all be found in the scriptures, a reason why the Church should be the ideal place where people learn about the best business practices and ethical principles that result in prosperity.

“The Church is the best place for financial education because it possesses God’s Word. In God’s word, we find true financial knowledge and wisdom. God has put His Biblical financial principles throughout the books of the Bible to show us how to manage wealth in a healthy way,” he advised.

Elder Dr. Siaw Agyepong lamented that most of the world’s wealthiest people are not Christian and said there is a need to raise Kingdom financiers to push the Kingdom agenda.

He also advised ministers to take pains to teach members the importance of sacrificial giving and tithing in Christian ministry.

“Tithing is a mysterious way of blessing to the believer. In its most basic form, prosperity consists of someone sowing a seed and harvesting the returns. Not paying your tithes separates you from this most basic principle of sowing and reaping. When you do not pay your tithes, you harm your finances because you take away the foundation of prosperity,” he said.

Elder Dr. Siaw Agyepong urged that the testimonies of shining examples of people who were sacrificial givers like Mrs. Christiana Obu-Mends, who offered her jewellery for the work of the ministry, a timely intervention that met a pressing financial need of the Church.

He advised ministers to share these stories with members to instill the spirit of sacrificial giving in them.

He ended his presentation by stressing that sacrificial giving and tithing have both physical and spiritual benefits for the believer, saying: “The greatest insurance of your life, wealth, investment, and possession is a life of continuous and consistent sacrificial giving and tithing.”

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church of Pentecost is poised to saturate the media landscape, particularly the airwaves, with unadulterated Christian content in the next five years and beyond.

This vision has received a significant boost following the commencement of a test transmission of Pent Radio–Kumasi (100.1MHz) located at Asokwa in Kumasi, the first of the Pent Radio stations, ten years after the commencement of Pent TV and four years of Pentvars Radio (96.1FM – the campus broadcasting station of Pentecost University).

“In the next five years, we expect to begin operations in Takoradi, Tamale, and Accra, in addition to others that will be acquired soon for evangelisation of the gospel of Christ,” Pastor Dr. Felix Dela Klutse, Media Ministry Pastor of the Church, has said.

Pent Radio – Kumasi has “Yesu Nkoaa” as the tagline. The test transmission currently covers the entire Ashanti Region. It can also be tuned in from some parts of Bono Region (Sunyani and environs), Ahafo Region (Tepa, Kenyasi 1 & 2, Wioso, Hwidiem, Achiase, Bechem, Subriso, Goaso, Mim, Camp 1, Kuffuor Camp, and Tano Odumase), and Western North (Sefwi Bekwai, Bibiani, Chirano, Awaso, Datano, Pataboase Nkwanta, Ashiam, Sefwi Larwehkrom, Dwahse, and Ahwiaa). The rest are the Western Region (parts of Bogoso, Prestea, Himan, Oppong Valley) and Central Region (parts of Dunkwa and Wassa Mampong, Denkyira, Dunkwa Offin, and Diaso).

Pent Radio is expected to bring back and reinforce the signature tune of the Pentecost Hour program, “The fire is burning in my soul,” which members and the public looked forward to years ago. It will also be a testament to the work started by the church’s foremost Radio Pastor, Evangelist L. A. Nyarko, of blessed memory and built upon by subsequent ministers on the state broadcaster, GBC Radio, and other private radio stations.

Pastor Dr. Klutse stated that Pent Radio would redefine and augment the face of the church’s evangelistic activities since it will reinforce and play a key role in the admonition in the Bible that the gospel must be preached throughout all the corners of the world as well as set an agenda on issues of national interest.

“Radio is a powerful tool. It will move us from the four corners of the church auditoriums. We will use it to propagate the gospel, set an agenda, and unleash Kingdom values and principles in our attempt to transform lives in all spheres and possess the nations for Christ as part of the Vision 2028,” he said.

He stressed that Pent Radio would provide contemporary Christian and entertainment programs fit for the edification of the spiritual and moral lives of listeners with no compromise on innovation, excellence, and Christ-centeredness.

