Posts in category: Moving With Chairman

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has called upon Christians to consciously celebrate the goodness of the Lord under all circumstances.

The Chairman said this today [December 12, 2023] during this year’s annual CoP Headquarters Management and Staff Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana.

Speaking on the topic: “Praise the Lord At All Times,” with Psalm 34:1-2 as his foundational text, Apostle Eric Nyaemkye emphasised that while it may be easier to praise and extol the name of the Lord during favourable times, it becomes challenging during difficult moments.

Using the example of Job, he encouraged Christians to make a deliberate choice to bless the name of the Lord at all times, especially when faced with unfavourable circumstances.

“Praise is a choice. You can decide to praise or complain. So, when you wake up and hear bad news, you can still decide to let praise proceed from your mouth,” he remarked.

Apostle Nyamekye highlighted that praise is an expression of gratitude to the Almighty God for goodness and mercies, and it is important for believers to cultivate this attitude.

Drawing from the story of Leah in Genesis 29:31-35, he illustrated how she chose to complain about not being loved by her husband, but her situation remained unchanged until she decided to praise the Lord after the birth of her fourth son, whom she named Judah, meaning praise.

The Chairman underscored that praise is an acknowledgement that the Lord is God and that He is a good God., adding that the ability to praise God in times of predicament is a testament to one’s spiritual maturity.

He, therefore, urged Christians to focus on praiseworthy thoughts and ensure that only praiseworthy words proceed from their mouths.

This year’s Management and Staff retreat will feature new activities, including indoor games to foster camaraderie among staff and a carol service to express gratitude to God for His faithfulness throughout the year. The event will close on Friday, December 15, 2023, with a retirement service for retiring staff.

PENTECOST NEWS.

“In the midst of life’s limitations—social, moral, physical, and spiritual evils of this world—Jesus Christ remains the only source of eternal life,” declares Apostle Eric Nyamekye during a thanksgiving service held on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Tema, in memory of the late Elder Dr Johnson Addo.

Elder Dr Johnson Addo, the CEO of Raphal Medical Centre and Trustee of The Church of Pentecost, passed away on September 9, 2023, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Speaking on the topic, “Oasis of Salvation,” Apostle Nyamekye reflected on the insightful words of John Austin Baker, highlighting the existence of “compounds of limitation” in human experience—immutable aspects that impose constraints, including the pervasive nature of suffering.

Drawing some lessons from Proverbs 18:10, Apostle Nyamekye explained that an oasis is a fertile haven in the desert where water sustains life.

He acknowledged the universality of pain stemming from physical and emotional sources. He expounded on anxiety, thus inducing uncertainty of the future and the irreplaceable nature of the past. He also explored the random occurrences of natural disasters and the inevitability of death as elements of the human condition.

Central to the sermon was the assertion that death, an undeniable adversary, is the last enemy destined for destruction, as stated in the Bible.

Despite its formidable nature, Apostle Nyamekye reassured believers that God, in His wisdom, knows how to help them navigate the challenges posed by death.

The sermon further examined the causes of death, citing passages such as Romans 5:12 and Matthew 6:13, attributing the origin of suffering to the influence of Satan. The categorization of evil into physical, moral, social, and spiritual domains underscored the multifaceted nature of challenges faced by humanity.

Addressing how to confront these limitations, Apostle Nyamekye emphasized that education, work, marriage, and wealth, though valuable, do not offer ultimate solutions. Instead, he pointed to an “oasis of salvation” found in Ecclesiastes 3:11 and John 3:16—highlighting Jesus as the source of eternal life amid life’s limitations.

The Chairman stressed that accepting Jesus as Lord grants believers access to God’s grace but does not exempt them from suffering. The virtue of wisdom, as depicted in Job 28 and Proverbs 24:3, was presented as a means to manage, though not eliminate, destruction and death.

Drawing from Proverbs 3:13, Apostle Nyamekye expounded on the two-fold offering of wisdom—long life and honour.

He asserted that the hope of resurrection, grounded in eternity, alleviates the effects of suffering on Christians.

He cited Romans 8:22-26 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13 as pivotal passages underscoring the role of hope and the Holy Spirit in mitigating suffering.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye encouraged believers to anchor their faith on three pillars: faith for spiritual enlightenment, love for unity, and hope to guard against disappointment.

