Posts in category: Moving With Chairman

The Church of Pentecost continues to grow by leaps and bounds as new persons are daily won for Christ through the church.

As of December 2023, the church, which is one of the leading classical Pentecostal churches in the world, has a total membership of 3,864,355 in Ghana alone, representing a growth of 7.4% of the previous figure, resulting in a total membership of 4,534,644 worldwide.

‘This represents a significant proportion of the 2023 estimated Ghanaian population of 34,121,985, with the Church’s membership accounting for 11.3%’.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, who doubles as the President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), disclosed this during his State-of-the-Church Address (SOCA) at the opening ceremony of the 18^th Extraordinary Council Meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, on Wednesday, May 1, 2028.

Apostle Nyamekye was full of praise to God and acknowledged the grace of God upon the church that has pushed it to remarkable progress. He urged the church populace to continue to galvanise efforts to ensure that numerical growth is translated into transformed people at all spheres.

The Chairman was also grateful to the clergy, laity and the entire membership of the church for their individual and corporate efforts at ensuring the church continues to grow in leaps and bounds to the glory of God. He observed that the efforts of the members and the leadings of the Holy Spirit are pivotal in ensuring growth and relevance of the church in society.

Apostle Nyamekye called on the members to work at daily maturity in Christ and live lives worthy of emulation to be practical examples of the gospel they preach.

‘Our sincere prayer is that our growing numbers will continue to contribute to the realisation of our mandate to transform every sphere of society with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God as we unleash the whole church for this purpose,’ he concluded, adding, ‘We humbly attribute this growth to the grace of God.’

PENTECOST NEWS

The Church of Pentecost is making strides in providing quality theological education for its ministers, laity, and the Christian community. From the operations of its higher educational institutions, the church aims to better equip them for their mandate to possess the nations.

The Church believes that spirituality, coupled with marked scholarship, is crucial in meeting the diverse needs of its members. In a time when new Christian expressions and growth are needed to address emerging world orders and solve real-life global challenges, this emphasis on education is paramount.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, highlighted the Pentecost University, the Birmingham Christian College (BCC) in the UK, the Pentecost Biblical Seminary (PBS) in the USA, and the Pentecost Francophone Theological Bible School (PFTBS) in La Cote D’Ivoire as leading institutions in providing quality theological education. These institutions promote cross-cultural learning and offer global perspectives to enrich students’ educational experiences.

To enhance their reputation and expand the scope of accredited curriculum/programs, the Chairman disclosed that the Conseil des Instituts Théologiques d’Afrique Francophone (Council of Theological Institutes of Francophone Africa) has initiated the accreditation process for PFTBS.

He also announced that PBS, the training centre for clergy, lay leaders, and members of the Church in North and South America, has obtained an operating license from the NJ Board of Education (OSHE) and an “Applicant Status” from the Accreditation Board of Higher Education (ABHE), with a final approval expected after a campus visit scheduled for August 2024.

Moreover, he mentioned that Birmingham Christian College in the UK has been officially registered by the Office for Students (OfS) in the United Kingdom, representing a significant milestone and enhancement to the college’s reputation.

PENTECOST NEWS.

God continues to manifest his great power through miracles in The Church of Pentecost as many people receive divine healings from various ailments and supernatural interventions and breakthroughs in life.

The eyes of the blind were opened, the paralysed walked, cancerous cells were healed, and couples were blessed with children after many years of marriage, among many other miracles recorded in the church in 2023.

‘The year has been marked by significant healings, deliverances from Satanic oppression, and numerous other miracles attesting to God’s presence in the church,’ said Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the church, as he delivered the State-of-the-Church Address at the official opening of the 18^th Session of the Extraordinary Council Meetings at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

The State-of-the-Church Address captured major happenings in the church in the 2023 calendar year.

Mentioning a few of the spectacular events in his report, Apostle Nyamekye disclosed that in the Pankrono District in Kumasi, a professional teacher (name withheld), who had been suffering from mental illness and wandering on the streets for seven years, was prayed for by the church and received instant healing. He has since been baptised in water and now fellowships with the Pankrono Central Assembly of the church.

A female medical doctor and her husband, who is an elder of the church at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Sakumono in Accra, who had tried all medical means to have a child but to no avail, finally gave birth after 20 years of marriage through consistent prayers.

A 40-year-old woman at Kwame Danso in the Atebubu Area was miraculously healed from afflictive uterine fibroid during a prayer session held on Friday, June 9, 2023. She had earlier been booked for surgery, but the fibroid which was mass growing within her uterus disappeared after the prayers.

In Argentina, an Argentine member of the church who was down with a stroke, which disfigured her face, had a touch by the power of God. She went through many medical procedures and took different forms of medication, but never got healed. However, after many prayers by the saints, the Lord God delivered her, and she is very fine with a straight face.

