Posts in category: Counselling Ministry

The Director for the Counselling Ministry of The Church of Pentecost (COPCOM), Apostle Dr Phillip Osei-Korsah, has advised ministers and wives of the Church to be diligent in taking good care of the flock entrusted to their care by God.

Apostle Dr. Phillip Osei-Korsah gave this admonition during the opening of the minister’s session of the ongoing Bolga Area Officers Retreat (Apostolisation).

Addressing the ministers and wives, he said that, as shepherds, they should focus on the state of the flock rather than what they stand to gain from them.

Quoting from Ezekiel 34:1-16, he pointed out the great responsibilities that ministers and wives are expected to execute as shepherds.

“Ministry goes beyond the outward flamboyance. Do not let that be your focus,” he entreated.

Present at the session were Apostle John Kobina Budu (the Northern RCC Coordinator and Tamale Area Head) and Apostle David Amankwaa (Bolga Area Head), as well as the Bolga Area pastorate and their spouses.

Also in attendance were Mrs. Agatha Tawiah (Wife of the Tamale Area Head) and Mrs. Rosemond Amankwaa (Wife of the Bolga Area Head).Report by Bolga Area Media

The Director of the Counselling Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Philip Osei-Korsah, has disclosed that stress is an inevitable part of life, emphasising that effective stress management allows individuals to pursue the divine agenda set by God.

He said this on Thursday when he delivered a paper at the ongoing 2023 Headquarters Management and Staff Retreat of The Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa.

Speaking on the topic, “Managing Life’s Issues; Issues of Marriage and Emotional Stress From a Biblical Perspective,” Apostle Dr Osei-Korsah explored the divine wisdom found in Scripture.

Beginning with Genesis 2, the Counselling Director emphasised the divine agenda for humankind, particularly in the institution of marriage.

He highlighted the transparency inherent in the relationship between the first man and woman, stressing the importance of openness and acceptance.

“If we aspire to overcome the challenges in modern marriages, we must adhere to the principle set by the Creator – transparency and acceptance,” he stated.

Drawing parallels between transparency and communication, Apostle Dr Osei-Korsah mentioned that transparency fosters acceptance, leading to effective communication in marriage.

“By acknowledging and accepting each other’s weaknesses, couples pave the way for open communication and understanding,” he added.

Transitioning to the broader theme of emotional stress, Apostle Dr Osei-Korsah acknowledged that stress is inevitable in life.

He delved into the physical, mental, and behavioural aspects of stress, shedding light on its various manifestations, from body aches to changes in eating habits and sexual difficulties.

He advised seeking wisdom from God’s word and saturating one’s life with Scripture to manage emotional stress effectively.

He emphasised the power of gratitude, encouraging individuals to express gratitude for life’s blessings and fostering a positive emotional shift.

Acknowledging the role of relationships, the Counselling Ministry Director urged individuals to avoid isolation and cultivate strong connections with friends and family for support during challenging times.

He emphasised the importance of physical health, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep in managing stress.

He also encouraged trusting God rather than circumstances, reminding believers that God sees and understands each situation.

In conclusion, Apostle Dr Philip Osei-Korsah offered a comprehensive approach to managing life’s challenges, blending biblical principles with practical strategies.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Director of The Church of Pentecost Counselling Ministry (COPCOM), Apostle Dr Philip Osei-Korsah, has paid a day working visit to the New Tafo Area of the Church.

As part of his visit, which took place on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Apostle Dr Osei-Korsah met with all the ministers and their wives in the Area in the morning for an interactive session at the Ebenezer Assembly auditorium, F-Line, in the Buokrom Estate District.

Meeting key stakeholders of the Church, including Ministers and their Wives, COPCOM Executives, Presiding Elders, Local Secretaries, Ministries and Committees Executives at all levels, among others, in the evening at the M. K. Yeboah Memorial Temple, Krofrom, the COPCOM Director gave a presentation on the topic: “Working Together to Achieve Seminar.”

In his presentation, he emphasised the need for collaboration between the various ministries and committees in the Church for maximum impact as far as the “Possessing the Nations” agenda is concerned, calling on them to work together for the common goal of the Church. He indicated that the ministries are interrelated as they all work on humanity, hence the need to collaborate for the progress of the Church.

