Posts in category: Moving With Chairman

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has asserted that society will feel the impact of the Church when it works towards transforming society.

“The relevance of the Church to the ordinary person is the transformation it brings to society,” he said, adding, “For a nation that claims to have 71.3 % of its population as Christians, we need to rethink our influence on the nation’s development in our generation, especially the moral development.

Apostle Nyamekye said this at the opening session of the 2nd All Ministers Conference (the biggest non-denominational conference for Ghanaian pastors) being attended by about 2,500 ministers at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh near Kasoa.

Being held from Tuesday, 19th to Friday, 22nd September 2023, the conference is under the theme: “Moral Vision and National Development – the Role of the Church.”

The Chairman pointed out that 71.3% of Ghanaians purporting to be Christians are cultural Christians, nominal Christians and actual practising Christians.

He observed that cultural Christians are those whose ancestors were Christians while they have not accepted Christ or been active church members.

He charged the clergy to work to bring all cultural and nominal Christians into the Church and effectively disciple them so that the Christian community’s huge numbers could have a meaningful impact on the nations.

Apostle Nyamekye charged ministers to work together across denominational lines’ since this is the essence of the conference.

While calling on the clergy to work hard at winning souls, he advised them not to lose sight that the souls (persons) they win are not isolated individuals but live in communities with complex and corrupt socio-economic and political structures.

“We cannot save the soul of an individual and not be concerned about the society they live in, the very structures and systems that inform their daily lives. Both the soul and society must be evangelised to make righteous living easy in the nation,” he stated.

The GPCC President expressed his delight that Ghanaian clergy was gathering once again as a unified force not bound by denominational barriers to pursuing the purpose of the Church in Ghana.

He reiterated that a single church denomination cannot achieve the work of transforming people to be Christlike, saying, “I hold the view that no one denomination is the exclusive or particular channel of God’s grace. The saints, I believe, are equally distributed across denominations. That, the degree to which God uses a fellow is determined not by the denomination in which they are located but by the depth of their surrender to God regardless of where they are.”

Apostle Nyamekye disclosed that the essence of this year’s conference is to work together as a joint force to effect a moral change and foster national development as the Church, stressing that “we can become a powerful voice that shapes the development of our nation through the gospel of Christ.”

He indicated that the conference is a direct follow-up of the conference on national development that brought together two former presidents of Ghana, the sitting vice-president, the speaker of parliament, the chief justice, parliamentarians, leaders of political parties and various heads of institutions.

He revealed that the conference called for an urgent need for a clear moral vision to serve as a bedrock for Ghana’s development.

He said the theme of the conference serves as a conscious call to Christians to be channels through whom the grace of God will flow in blessing the Ghanaian society, a call to help all appreciate their role as salt and light of the earth, a call to orient church members that the Church holds the key to the transformation of nations.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye called on the Church to refocus her core mandate of raising Christlike Christians who will transform society with righteousness.

PENTECOST NEWS

Apostle Eric Nyamekye has been inducted into office as Chairman of The Church of Pentecost for a second term.

Apostle Nyamekye was given the nod to lead the Church for another five-year term during the 46th General Council meetings held in May this year.

The induction ceremony, which took place at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) in Atomic, Accra, on Saturday, September 2, 2023, was attended by several prominent clergymen, Heads of Churches in and outside Ghana, as well as state officials and traditional leaders, among others.

Notable among them were Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah Rtd. (Former Chairman of The Church of Pentecost), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (International Missions Director), Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh (President, Apostolic Church of Ghana), and Elder Dr. Yaw Adutwum, Minister of Education and his deputy, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour.

The event also witnessed the induction of the four newly-elected Executive Council Members: Apostle A.N.Y. Kumi-Larbi, Apostle Dr. Amos Jimmy Markin, Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe, and Apostle Banimpo Lare.

Apostle Ebenezer Hagan and Elder Ebenezer Acheampong were introduced as the Youth Ministry Director and Deputy Director of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) at the historic event.

In his maiden address, Apostle Nyamekye, on behalf of all the inductees, thanked God for offering them the opportunity to serve the Church in their respective offices.

He also solicited the support of the entire church community to enable them to discharge their roles effectively.

The Chairman noted that in the last five years, the Church pursued the “Possessing the Nations” agenda, which aimed at influencing every sphere of society with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.

The pursuit of the five-strategic vision of the Church, dubbed Vision 2023, saw The Church of Pentecost achieving significant success and contributing significantly to societal transformation, he said.

He added that during the period, the Church recorded a 29% growth in overall membership and a 50% increase in the number of new nations reached.

Touching on Vision 2028, the Chairman said that in the coming years, the Church will pursue what he described as “Phase 2 of the Possessing the Nations agenda.”

“While Vision 2023 focused on equipping our members, Vision 2028 will focus on unleashing these equipped members into the world as agents of transformation,” stressing: “We need to make God popular again.”