“Suffering will come, and tears will flow out of our eyes, but let us look towards God. May the hope of the resurrection ease the pain of death in Jesus’ name,” he concluded.

Present at the service were Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, General Secretary and wife, Korkor; Apostle Dr Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe (La Area Head) and wife, Juanita; Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (Ashaiman Area Head); Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankrah-Badu (Tema Area Head); Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo (rtd); Apostle Matthew Wettey Larbi (rtd)Jesus Is The Source Of Eternal Life – Apostle Nyamekye Asserts and Elder Dr Lawyer Ken Aboah (Trustee of the Church).

PENTECOST NEWS 

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has urged Christians to practically translate their acts of religiosity into spirituality by demonstrating their changed life wherever they find themselves.

He made this call on the last day of a week-long meeting of Heads and Ministry Directors of The Church of Pentecost to unveil the five-year vision of the church dubbed: “Possessing the Nations” (Phase 2). The prayer meeting also saw the launch of the 2024 church theme: “A People Unleashed to Transform their World.”

Apostle Nyamekye explained the distinction between religiosity and spirituality, emphasising that religiosity involves external customs, rituals, and traditions, while spirituality entails the demonstration of the values and principles of Christ, such as godliness and morality.

He urged Christians to intentionally journey from religiosity to morality if they want to impact society as Daniel did. 

He cited Daniel’s actions in refusing to eat food from the king’s table and resisting the ‘no prayer edict’ as acts of religiosity. He said Daniel’s trustworthiness and blamelessness made him stand out (Daniel 6:4–5).

“All the visions and prayers will not count if Christ cannot be formed in us,” Apostle Nyamekye iterated, adding that “mere religiosity does not transform a nation, but a transformed life does. It proves the power of God to change lives.”

Apostle Nyamekye lamented the prevalence of wrong things happening despite activism in many religions worldwide and proposed that Christians exhibit a life of pure morals to reverse this trend. 

He referred to 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10, highlighting three evidences of a truly repentant person: a transformed life, a commitment to serve, and a heart yearning for the return of Jesus Christ.

Expounding on the characteristics of an unleashed church, the Chairman stressed that as churches grow, their ministries must grow broader. 

He encouraged every member to prepare to be unleashed into a form of ministry, stating that “the mark of a great church is not about the seating capacity but her sending capacity as well.”

Apostle Nyamekye stressed: “You cannot save an individual and forget the society in which they live. Both must be evangelised.”

He highlighted the need for the church to focus on both saving souls and providing social services. 

He emphasised that the church must actively participate in transforming society and engage in issues of the state to have a meaningful impact. 

Drawing inspiration from Daniel 5:11f, he urged Christians to work towards occupying places of influence so as to effect concrete changes at the workplace and in society.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has underscored the crucial role of sound teaching in shaping the beliefs and conduct of church members.

“Teaching affects belief systems, and that affects conduct; thus, the Church must teach what we want the members to become,” the Chairman said when he delivered the keynote address at a ceremony to officially unveil the 2024 theme of the Church. The unveiled theme for 2024 is “A People Unleashed to Transform Their World” (1 Peter 2:9, Acts 1:8).

Addressing a gathering of heads and ministry directors from the church representing 150 nations at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), at Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa, Apostle Nyamekye reminded the leaders that the focus of the Great Commission extends beyond the Church and into the world.

“The Great Commission is not just about winning souls but discipling nations,” he emphasised.

He asserted that for the nations to be discipled, members of the church must be unleashed into all spheres. However, this can only be effective when the people are taught the ways of the Kingdom.

Apostle Nyamekye further stressed that the faith of believers must be built through sound teachings for them to truly have substance to transform their spheres, stating, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Referencing John 4:40–42, Apostle Nyamekye noted that the Samaritans believed because of what Jesus taught them, not merely what they heard from the woman.

He called for a teaching pattern that prompts members to leave the church walls and impact their spheres.

The Chairman challenged all church leaders to embrace roles as both evangelists and teachers.

Unleashing people, according to him, means entering the world to build a better world.

“When people come to church, let us raise them to go into their spheres to touch lives,” he added.

Apostle Nyamekye, therefore, urged church leaders to teach their members to view their secular jobs as secular ministries and a call to serve.

