Posts in category: Moving With Chairman

The Amasaman District in the Achimota Area of The Church of Pentecost on Sunday, June 18, 2023, held a retirement service for three illustrious officers who have served dutifully in various capacities in the church for several years.

These retirees, Elder Albert Brefo, Elder Peter Mensah, and Deaconess Grace Mensah, have dedicated many years of diligent service in various capacities within the church.

The retirement service took place at the Amasaman Central Assembly auditorium (Mercy Temple) in Amasaman and was officiated by Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost.

Apostle Abraham Swanzy, the National Director of the Ghana Evangelism Committee, also assisted in the ceremony.

Officiating the service, Apostle Nyamekye stated that those who believe in Jesus are blessed and extend to future generations.

He encouraged the congregation, stating, “Even if you don’t have children, adopt someone and treat them as your own.”

Speaking on the theme “Possessing the Cities of Your Enemies,” Apostle Nyamekye reiterated that for descendants to overcome the challenges and obstacles, they must possess strength and empowerment.

He emphasised the importance of being capable, competent, and influential in specific fields.

Elder Albert Brefo, a highly regarded Bible teacher and staunch guardian of the Pentecostal heritage, was ordained as a deacon in The Church of Pentecost in 1976 by Pastor Painstil in Accra. Later 1988, Apostle S.K. Ansong ordained him as an elder in Kumasi. Elder Brefo, married to Theresa Afia Owusu-Nyarko, has seven sons, two of whom are church ministers.

He served in several leadership roles throughout his tenure, including being the first Presiding Elder of Woraso Assembly in Kumawu District (1983-1987) and the first Presiding Elder of Opah Assembly in Taifa District (2003-2004). He also served as the Chairman of the District Marriage Committee in Amasaman (2004-2023) and was a member of the District Ministerial Committee (1998-2023), among other responsibilities.

Elder Peter Mensah, the founder of the Royal Priesthood Academy since 1996, was ordained as a deacon in 1994 and as an elder in 2001. He is known for his expertise in Bible teaching, discipline, exceptional generosity and support for church projects, and youth mentorship. Elder Mensah, married to Deaconess Grace Mensah, is the father of six children.

His contributions to the church include serving as a District Executive Committee Member in Sarpeiman (2016-2020), a District Ministerial Committee Member in Sarpeiman (2016-2020), a District Executive Committee Member in Amasaman (2009-2016), and an Amasaman Local PEMEM Leader (2000-2004), among other roles.

Deaconess Grace Clottey-Mensah, a registered nurse and midwife, has co-founded the Royal Priesthood Academy since 1996. She was ordained as a deaconess of The Church of Pentecost in 1998. She actively supports the Ministry to Prisons, demonstrates exceptional generosity, mentors the youth, and possesses a captivating charisma.

Her notable positions include serving as the Amasaman Worship Center/ District Women’s Ministry Leader (2004-2008), Amasaman WC Prisons Coordinator (2004-2015), Chieftaincy Ministry Secretary in McKeown Assembly (2022-date), and Sarpeiman District PENTSOS Committee Secretary (2016-2021), among others.

These dedicated officers are highly esteemed for their selfless service to the church and commitment to positively impacting humanity.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), has revealed that a new generation of people has emerged in The Church of Pentecost.

According to him, this new generation of church members has been re-circumcised to impact their spheres, just as the Lord used the early fathers of the church to make a significant impact in the nations.

Speaking on the topic, “Repositioning The Local Church For Maximum Impact In the Nations” at the 2^nd Global Elders’ Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, on Saturday, June 10, 2023, Apostle Nyamekye stressed the need for a holy zeal to claim every available space for the Lord and a desire to fulfil the purpose for which God called out the church.

Elaborating on the concept of the second circumcision to make maximum impact in the local church, the Chairman mentioned that as the generation of Moses passed, a new era, represented by Joshua, needed to be circumcised to secure their place in the promised land.

“If we do not re-circumcise our members in The Church of Pentecost, we will not be able to achieve much,” he pointed out.

Drawing from the biblical account in Joshua 5:2-8, Apostle Nyamekye recounted how the Lord commanded Joshua to make flint knives to circumcise the Israelites once again.

He explained that this action was necessary because all the men of military age who had come out of Egypt had died in the wilderness during their journey. Consequently, the subsequent generation born in the wilderness had not undergone circumcision as stipulated in God’s covenant with Israel.

“God is re-circumcising The Church of Pentecost and propelling us to greater heights. The world will take notice of us because we have circumcised our hearts,” he stressed, emphasising the transformative impact of the circumcision of the new generation within the church.

Apostle Nyamekye described ‘repositioning’ as carefully preserving and transmitting established landmarks.

He explained that the church intentionally teaches its members the core values, culture, and principles to pass on to the next generation to ensure continuity and relevance.