The Media Ministry Pastor opined that the Pent Radio stable would adopt a hybrid business model (Christian and business) with priority for Christian content. He emphasised that the business bit will help generate revenue through advertisement. He revealed that Areas, Districts, and Locals intending to use the services of the radio stations will be charged in line with approved rate cards on a case-by-case basis.

“As we speak now, we have already called for advertisements but will have to hold on until after the test transmission. We will not compromise on adverts that do not have bearings with the Christian ethics and values of the Church,” Dr. Klutse revealed.

He added that “going forward, we hope to liaise and streamline the operations of Pent Radio–Germany, Pent Radio–Qatar, Pent Radio–UK, Pent Radio–US, and Pentvars Radio to synchronise live broadcasts of the church’s official programs while providing training and equipping the staff for a better understanding and appreciation of the Media Ministry.”

Among other objectives, the Church aims to redefine, reshape, and correct erroneous doctrines of the gospel currently propagated by some charlatans.

Dr. Klutse further revealed that the Pent Radio stations shall be opened to all denominations for their preaching and other broadcast activities. “We are open to the use of all Christian groupings. We shall, however, vet and scrutinise their doctrines and message contents before granting approval,” he indicated.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Chairman of the National Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee (NDLDC) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. Samuel Kojo Gakpetor, has advised members of the church to intentionally work at owning Vision 2028 of the church and to pay the price it takes to ensure the vision succeeds.

In an interview with PENTECOST NEWS on the sidelines of the ongoing Global Ministers and Wives Conference (GMWC), Apostle Gakpetor outlined the success story of the NDLDC under Vision 2023 and said the new focus of the committee is built on the success of the past vision.

He mentioned that the NDLDC worked at transforming the Bible study groups into discipleship groups with the permanency of membership and leadership. Thus, the group leader is more of a shepherd than a Bible study facilitator, he stressed.

He touched on making the lay leadership school lessons practical on the role of the leader and their life, the environmental care campaign that created awareness on environmental protection and the responsibility of Christians to be stewards of the earth.

Apostle Gakpetor also revealed that the church undertook a literacy project to ensure the preservation of the local languages and interest in using the languages.

Touching on the new things that will attend to discipleship drive under Vision 2028, the Chairman of NDLDC revealed that the dedication of the Mondays of the Lord’s supper week of the church for Home Cell is a great respite to reinvigorate the cell meetings that came handy during the COCID-19 era.

He also indicated an integrated manual for new coverts with lessons and devotionals for spiritual disciplines.

He explained that when coverts are taught on fasting, the devotionals will aid them to practice the lesson within the week.

Another initiative being rolled out by NDLDC is a read-through-the-Bible challenge to cultivate a habit of searching the scriptures.

Apostle Gakpetor also said a manual on ethics and another on leadership will also published for the church populace.

Apostle Gakpetor said though the task looks daunting, it is achievable because God backs it with His Spirit.

“We don’t want to lose guard even as we are unleashed. The local church remains our equipping centre, and it is the overflow of the equipped that will be unleashed. Discipleship remains the focal thing,” he reminded.

He said the vision is targeted at the individual members of the church; thus, he called for members to embrace the vision, avail themselves of the equipping avenues such as the home cells, ministry meetings, and other church programmes, and become committed and willing to pay the price.

“It is work time; we are being tasked to transform our spheres. It will come with attacks and opposition, but we must be willing to go the full hull and achieve the ideals of the vision’, he encouraged.

He also called for a time of prayer to push the vision because “God wants to do something with the church, and we need the ‘fierce wind’ the Chairman talks off to push it.”

Finally, Apostle Gakpetor pleaded with the church members to be willing financiers of the vision in cash and kind to ensure that in five years, all may look back and rejoice over what the Lord has done in His church and with His church. 

PENTECOST NEWS.

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) celebrated its 56th congregation yesterday, where Mr Beryl Agbesi, a dedicated member of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Education, emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student.

With a remarkable Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.956, Beryl Agbesi not only clinched the top spot but also served as the valedictorian for the third session of the congregation.