In Australia, two young boys, ages five and six, who were deaf and dumb, were healed when the church prayed for them. They can now hear and speak perfectly.

Madam Rosi Rangel of the church in Brazil, who had earlier been diagnosed with cancer, was declared cancer-free after the church had prayed for her during a half-night service. In a follow-up examination, there were no cancer cells found in her body.

Maria da Graca Centeio Sao Filipe, who lives in the Fogo District of Cape Verde, through divine intervention was healed from bone pain she had suffered for five years. She was unable to walk or perform any task by herself. Despite undergoing various medical treatments, she was unable to find any relief. However, on June 28, 2023, she chose to accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour. After being prayed for, her health was fully restored within a day, and she resumed her normal daily activities despite being incapacitated for five years.

In Israel, an 8-year-old Sunday school girl was run over by a speeding vehicle in her Tel Aviv HaTikva neighbourhood on November 13, 2023, but walked away unharmed to the glory of God.

On Thursday, June 29, 2023, at about 10:40 pm, Pastor TCHONTO Kaferkadè of Togo, together with two youth members, were attacked by armed robbers on the Dassoute-Tampialim road. The pastor and his companions began to pray in tongues. Then the robbers trembled and threw the keys of the motorcycle they had seized back at them, then left them. By the grace of God, the Pastor and his companions returned home safe and sound.

To God alone be the glory for continuously performing more signs and wonders in his church. Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, is still in the miracle-working business; it will be your turn if you only believe in him.

PENTECOST NEWS

In a remarkable testament to its mission and vision, The Church of Pentecost is witnessing a profound paradigm shift in its global outreach efforts.

Traditionally dominated by Ghanaian congregations in its external branches, the church is now experiencing a surge in indigenous membership, reflecting a strategic shift towards embracing and empowering local communities worldwide.

This was revealed by the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye when he presented the State of the Church Address (SOCA) today during the opening session of the 18th Extraordinary Council Meetings at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

Historically, Pentecostal churches in foreign nations often began as small cell groups initiated by Ghanaian expatriates seeking livelihood opportunities abroad. As these groups flourished and expanded, they would solicit support from the Church headquarters in Accra, leading to the deployment of missionaries to nurture these budding congregations.

However, in recent years, guided by a vision to “possess the nations,” the Church of Pentecost has embarked on a strategic reorientation, prioritising the evangelisation and incorporation of indigenous populations into its fold. This shift in focus has yielded remarkable results, with numerous external branches achieving unprecedented levels of indigenous membership.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye shared staggering statistics in his address, illustrating the extent of this transformation.

According to him, external branches in nations such as Andorra, Barbados, Congo Brazzaville, Djibouti, and Ecuador now boast 100% indigenous membership. Similarly, countries like Haiti, Mexico, Mongolia, and Sri Lanka have seen significant increases, with indigenous members forming the majority.

Moreover, the success story extends beyond these nations, encompassing a diverse array of regions worldwide. From the Caribbean to Africa, from Asia to Oceania, The Church of Pentecost is witnessing indigenous communities embracing its teachings and ethos with remarkable enthusiasm and dedication.

Noteworthy examples include homogeneous churches established for Indian communities in Australia, the UK, and the USA, which are flourishing under the guidance of The Church of Pentecost. These developments underscore the church’s commitment to inclusivity, cultural relevance, and empowering local leadership.

St. Lucia, Tunisia, Uganda, Congo DR, Madagascar, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, and numerous other nations have also recorded over 90% indigenous membership, signaling a seismic shift in the demographics of Pentecostal congregations worldwide.

This monumental achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and strategic vision of The Church of Pentecost. By embracing indigenous communities and empowering local leadership, the church is not only fulfilling its mandate to spread the gospel but also fostering sustainable, culturally resonant expressions of Pentecostal faith across the globe.

As The Church of Pentecost continues to expand its footprint and influence, these developments herald a new era of global Pentecostalism characterised by diversity, inclusivity, and indigenous empowerment.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has called on Ministers of Gospel to willingly serve God and the church without conditions and reservations.

Apostle Nyamekye made the call on Monday, April 29, 2024, when delivering a sermon on the first day of the Heads’ Session of the 18^th Extraordinary Council Meetings at the Pentecost Conversion Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region.

Speaking on the theme, ‘The delight of sacrifice; serving God without reservations,’ Chairman Nyamekye indicated that Apostle Paul had great encounters and revelations about God in the early part of his ministry. However, he did not allow that to make him complacent but rather, he desired to have more of such encounters and revelations as captured in Philippians 3:10-15.

Apostle Nyamekye emphasised that being a head, or a leader of a church is not an end to Christian worship.

He, therefore, admonished ministers and all Christians to emulate the selfless life of Apostle Paul and desire more of the things of God, as well as serve in His kingdom willingly without conditions and reservations.

‘Just like Paul, we must always strive to know God and forget about what we have achieved and get hold of what God has destined us for,’ he said.