The Chairman revealed that the ultimate goal of Vision 2028 is to fulfil the Great Commission by reaching individuals from all walks of life and elevating the values and principles of the Kingdom of God in every sphere of society.

PENTECOST NEWS

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, has offered guidance to retired ministers, ministers’ wives, widows, and widowers within the Church, urging them to embrace a joyful and healthy life during retirement while maintaining a continuous connection with God.

Apostle Nyamekye shared these insights on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, during the 2023 Retirement Seminar hosted at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

Addressing participants on the topic “One Thing I Ask Of The Lord, Two I Desire,” using scriptural references from Psalm 27:4-5, he drew attention to King David’s prayerful aspirations in his later years.

“Even if you’re not preaching as often, you’re still a Christian with a unique wealth of experience from serving in the Lord’s sanctuaries for years,” he assured.

He emphasized that retiring ministers shouldn’t feel their ministry and priesthood have been taken away. Instead, he reminded them of their continuing role as carriers of priestly wisdom, vital for guiding the next generation.

Apostle Nyamekye emphasized that while their earthly journey is ongoing, their priestly role remains.

He urged the participants to stand as intermediaries between God and the people, highlighting the spiritual duty that continues even after retirement. Neglecting this responsibility, he noted, would be considered a sin.

“Harmony leads to happiness; disharmony leads to inner turmoil,” he underscored.

Quoting Psalm 31:7, he explained that it’s not only the heart that suffers but the soul as well. Maintaining a contented and optimistic mindset, he stressed, is crucial for a fulfilling, healthy life.

The Chairman recommended that retirees shield themselves from negativity and instead focus on uplifting words that elevate the spirit.

He highlighted the power of self-affirmation and the importance of positive thinking in nurturing happiness and health.

Apostle Nyamekye encouraged the elderly to shed negativity and maintain a Christ-like attitude, acknowledging that not everyone will be supportive.

He likened life to a stage, and despite stepping out of the limelight, he urged them to continue making their lives meaningful even behind the scenes.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has challenged Ghanaians to be willing to endure discomfort by prioritising the interest of the nation ahead of their personal interests in order to hand over a better country to future generations.

According to him, the nation will not experience steady progressive growth if its citizens, particularly those in leadership positions, continue to promote their individual interests at the nation’s expense.

“We have people in leadership who only think about their interests, and this is not good. Live for the next generation and not just for the next four years,” Apostle Nyamekye charged, adding that “you cannot improve the future without addressing the present, so let us think about tomorrow’s Ghana. Whatever you do should benefit the nation.”

He made these remarks at the opening of a two-day National Development Conference, organised by The Church of Pentecost, at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. The theme of the conference is “Moral Vision and National Development.”

Drawing lessons from Isaiah 59:14-15 and Proverbs 14:34, he opined that every leader’s success or failure lies in the people’s nature, character, and confidence. He stressed the need to uphold moral principles since no nation can realise its potential with people who live by conflicting values.

Apostle Nyamekye cited the case of Moses, Israel’s greatest leader, who could not enter the Promised Land, and Aaron made a golden calf for the people, resulting in his inability to enter the promised land due to the character and pressure of the people, which they failed to nip in the bud promptly and strategically.

“We need to have a set of moral principles that will guide the life of Ghana. A socially approved and acceptable pattern and norms of proper conduct shared by all” advocated Apostle Nyamekye.

Apostle Nyamekye lamented the decline in moral values in Ghanaian society and highlighted the church’s transformative mandate and historical antecedents to be involved in the conversation of national development.

He encouraged the mindset to build a better world based on the teachings of our forebears about equality, the dignity of labour, and integrity in one’s words.

The conference, attended by a cross-section of Ghanaians from all parts of the country, including members of parliament, MMDCEs, political party representatives, assembly members, and others, is expected to issue a communique at its conclusion.

During the event, Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia delivered the keynote address, while former presidents H.E. John Agyekum Kufuor and H.E. John Dramani Mahama addressed the gathering.

Speeches and fraternal greetings were also delivered at the event by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S. K. Bagbin, the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude, Justice A. E. Torkonoo, and the President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour.

The conference includes various topics, such as “Moral Vision and Development” by Prof. Delanyo Adadevoh of the International Leadership Foundation, “Leadership and Human Flourishing: Making a Case for Social Justice and Nation Building in Ghana Today” by Very Rev. Prof. J. Asamoah-Gyadu, President of Trinity Theological Seminary, and “Raising Effective Politicians for Africa” by Dr. Olivia N. Muchena, Former Minister of Women Affairs, Zimbabwe.

Other topics include “Religion and Morality Development” by Sheik Aremeyaw Shaibu, Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, “Integrity in Nation Building” by Apostle A. N. Y. Kumi-Larbi, and “Patriotism and National Development” by Rev. Dr. Opuni Frimpong, Executive Director of Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa.

PENTECOST NEWS.

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