Born on 24th June 1992, hailing from Hohoe in the Volta Region, Agbesi attended Bishop Herman College, Kpando, completing his studies in 2012.

Having pursued a Bachelor of Education in Arts (English) at UCC, Agbesi’s academic excellence reflects the university’s commitment to producing well-trained graduates. The institution has maintained its position as the number one university in Ghana and West Africa for the past four years, contributing significantly to the development of the nation.

A devout member of The Church of Pentecost, Agbesi’s success underscores the effectiveness of the Holistic Development Mandate of the church. The Resident PENSA Campus Pastor (RPCP) concept, designed to provide spiritual and intellectual support to students, played a crucial role in shaping Agbesi’s academic journey.

PENSA-UCC, known for seamlessly integrating spiritual and academic pursuits, conducts programmes such as “Grace and Grades” and “Balancing Academic Life with Spiritual Life” annually. These initiatives, along with department-specific programs, aim to equip members for all-round maturity.

In light of Mr Beryl Agbesi’s outstanding achievement, Dennis Wiafe Akenteng, reporting on behalf of PENSA-UCC, encourages PENSA members worldwide to draw inspiration from this success and strive for excellence in their endeavours.

Report by Dennis Wiafe Akenteng (PENSA UCC).

The former Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah (Rtd.), has encouraged Christians not to lose hope in the face of adversities because the God they serve remembers and will never forsake them.

Preaching at the 2024 Global Ministers and Wives’ Conference of the church underway at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, Apostle Opoku Onyinah emphasised that at times, people go through difficult times and challenges, though they may be righteous.

Citing the life of the late former Chairman of the church, Apostle Dr. Michael Ntumy, to buttress his case, he assured the gathering that, no matter the time of pain and darkness, God will never forget His chosen ones.

In his exposition with scripture reference from Luke 1:5–7, 64, 67–68, the revered theologian focused on Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist.

Apostle Opoku Onyinah said Zechariah came to the scene at a time of Chaos in Judea when people felt dejected after their returning from exile and the decree by the king to massacre all children aged two and below.

He revealed that though Zechariah and his wife were righteous, they had the challenge of childlessness. He, therefore, admonished Christians to stop imputing sin or wrongdoing to people who go through challenging times.

“The irony of life is that at times those who should heal you will hurt you or those to comfort you will condemn you,” he observed, assuring Christians that, “however, amid challenges, God will offer hope and satisfaction.”

Apostle Opoku Onyinah prayed that a time of grace would befall believers in this period, as happened to Zachariah when the lot fell on him to offer the sacrifice in the holy place. He espoused that the lot that fell on him led him to the sacred place for the angelic encounter.

Apostle Onyinah cautioned against unbelief, stressing that the years of prayer were answered with a time of angelic visitation, but Zechariah doubted.

Comparing Zechariah’s doubts with that of Mary on the message of the angel, he indicated that God expects a higher level of exhibition of faith from experienced Christian leaders.

 He also alluded to the fact that while Mary enquired how the prophecy would be fulfilled, Zechariah doubted the possibility of it happening.

He emphasised that God is sovereign in His doings, and all it takes to experience Him is to believe.

Apostle Professor Onyinah observed that when the angel’s words were fulfilled, the priest prophesied that God had visited His people.

He said that was an acceptance that the Messiah is the sun that will shine on those in darkness. He encouraged the gathering that the Lord is the Light, and He will surely show through the dark times.

“Light will come. It will overcome the shadow of death. The sunrise will shine in your life because the Lord will fall on you,” he declared.

He also revealed that at times, one’s spouse or colleague may be the nearest to Christ one may encounter, but if care is not taken, that will be missed until they have left.

“You have to cherish every moment God gives you and the people He graciously brings our way,” he reiterated.

He ended with a word of benediction, saying, “When you think everyone has ignored, forgot or abandoned you, God remembers you. He will give you an angelic visitation, And your prayer will be answered, and that will be all that the world desires.”

PENTECOST NEWS.