He envisioned the local church becoming prayer homes where young people would come to devote themselves to continuous prayer.

He entreated church members to remain strong in their faith, avoiding fear and worry, saying, “God will use you mightily in this generation.”

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, however, cautioned both church leaders and members against becoming complacent with the praise they receive from the public, warning them not to let it become a hindrance to their growth.

PENTECOST NEWS

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, has called upon presiding elders of the church to create a platform for open discussions and collaboration among church officers.

The Chairman also charged presiding elders, whom he described as “first among equals” to organised regular meetings to strategise for the growth of the church, emphasising that Vision 2023 mandates them to conduct formal meetings at least once a month to review ongoing activities and address pending issues within the local church.

“It is essential to establish a forum where everyone can freely share their thoughts and ideas for the progress of the church. Failing to do so may lead to dissatisfied leaders expressing their concerns elsewhere,” he explained.

Apostle Nyamekye said this during the opening session of the second phase of the Global Elders’ Retreat, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa Fetteh, on Friday, June 9, 2023.

Speaking on the theme, “Managing Meetings,” the Chairman highlighted the importance of meetings as critical components of effective organisational management, whether in a church or any other setting.

He stressed that the church is both an organism and an organisation, underscoring the significance of leaders dedicating themselves to studying the Word and engaging in fervent prayer.

However, he cautioned that praying and preaching cannot build the church. Effective management is crucial to prevent confusion, dissatisfaction, grumbling, and chaos within the organisation.

Apostle Nyamekye emphasised that no individual possesses all the necessary skills and abilities, urging church leaders not to assume such an all-encompassing role.

He stated: “A good presiding elder is someone who can collaborate and effectively utilise the gifts and talents of the members.”

Quoting Acts 4:23, the Chairman highlighted that meetings are organised to counter the devil and his forces, saying, “We convene meetings to strategise against the devil. As the local church flourishes, it combats the devil’s influence.”

Apostle Nyamekye outlined essential steps in preparing for a meeting, advising the chairperson to clearly define the purpose and objectives of the meeting, determine its duration, and ensure the relevant participants are present before commencement.

Furthermore, he identified various purposes of meetings, including sharing information or advice, issuing instructions, addressing grievances, generating ideas through brainstorming, presenting proposals for discussion, and making crucial decisions.

To keep meetings focused, Apostle Eric Nyamekye asked persons chairing meetings to familiarise themselves with the circulated information beforehand, adhere to scheduled start and end times, gently redirect discussions back to the agenda if they veer off-track, involve participants in questions and answers, allow orderly participation from all attendees, and ensure everyone is aware of the decisions made.

“When all agenda items have been discussed, the presiding elder should summarise the proceedings, set a date for the next meeting, express gratitude to participants, and conclude the meeting with a prayer,” he concluded.

PENTECOST NEWS

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, on Sunday, May 28, 2023, dedicated the new magnificent Tamale Area Mission House to the glory of God.

Assisting the Chairman was the Tamale Area Head, Apostle Sylvester Arhin, an Executive Council Member and RCC Co-ordinator for Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East and Upper West Regions of the Church.

The dedication service took place at the E. D. Aninkorah Memorial Temple at Kapolhin, Tamale.

Present to grace the occasion were Apostle Daniel Nii Tetteh Tackie (Wa Area Head), Apostle Emmanuel Kwesi Acquah (Bolga Area Head), Apostle Norman Appiah-Danquah (Walewale Area Head), Apostle Emmanuel Kojo Aidoo (Yendi Area Head), Apostle David Amankwaa (Sawla Area Head), Apostle David K. Dorsu (Tumu Area Head), Pastor Eric Gyacham (Bawku Area Head), and other ministers and their wives in the Tamale Area.

Providing some historical context of the building, Pastor Benard Aziz Mohammed Abogorago, the Tamale Area Secretary and District Minister for Lamashegu, disclosed that the need for a new mission house arose due to the pivotal role the Area plays in the Northern sector.

“Through administrative restructuring aimed at enhancing Church administration and management, Tamale became the central seat.”

He noted that the new edifice would accommodate the Area Head and his family, while the old mance would accommodate guests who visit the Area for various church activities. It would also serve as transit quarters for church officials passing through to other parts of the Northern Sector.

Pastor Abogorago indicated that the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, mooted the idea for the facility’s construction, which various stakeholders accepted.

The sod was cut to commence the project in January 2021. Delivering a short exhortation on the theme, “Securing a Better Future As a Collective Responsibility,” Apostle Nyamekye emphasised the importance of leaders focusing on the future and the welfare of the people rather than personal gain.

He urged Christians to be mindful of their actions and think about the development of the nation. Apostle Nyamekye also encouraged the members to save and prepare for unforeseen circumstances rather than exhaust all their financial resources.