He enumerated some vital issues, emphasizing that people of faith should practice what they have learned from Scripture in various contexts.

He advised them to allow God’s word to shape their conscience and highlighted the importance of a holistic view of life.

Domestic life, according to him, is a calling and worship to God, urging Christians to strive to be the best in everything – the best husband, best wife, best teacher, best judge, etc.

He also implored Christians to note that the Church unleashed embraces all – multicultural, multiracial, and ‘multi-all.’ However, he clarified that the unleashed Church is not opposed to ministering to a targeted group if the circumstances so demand.

He encouraged all Christians to allow God’s word to shape their conscience, emphasizing that the preoccupation of the church unleashed is that everyone should come to Christ.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has urged Christian leaders to consciously unleash their church members to transform the world and its systems with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 theme of the Church during the Heads’ meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Apostle Nyamekye stated, “The only remedy for the ills and troubles of the world today lies at the doors of the church, for we are the light of the world.”

According to him, the full potential of the church would manifest through its rise, and that if the church fails to rise, darkness will cover the earth.

Apostle Nyamekye further stated that it would be an anathema for the church to remain silent and merely rejoice in the Lord rising upon her.

“The Church, like Zion, should be concerned about her friends; the light of the world is within the Church,” he emphasised.

Quoting from Isaiah 60 and 61:1 and 21, the Chairman expounded that when the church, the light of the world and salt of the earth, remains silent, society lingers in darkness, ignorance, poverty, and moral decadence.

Apostle Nyamekye bemoaned the inactivity of the church in influencing the outside world when ‘the church has unraveled power to address the ills and troubles of the world today.’

Observing that the church is in a deep sleep, he described the situation as the ‘Church’s courage has been plagued with cowardice.”

He called on Church leaders to recognise that the mandate of the church is to avert decay wherever it is found.

The Chairman also proposed that the Church does not need new denominations or conferences but fire to unleash her.

“If we can awaken and unleash the tremendous power warmed up in the Church, Christianity will explode with unprecedented growth,” he remarked.

Placing the Church in her right context, Apostle Nyamekye stressed that the Church is a strategic orchestration of God to achieve His divine purposes and plans.

He observed that the Church is the conduit through which the manifold wisdom of God is revealed and the mysteries of redemption expressed. “The whole universe is waiting for us,” he charged.

Enumerating the core task of the Church, Chairman Nyamekye indicated that the church is the avenue to train Kingdom-minded people to unleash them into the world to make God famous again.

He said this role called for unleashing the church with a violent force that cannot be resisted, controlled, or hindered.

Revealing the theme for 2024 as “A People Unleashed to Transform Their World,” Apostle Nyamekye explained ‘unleashing the Church’ to mean ‘a call to every member of the local church to be involved in some form of ministry (service) outside the four walls of the Church with the sole aim of projecting the values and principles of the Kingdom of God in their spheres.’

He made a fervent call on Christians to take up this mandate to positively affect everywhere they are with the true light of the Kingdom of God, emphasising that the kind of culture that rules the world is the culture determined by the generation of Christians.

“The effect of the Church’s light will influence the culture that rules the world,” he mentioned.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, has unveiled a new vision for the church, dubbed ‘Vision 2028.’

The new vision is expected to cover the periods between 2023 and 2028 with the theme, “Possessing the Nations Part 2 – Unleashing the Whole Church for the transformation of their world with the values and principles of the kingdom of God.”

The unveiling of Vison 2028 was held on the sidelines of the 2023 November Heads Prayer Meeting currently underway at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa, on Monday, November 13, 2023.

“While Vision 2023 (Phase I of the Possessing the Nations Agenda) focused on equipping our members, Vison 2028 (Phase 2) would focus on unleashing these equipped members into the world as agents of transformation,” the Chairman said.

He added: “In the past five years, we have focused on equipping the church to possess the nations. However, equipping people does not guarantee they will take the necessary actions in their communities to possess the world for Jesus Christ. 

“It requires a systematic effort to strategically unleash the vast potential currently within the church. A church, equipped, must be unleashed to transform the world.”

Apostle Nyamekye explained that Vision 2028 has 31 thematic areas designated with specific strategic objectives to guide its implementation. “Vision 2028, therefore, seeks to create avenues and opportunities for ministries outside the walls of the church while unleashing our members from whatever fear or hindrance that could prevent them from engaging with and transforming their world,” he stated.