Drawing from Psalm 133:1-3, Apostle Dr Osei-Korsah explained that collaboration and teamwork define the perfect nature of the Triune God. He pointed out that the phrase “Let Us” in the creation story in Genesis 1:26 suggests that teamwork concept emanates from God, which must be emulated by Christians in all their endeavours. He noted that though God is a God of unity, He desires diversity.

“God desires both relational unity and functional diversity. He values diversity but not division. So, He expects us to work as a team to advance His kingdom on earth,” he highlighted.

Touching on possible outcomes of collaboration, the COPCOM Director mentioned that the result of teamwork is overwhelming as God’s power is released in a special way.

“Working together will always bring about wonderful results. Therefore, every effort should be made to ensure that there is teamwork at all levels in the Church,” he stressed.

Apostle Dr Philip Osei-Korsah also took the participants through the potential areas of collaboration, with a special emphasis on communication.

There was an interactive session where participants were given opportunity to ask questions relevant to the collaboration among the ministries in the Church, with some getting clarifications to thought-provoking issues encountered in their leadership.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

The Church of Pentecost Counselling Ministry (COPCOM) has organised a three-day training programme for Prayer Centre Counselors.

The event was held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Brofoyedru in Kumasi from Wednesday, 13th, to Friday, 15th September 2023.

The three-member COPCOM team led by Apostle Dr. Philip Osei-Korsah (COPCOM Director) also included Pastor Dr. Ebenezer Tetteh Kpalam (National Executive Committee Member of COPCOM) and Pastor John Nyarko Akyirem (Nkwanta Area COPCOM Leader).

Apostle Dr. Philip Osei-Korsah, in his opening address, congratulated the participants for allowing themselves to be used by God in preparing the “bride” (believers) for her “groom” (Jesus).

He explained that the purpose of the training was to help them acquaint themselves with the needed basic knowledge to enable them to function well as counselors at their various prayer centers.

Speaking on the Basic Principles of Counselling, the COPCOM Director admonished participants not to assume the role of “the Messiah” but make time for their personal growth.

He touched on Christian Counselling, noting that they should do well to emulate Jesus’ style of counselling, thus being thorough, having compassion, accepting people as they are, changing the thinking of those who visit their facilities, and the like.

He encouraged them to disciple those who visit their centres for God and His Church as they seek to address their needs.

Apostle Dr. Osei-Korsah also urged participants to keep all information they have on their clients confidential unless the client is at risk of causing harm to him or herself or to someone else or they are working under supervision when they have to report to the Camp Leader.

“Even with that, names should not be mentioned,” he added.

Presenting on the topic “Introduction to Mental Health and the Role of Religion and Christian Spirituality in Mental Health,” Pastor Dr. Ebenezer Tetteh Kpalam said reports indicate that almost 50% of those seeking help with mental health issues turn first to ministers, especially Prayer Camp Leaders and Counselors, and because of this, Leaders of these centers need to be braced up with how to handle these issues.

He advised participants to desist from making statements such as “This sickness is not hospital sickness,” “This sickness is not physical or spiritual.” Rather, they should employ a collaborative method of handling all mental illness issues that people visit them with.

This, he said, they should liaise with mental health professionals in their communities to assist them.

On the Relevant Legal Framework of Mental Health and Counselling in Ghana, Pastor Dr. Kpalam stressed that Ghana’s 2012 Mental Health Act provides that people with psychosocial disabilities “shall not be subjected to torture, cruelty, forced labor, and any other inhuman treatment.”

He added that prayer camps found exposing such persons to abuses such as shackling, caging, flogging, force fasting, and the like could, therefore, be persecuted.

On record keeping, participants were admonished to take this seriously as it serves the following purposes: Standard of Care, Basis for Communicating with one’s client, Desirable Defense Against Litigation, and Ethical and Legal Ramifications.

A template for basic record-keeping was made available for participants.

Other topics treated at the event were: The Role of Religion and Christian Spirituality in Mental Health, Group Therapy and Counselling, as well as Networking and Referral System.

In all, 43 participants drawn from the various Areas took part in the training programme, with two of them being ministers who have prayer centers within their district.

Report by COPCOM Media Team.

The Kaneshie Area of The Church of Pentecost organised a one-day seminar for marriage counsellors to enhance their capacity and competence for maximum impact.