Dedicating the building, the Chairman thanked the Executive Council for providing the necessary resources.

He commended Apostle Sylvester Arhin and the Tamale Area for efficiently utilising the project funds.

He urged all members to demonstrate their love for the church when presented with similar opportunities.

The six-bedroom mission house boasts impressive facilities such as a study room/conference room, a waiting area, and a laundry room, among others.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has admonished Christians to guard their hearts against bitterness, which tends to destroy the human body.

According to Apostle Nyamekye, bitterness is a seed of resentment, displeasure at someone, dissatisfaction, and discontent at something considered unjust in the human heart.

He further explained that bitter people describe their feelings as righteous anger because they feel offended but do not want to retaliate.

Apostle Nyamekye made this admonition on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the climax of the ‘You Must Be Born Again’ Gospel Crusade, held at the multi-purpose auditorium of the University For Development Studies (UDS), Tamale Campus.

Ministering on “Bitterness: Seed of Resentment In the Heart,” the Chairman of the Church mentioned that the human being is a complex being with a spirit, soul and body.

Expanding on the nature of the human being, Apostle Nyamekye described the spirit and soul as components of the heart, the inner essence of a person.

He emphasised that the heart plays a significant role in shaping one’s character and actions.

“This inner man is the shaker and mover of the entire body, and the human mind can be very deceiving because it can stand aside few actions,” the Chairman said.

Apostle Nyamekye further stressed that Judas Iscariot kissed Jesus but had a different motive.

“You are a good person or a bad person depending on the state of the heart,” he stated.

Quoting Matthew 5:8, he said, “Seeing God depends on the purity of the heart and not some gymnastics one shows in church. It is not about what you do on the outside but what is done on the inside.”

He added: “Be careful not to have a sinful and unbelieving heart that will turn away from God.”

The President of Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) emphasised that the sickness of the heart depicts bitterness as a viral disease that is acquired, destroys the carrier, defiles many, is infectious and tends to spread to others.

“Bitterness weakens your spiritual immune system, making you susceptible to other spiritual ailments,” he said, adding, “The health of your heart should be told from the onset because when people harbour bitterness, they think it’s a justifiable anger.”

Apostle Nyamekye urged Christians to prioritise the health of their hearts by guarding against bitterness.

To combat bitterness, he advised church members to refrain from nurturing it, emphasising the devastating consequences it brings.

“Bitterness not only harms the individual but also destroys relationships, marriages, organisations, churches, and even nations,” he stated.

Apostle Nyamekye highlighted common symptoms of bitterness as anger, hatred, an unforgiving spirit, dwelling on past wrongs, inflicting pain, and experiencing sleepless nights.

He ended his sermon by recommending four approaches to overcoming bitterness: expressing it, repressing it, subduing it and confessing it.

PENTECOST NEWS

The 5th Bezalel Conference organised by Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, came to a close today with a clarion call on all participants to be diligent in service and to go the extra mile.

Addressing the enthusiastic gathering of over 2000 Christian men at the event, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Nyamekye, in his sermon titled: “The Making of Fathers – Living for Others, ” emphasised that those who leave an indelible mark on future generations are those selflessly dedicate themselves to the well-being of others.

Quoting Matthew 5:29, Apostle Nyamekye urged the participants to be willing to make great sacrifices by going the extra mile for the sake of others.

The Chairman, citing influential historical figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa, underscored the power of living for others.

According to him, despite facing adversities and sacrificing their lives to serve others, these individuals became timeless heroes, inspiring people across generations.

Apostle Nyamekye challenged the participants to examine their lives and consider how they would like to be fondly remembered and celebrated as fathers, husbands, pastors, teachers, and leaders even after they are no more.

He also encouraged them to be channels (vessels) through which God’s grace would flow and bring positive change to their communities.

The Chairman shared stories of three exemplary individuals who epitomised selfless service: Mordecai, who worked tirelessly for the welfare of his people; Nehemiah, who declined personal privileges to avoid burdening others; and Job, known for his support of the poor, fatherless, and destitute., to buttress his assertion.

These men, he further noted, were characterised by their humility, God-fearing nature, compassion for the vulnerable, encouragement, pursuit of peace, diligence, nobility, and influence within their communities.

He, therefore, urged Christian men to emulate their exemplary traits so as to leave behind a godly and positive legacy for future generations.

The Bezalel Conference is a bi-annual event of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry aimed at empowering Christian men for maximum impact in society.

This year’s event, which coincided with the 25th anniversary of the ministry, took place from May 24 to 26, 2023 and was under the theme: “Repositioning Men for Maximum Impact: Building upon the Legacy of the Fathers.