He indicated that in fulfilling the objectives of Vision 2028, the institutions, systems and structures of the church shall be strengthened and complemented with monitoring and evaluation. 

PENTECOST NEWS

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has stressed the need to use the annual James McKeown Memorial Lectures (JMML) as a bridge to promote scientific and practical dialogue between academics and ecclesial practitioners of the Global Pentecostal/Charismatic movement.

In a keynote address read on his behalf by the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, at the opening of the 2023 JMML organised by the Pentecost University at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, on Friday, November 10, 2023, Apostle Nyamekye was hopeful that the lectures would promote God’s Kingdom agenda and foster collaboration between academia and practising ministers and grassroots leaders within the churches around the globe.

He firmly believed that the event would allow participants to critically examine and reflect on the praxis and theories of their faith, thereby contributing to advancements in global understanding and appreciation of the Pentecostal movement.

Touching on the theme for the lectures, “Maximising the Impact of Pentecostal-Charismatic Ecclesiology and Mission in The Nations,” Apostle Nyamekye, who is the Chancellor of the university, noted that the theme sought to stimulate research and conversation among scholars and practitioners on the need to maximise the church’s missional impact to positively transform the nations of the world through the values and principles of the kingdom of God.

According to him, although Pentecostals have generally felt this need, its articulation among key stakeholders of the movement has been slow. 

“This conference attempts to engender such conversations in ways that can inform the future of the church’s visible missional impact in the nations, where all believers are released into their spheres of life as agents of transformation,” he said, adding, “For those in the academia, this call should be crucial to you as your primary duty is to transform all those who you train.”

Apostle Nyamekye indicated that per the church’s 5-year strategic vision, the church’s leadership pledged to support the Pentecost University to create an enabling learning and research environment as a training ground for pastors, lay leaders, and people studying in different fields. 

“As part of this vision, the church committed to supporting Pentecost University to organise at least one international conference annually. The conference will bring together local and international scholars and practitioners to discuss various aspects of the themes outlined in Vision 2023,” he said.

He said the initiative is expected to encourage scholarly activities and publications at the university and that the James McKeown Memorial Lectures is an example of this effort.

The Chairman eulogised the Founder, Pastor James McKeown, describing him as a “highly respected figure in Ghana and Africa, known for his contributions as a pioneer of Ghanaian Pentecostalism and as superintendent and chairman of The Church of Pentecost in Ghana.” 

“In honour of his legacy, these annual lectures are organised to promote scientific and practical dialogue between academics and ecclesial practitioners who work within the Global Pentecostal/Charismatic movement,” he added.

The Chairman of the University Council, Pastor Prof. William Otoo-Ellis, together with the Vice-Chancellor, Apostle Prof. Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, launched the Pentecost Researchers’ Forum (PRF), which aims to seek ways by which academic research in The Church of Pentecost can be integrated into the practical ministry of grassroots Christianity by promoting the mutually compatible nature of academic research and spirituality. 

Among the plenary speakers were Prof. Kirsteen Kim (Professor of Theology and World Christianity at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, USA), Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu (President, Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon-Ghana), and Apostle Dr Emmanuel Anim (Ag. Pro Vice Chancellor & Director, PSTM – Pentecost University).

PENTECOST NEWS 

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on Friday, October 20, 2023, visited the Ga Palace to commiserate with the Ga Traditional Council following the passing of the Ga Manye, Her Royal Majesty Naa Dedei Omaedru III. 

Apostle Nyamekye was accompanied by Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh (PEMEM Director and National Coordinator of the Chieftaincy Ministry), Apostle Dr Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe (La Area Head and Executive Council Member), Pastor Anthony Obeng (Kaneshie Area Chieftaincy Ministry Coordinator) and Elder Dr Nana Iprem, some of the members of the Kaneshie Area Chieftaincy Ministry as well as some pastors and their wives. 

Nii Kwao Donkor II, Asene Tsono Mantse, and his team received the Chairman and his delegation. 

Speaking at the meeting, Apostle Anane Denteh, who is an Executive Council Member of the church, reiterated the value The Church of Pentecost places on the chieftaincy institution by creating a whole ministry for them to foster the relationship between the church and royals. 