The seminar took place on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Kaneshie Central Assembly auditorium, and featured four speakers, including Apostle Dr. Philip Osei-Korsah, the Director of The Church of Pentecost Counseling Ministry (COPCOM).

During his presentation, Apostle Dr. Osei-Korsah spoke on the topic “The Role of Prayer in Marriage Counselling and Resolving Disputes in Marriage.”

He emphasised the central place of prayer in marriage, the causes of spousal disputes, and conflict-resolution techniques.

Elder Prof. Stephen Ankamah-Lomotey, another speaker, gave a presentation on the “Qualities of a Counsellor.”

In his presentation, he noted that the character traits of a marriage counsellor include having a purpose, taking risks, perseverance, patience, and resilience.

“The character of every counsellor is very important as it sets an example for all clients,” he added.

Pastor Dr. Ebenezer Kpalam treated the topic “Presentation Skills for Marriage Counsellors.”

According to him, giving a listening ear is one of the vital aspects of the marriage counsellor in their line of duty.

He explained that the art of listening involves reflecting on words or facts presented by clients, their feelings, and body language. Conflict resolution is another essential skill that every counsellor must possess, he further noted.

Rev. Derick Emmanuel Koomsoon, the Director of Scripture Union Ghana, gave a presentation on the topic “What is a Christian Marriage?”

He noted that a Christian marriage is the marital union of two God-fearing Christian partners who hold their marriage ceremony and live their marriage life in accordance with the tenets of Christianity and the Church.

Also present at the seminar were Mrs. Elizabeth Osei-Asante (Wife of Kaneshie Area Head), the Kaneshie Area pastorate and their wives, and some Area Executive Committee members.

Report by Joshua Heizel (Kaneshie Area Media)

The Church of Pentecost Counselling Ministry (COPCOM) in the Dansoman Area has organised a five-day seminar for ministers and officers in the Area.

Speaking at the event which took place at PIWC Dansoman, SSNIT Flats in Accra, the Area Head, Prophet Ebenezer Kofi Appiah, stated that COPCOM will help deal with sensitive areas in life. He stressed the need to have counselors in the church to help address psychological issues and mental health affecting members.

Treating the topic: ”Basic concept and knowledge and skills in counseling,” Pastor Samuel Asante said the concept of counseling as defined by experts is “an intentional and professional helping-relationship that aims at providing adequate, relevant and timely information to aid a client in making informed decisions toward the restoration of sound mental health.”

He stated that the basic principles and practice of counseling include recognizing the dignity and the worth of the client, strictly observing ethical standards, recognizing the uniqueness of the individual, among others.  

Overseer Dr. Perez Sepenu in a presentation on “Marital Communication” said that 85% of divorce is caused by lack of communication in marriage. “Communication is the driving tool to keep the marriage alive. If it ceases friendship in a marriage dies. Good communication is an art or skill that must be learned,” he indicated.

Elder Eric Addo also spoke to the topic, “Personal Experience of Trauma.” He defined trauma as “wounds or hurt, unexpected threatening and severely distress situations that demand that one reacts in novel ways, in the way one thinks, feels and behaves. It results in shock and fear.”

According to him, cultures respond to trauma differently, while children also view trauma differently from the way adults do.

He said trauma can be caused by tragedies (calamities); natural disasters, diseases, and accidents.

It can also be caused by evil deeds (atrocities) such as bombings, rape, violence, crime, physical and mental abuse. This, he said, normally leads to far deeper and longer-lasting damage than tragedies.

Speaking on “Grief Counselling,” Deaconess Mercy Amoakohene said grief is very powerful and no one can master it. “It takes control of man’s nature. It is now experienced by every person as part of life,” she disclosed.

In his closing remarks, Prophet Appiah said that in life there are many challenges and God has given man the wisdom to tackle them. He said the church needs to identify individuals with such talents in counseling to handle them.

According to him, crises management is essential, and “as Christians, we must be ready to handle problems in life.”

He called on counselors to be ready to learn more, and allow the discerning spirit to function effectively in counseling. “God’s goal is to ensure peace in life while that of the devil is to inflame conflicts,” he said.

He added: “The devil sometimes steals the joy in marriage by creating misunderstanding. Remember God has an interest in marriage.”

The seminar was attended by 165 participants drawn from the various districts in the Area.

Report by Pastor Isaac Ennin Quaicoe.