To the glory of God, the 2023 Bezalel Conference concluded on a high note, leaving attendees inspired and equipped to embrace the call for selfless service and make a meaningful impact in their spheres of influence.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, challenged Christian men to rise above mediocrity and strive to leave a lasting impact on their generation.

The Chairman issued this clarion call when he delivered a powerful sermon at the closing session of the 5th Bezalel Conference of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC).

Speaking on the topic: “The Making of Fathers – Living for Others,” while referring to a quote from Pastor Sunday Adelaja, Apostle Nyamekye stressed that: “A person is remembered for the number of lives he had touched or his contributions to the world that he lived in, not what he made in life.”

He urged Christians, particularly Christian men, to consider how they wanted to be remembered after this generation passed and emphasised the significance of going the extra mile and living for others.

Apostle Nyamekye further noted that individuals who go above and beyond are the ones who leave a lasting legacy and are forever remembered by future generations.

The Chairman referenced historical figures who had selflessly impacted the world to exemplify the power of living for others. One notable example he mentioned was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist preacher and civil rights advocate who sacrificed his life to pursue racial justice.

According to him, despite his tragic assassination, Dr King’s heroism continues to inspire people around the globe.

Apostle Nyamekye further noted that true living is living for others, as demonstrated by Mother Teresa’s work among the destitute.

“Mother Theresa said that: At the end of life, they would not be judged by their diplomas, wealth, or personal achievements but by the number of lives they touched,” he said.

Apostle Nyamekye, therefore, challenged Christian men to live in such a way that others would be blessed in their name, akin to the blessings associated with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The Chairman also urged them to strive for nobility so that future generations would call them noble and mourn their departure, just as the community mourned the loss of Moses.

Quoting Hebrews 11:23-26, Apostle Nyamekye highlighted Moses’ sacrifices for the liberation of the Israelites, underscoring the significance of rising to authority or promising to build up others rather than seek self-aggrandisement.

He said that to be remembered as noble fathers, husbands, pastors, teachers, chiefs, leaders, and more, they need to critically examine the causes they live for, whether they are self-centred or geared towards benefiting others.

Apostle Nyamekye stressed the importance of being channels through whom God’s grace flows, making sacrifices, and going the extra mile for others.

He drew examples from the lives of Mordecai, Nehemiah, and Job, who loved others, demonstrated humility, cared for the vulnerable, and were influencers in their communities.

Referencing Daniel 5:11ff, the Chairman encouraged attendees to move away from mediocrity and strive for spiritual and intellectual excellence.

He urged them to be men and women of intellectual power, capable of solving difficult (complex) problems.

“To possess the nations, we need men and women who are strong in spirit and are great influencers in society,” he said.

The sermon concluded with a reminder that Christian men should store treasures in heaven, live to serve others and always strive to improve what is entrusted to them.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has called on church leaders to deliberately return to the biblical foundation Christ laid to build his church.

Speaking at the Supernatural Empowerment Summit (SES) hosted by Archbishop Charles Agyin Asare, the General Overseer of Perez Chapel, on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Perez Dome at Dzorwulu in Accra, on the topic: “What Must We Do To Do The Works God Requires” (John 6:27), Apostle Nyamekye explained that the profound gift Jesus bestowed upon his followers was not the physical bread but rather the promise of eternal life that God offered.

He highlighted the contrast between the Jews, who lacked the patience to believe and seek revelational knowledge from God, and the Apostles, who embraced the teachings of Christ.

According to Apostle Nyamekye, who doubles as the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, the crucial mission of the Great Commission is to make disciples, proclaim the Word of God, convert souls, baptise them, and instruct them to spread the gospel to others.

“Unfortunately, many people today are drawn to Jesus solely for worldly benefits such as marriages, wealth, and material provisions, disregarding the significance of eternal life,”

Apostle Nyamekye stated, emphasising the need to shift focus from temporary benefits to the ultimate reward of eternal life that Jesus offers.

Citing Ephesians 4:17-21, he noted that the world has become desensitised to spirituality, indulging in impurity and greed. He underscored that believers in Jesus Christ are called to perform good works and works of God, while the work assigned to unbelievers is to believe in Jesus and experience his power for salvation.

He admonished against prioritising the benefits of the gospel over the essence of the gospel itself, urging church leaders to build strong churches rooted in faith rather than fear.

He reemphasised that the greatest manifestation of God’s work in believers is transforming individuals into saints, freed from the bondage of unrighteousness.

Apostle Nyamekye reminded church leaders of their responsibility to be witnesses of Jesus, defending his name as the Saviour of the world.

He encouraged the church to demonstrate through transformed lives that Jesus is indeed the Lord and Saviour, as it aligns with God’s eternal purpose for the church.

The President of GPCC urged church leaders and believers to consciously realign themselves with the biblical principles laid by Christ in order to build strong churches that truly reflect his teachings.

PENTECOST NEWS