He added that as a church that places a premium on chieftaincy, they needed to visit the Ga palace and sympathise with them on the passing of the Queen.

Apostle Anane Denteh assured that the church was fully committed and would fully partake in the funeral activities when the time was up. 

Nii Afotey Anokwafo II, Antwere Gonno Mantse, Nungua, who is also a member of The Church of Pentecost, advised his fellow royals to give their lives to Christ just as he has done and acknowledge that all power is embedded in Christ. 

He, therefore, urged royals to dedicate all the power and authority given to them here on earth back to Christ, indicating that he has taken the step to align with Christ and is never going back. 

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on his part, said that death is an inevitable experience and is not something that can be seen physically but that which hurts the very soul of those who have lost loved ones.

The Chairman also expressed gratitude to the Ga State for its warm reception to The Church of Pentecost by offering them places to worship, contributing to its massive development over the years. 

He added that considering this beautiful relationship between the church and the Ga state, there was a need for the leadership of the church to visit and share their burden of grief with them. 

He expressed the sympathy of the church to the family and promised the church’s full support to them throughout the funeral arrangements. 

As part of the visit, some assorted items were presented to the palace in support of the funeral rites. 

Apostle Eric Nyamekye also signed the book of condolence, which was opened at the palace. 

The Asene Tsono Mantse, Nii Kwao Donkor II, thanked the church for its thoughtfulness in coming to sympathise and console them and donating to support the funeral. 

He also used the opportunity to announce the funeral arrangements and urged the church to join them when the time was due. 

Report by Pastor Frank Mensah Tandoh

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has challenged Ministers of the Gospel to focus on winning the cities for Christ, since urban centres are the hub of influence and culture.

He made this call when he delivered a sermon at the annual prayer meeting of ministers and wives of The Church of Pentecost in the Greater Accra Region held at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Atomic, on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

Some retired ministers of the church and other Executive Council members also graced the event.

Speaking on the topic, “Winning The City,” Apostle Nyamekye explained that most of the cities mentioned in the Bible, such as Antioch, Ephesus, and Corinth, were strategic places for Paul’s missionary work. 

He said that Paul understood that reaching the cities with the gospel would have a ripple effect on the surrounding communities.

The Chairman quoted some scholars who have observed that the world has become one immense city and that he who wins the city wins the world. 

He noted that the trend of urbanisation is likely to continue and that the church needs to adapt to the changing landscape and be serious about fulfilling the Great Commission in the cities.

“When you are transferred from the rural side to the urban side, change your mindset; tune your mind from the rural value setting to the urban value setting,” he advised.

Apostle Nyamekye noted that cities are characterised by diversity, sophistication, anonymity, and sinfulness. He indicated that ministers who work in the cities must be able to adapt to the culture and lifestyle of city dwellers without compromising their faith. 

He also cautioned them to be aware of the challenges and temptations that come with urban ministry.

“Be diverse, especially in the use of language in many areas in the cities. Let there be interpretations in other languages when you have joint services. Conscious efforts should be made for people to lead church services in the vernacular,” he stated.

He discussed the challenges that rural-urban migration poses to countries like Ghana, where limited employment opportunities, inadequate access to education and healthcare, resource constraints, and lower living standards often push people to seek better prospects in urban areas.

“Statistics reveal that a substantial percentage of the membership of The Church of Pentecost resides in urban centres. In the Greater Accra Region, where the church has a significant presence, the congregation raised 47.4% of the total tithes in 2022,” he said, adding, “These numbers highlighted the necessity for the church to adjust its ministry approaches to cater to the unique needs of urban congregations.” 

Apostle Nyamekye urged ministers to focus on helping the weak in the city, emphasising that ministry in urban areas should not be self-centred or driven by personal ambition. 

Given the fast-paced urban lifestyle, he reminded them that ministry in the city demands attention to one’s spiritual life.

The Chairman called for the church to embrace change, diversity, and quality in its urban ministry efforts while encouraging leaders to adapt to the dynamic nature of city life, manage conflicts, and foster harmony within diverse urban communities.

He concluded his message by saying that “city churches need leaders who think as city people,” underscoring the need for a shift in mindset to effectively address the unique challenges and opportunities that urban ministry presents.

As part of the programme, newly transferred ministers and their wives to the region were introduced to the gathering.

PENTECOST NEWS