According to Apostle Nyamekye, the relevance of a person knowing God is that it makes them committed to His service.

‘The more a person knows God, the more he will be committed to His service. Because when you know Him as Lord, you will also know yourself as a servant,’ he stated.

Apostle Nyamekye charged ministers not to question the nature of the place they are posted to, the weather conditions, who will take care of them, amongst others.

He, however, admonished church leaders to note that regardless of the conditions at where they are posted to, it is the will of God to save the people over there. Hence, it is important that they go and serve without any conditions and reservations.

PENTECOST NEWS

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), has advised Church leaders to do the work of ministry with a positive attitude in order to advance the Kingdom of God.

He said this on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Asankrangwa Newton Central Assembly auditorium of The Church of Pentecost during a meeting of church leaders under the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) within Asankrangwa in the Western Region of Ghana.

Speaking on the topic “Building God’s Church; The Role of The Pastor Leader,” he urged the need for a resilient and expansive church, describing it as both an organism and an organisation—a community of holy people propelled by love and the gospel of salvation.

Apostle Nyamekye compared the church to a living organism, explaining, “An organism has life, composed of mutually interdependent parts that maintain vital processes. Similarly, the church is a body full of life.”

He explained that unlike a company, which is an assembly of persons for social purposes, the church is imbued with life.

He cited 1 Corinthians 3:6, “Keep God in the church so He will make things grow,” to highlight the importance of divine guidance in church growth. He also referenced Ezekiel 43:10, noting that the church has its own design with holiness at its core.

Addressing the challenges of church leadership, Apostle Nyamekye stated, “As the church grows, problems arise, requiring not just holiness but wisdom too.” He encouraged pastors to lead with wisdom, as advised in Mark 1:35-38 and Ephesians 5:5-18.

The GPCC President underscored the vitality of leadership, quoting Psalm 110:3, “Two things make church members lively; when the leader takes charge and when God arises,” and Judges 5:2, “Take charge as a leader.”

He differentiated between pastors who are merely preachers and those who are true leaders, asserting, “A Pastor is supposed to be a leader, but not all Pastors are leaders.”

He advised focusing on three areas: conquering new territories, solving problems, and meeting the needs within the church.

Apostle Nyamekye highlighted the triad of effectiveness in leadership—skill, attitude, and character.

He defined skill as “the ability coming from one’s knowledge, practice, aptitude to do something well,” and pointed out that God equips those He calls, as seen in Psalm 78:71-72.

He stressed the significance of diligence in leadership, citing 1 Timothy 4:14-15, and discussed the impact of attitude on leadership, stating, “Attitude can be threatening or relaxing. It causes people to love or hate you.” He called for respect for all, as a good attitude necessitates sacrifice.

Concluding his sermon, Apostle Nyamekye imparted wisdom on conduct, financial integrity, and purity in relationships, referencing 1 Timothy 3:14-15, 2 Corinthians 8:21, and 1 Timothy 5:1-2.

Present at the meeting were Apostle Mireku Gyamerah (Axim Area Head), Apostle Sylvester Arhin (RCC Coordinator, Western and Western North) and pastors from various churches within the GPCC.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) and Chairman of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, met with leaders of various churches within the Asankrangwa township and its surroundings in the Western Region of Ghana as part of his recent visit to the Region.

Speaking to them on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Asankrangwa Newtown Central Assembly of The Church of Pentecost, he examined the essence of pastoral leadership in nurturing a church that thrives and expands.

He described the church as both an organism, teeming with life, and an organisation requiring structure and leadership. He emphasised that, unlike a company, the church possesses life, which is evident through growth, reproduction, and adaptation.

Highlighting the role of a pastor, Apostle Nyamekye stated, “The church needs leadership to grow and to spread.” He stressed the importance of keeping God at the centre, as He is the one who gives life to the church and enables it to flourish.

He pointed out that wisdom is as crucial as holiness in leadership, referencing Acts 6:1-4, where growth led to challenges within the church. He urged pastors to lead with wisdom and to be diligent in studying the Word to ensure the church’s longevity.

Apostle Nyamekye identified three key elements for effective pastoral leadership: skill, attitude, and character. He defined skill as knowledge put into practice and underscored the need for pastors to continually develop their abilities.

He also discussed the significance of attitude, saying, “Attitude can be threatening or relaxing. It causes people to love or hate you.” He advised maintaining a good attitude, which is underpinned by respect for all.

In conclusion, he provided guidance on maintaining integrity in speech, financial matters, and relationships, encouraging pastors to lead with absolute purity and righteousness.

Present at the meeting were Apostle Sylvester Arhin (RCC Coordinator, Western and Western North), Apostle Daniel Dekpor (Asankrangwa Area Head), Apostle Mireku Gyamerah (Axim Area Head), and pastors from various churches within the GPCC.

PENTECOST NEWS.