Posts in category: Moving With Chairman

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.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, is on a four-day working visit to the Asankrangwa Area of the Church.

The Chairman was welcomed on arrival by the Area Head, Apostle Daniel Dekpor, his wife, and the pastorate in the Area.

The Chairman began his visit within the Manso Zone, sharing with officers and members more about the five-year strategic vision of the Church, dubbed “Vision 2028.”

In a stirring address to the congregants, Apostle Eric Nyamekye challenged believers to extend the transformative power of the church beyond its walls.

“The church’s worth is measured by its impact on the world,” Apostle Nyamekye asserted.

He urged Christians to influence society with the values and principles of God’s kingdom, emphasising that true worship isn’t confined to a church building but should be evident in the world at large.

Drawing from the scriptures, he cited Acts 17:24, reminding the congregation that God does not dwell in temples made by human hands and that a Christ-like lifestyle should be maintained outside the church premises.

He also referenced Colossians 3:23, encouraging everyone to work wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord, not people.

Apostle Nyamekye also pointed to Isaiah 60:1-4; 21:22, highlighting the potential within the land of Israel to rise as a great nation, symbolizing the potential within every community to flourish under divine guidance.

The Chairman is scheduled to join the Dadieso Zone in the Asankrangwa Area this morning and the Enchi Zone in the evening. He would then meet with the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) ministers within Asankrangwa and end his visit with a Sunday morning service.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, is on a week-long working visit to the Western and Western North Regions of Ghana, to share the church’s ‘Vision 2028’ with members.

The visit, which spans from Tuesday, April 9 to Sunday, April 14, 2024, includes stops at the Sefwi Wiawso and Asankrangua Areas of the church, led by Prophet Robert Dentu and Apostle Daniel Dekpor, respectively.

Starting his visit at the Emmanuel Assembly in the Market Square District of the Sefwi Wiawo Area, the Chairman emphasized the church’s mission to possess nations and influence worldviews with Kingdom values and principles.

He stated, “From time to time, God chooses leaders for his people. Our service to God does not end in the church but extends to our society, to the world.”

The Chairman further explained that the texts in Deuteronomy 6:1, and Deuteronomy 7:1 form the basis of the ‘Vision 2028’ agenda. He said, “Where there is evil, we are to possess that nation and turn their hearts to Christ. The church is not an end to itself but a means to an end.”

Reflecting on the ‘Vision 2023’ agenda, the Chairman noted, “In the last five years, we have focused on equipping the church to possess the nation. It started with ‘I will build my church’, ‘a glorious church to possess the nations’, ‘a glorious church revived to possess the nations’, ‘the church as an army of God’, ‘repositioning the local church for maximum impact’.”

He added, “We have carefully but forcefully drummed home the fact that Christ did not come to save individual sinners but to build a community of believers called the Church.”

The Chairman concluded by highlighting the overarching theme of ‘Vision 2028’: “Possessing the Nations, Unleashing the whole church to transform their world with the Values and Principles of the Kingdom of God.

According to him, Transformation is the conversion of souls and the conversion of society through the Gospel, adding: “Miracles do happen mostly outside the church building.”

Among those present were Very Rev. Samuel Okrah of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Honourable Alex Tetteh, Member of Parliament for the Sefwi Akontombra Constituency, chiefs within the Area and church members.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has asserted that without the death of Jesus Christ, believers would not have the promise of eternal life.

He said this during the Duayaw Nkwanta Area’s 2024 Easter Convention at the Methodist Park on Friday, March 29, 2024.

In his sermon, Apostle Nyamekye noted, “When Jesus declared ‘It is finished,’ He accomplished everything necessary for our salvation.”

The Chairman drew references from 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, stressing the centrality of Jesus’ death in the Christian message.

Reflecting on the brutality of crucifixion, Apostle Nyamekye remarked, “Crucifixion, reserved for the vilest of criminals, became the means by which God’s redemptive plan was fulfilled.”

Quoting John 19:28-35 and Deuteronomy 21:22-23, he highlighted the intentional nature of Jesus’ death as ordained by God.

Touching on Hebrews 9:10-12, Apostle Nyamekye explained, “Through the sacrifice of His blood, Jesus secured our redemption and sealed the new covenant.”

He further articulated the concept of inheritance, stating, “Jesus’ death is the prerequisite for us to inherit eternal life and God’s promises.”

In a stirring call to action, Apostle Nyamekye urged, “As heirs of God’s promises, let us embrace our identity and live out the transformative power of the Gospel.”

PENTECOST NEWS

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has advised ministers of the gospel to do their ministry without any material expectations and reservations.

Drawing from 2 Corinthians 12:15, he likened Apostle Paul’s love for the Corinthians to the unconditional service that should be present in our churches today.

He made this statement on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, during the pastors session of the Winneba Area Officers’ Retreat (Apostolisation) at the Hallelujah Temple, Winneba.

Apostle Nyamekye stated, “Apostle Paul was prepared to be impoverished for the sake of the people, for the sake of Christ. His service was unconditional and without any reservation. This is the kind of commitment we need in our institutional churches today, which unfortunately, is often filled with conditions and reservations.”

He further advised the clergy to do ministry without conditions, emphasizing that ministry is to God, not to the church.

“Watch your friends closely because the kind of friends you have will determine the altitude you will reach. Make sure not to think much about material gains in ministry,” he added.

On the topic of leadership, Apostle Nyamekye referenced Judges 5:2, highlighting that when leaders take charge, people will gladly follow.

He stressed the need for pastors to develop leadership skills and reminded them that their greatest asset is not their members, but their teams.

“Everyone has a potential to be a great leader. As a pastor, your concentration should not always be on preaching. A pastor needs three things to make him effective; skill, attitude, and character,” he explained.

He further elaborated that once one becomes a leader, they need to acquire skills, which is to gain for oneself through one’s actions and efforts. Attitude, he said, is about wisdom.

“A Pastor needs a good attitude towards older women, young women, the elderly men, etc. You need a productive attitude towards annual themes and the things of the church and matters related to the church. Your attitude towards these things must be positive.”

Finally, he warned about the erosion of character, which usually begins with neglect. “The best person is a person who has a pure heart,” he concluded.

Present at the service were Apostle Daniel Nii Tetteh Tackie (Winneba Area Head), Apostle Anthony Mensah (PIWC Atomic) and wife, Nana Aba and a cross-section of the area pastorate.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has advised ministers of the church to organise their members into teams so as to provide effective leadership.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye said this when he delivered a message on the topic “The Pastor Leader” at the commencement of the Cape Coast Area 2024 Apostolisation on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

The morning session, which was held at the Adisadel Assembly of the Church in Cape Coast, was attended by pastors and wives in the area.

Apostle Nyamekye, who is also the President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), stressed on the need for pastors to be effective leaders who can balance the spiritual and administrative aspects of the church.

He said the church is both an organism and an organisation, and therefore requires leadership, administration and management to maintain its life and practice.

He quoted the renowned Christian author A. W. Tozer, who said, “If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95% of what we do will go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament Church, 95% of what they did would cease and everyone would have noticed it.”

Apostle Nyamekye explained that an organism is a form of life composed of mutually interdependent parts that maintain various vital processes, while an organisation is a group of persons put together for some end or work.

He said the church is not a company, which is an assemblage of persons for social purposes, but an organisation that thrives on the power of the Holy Spirit.

He urged pastors to pay attention to the core ministry of prayer and the Word, as stated in Acts 6:1-4, and to partner with God in planting and watering the seeds of the gospel, as stated in 1 Corinthians 3:6-8.

He also advised them to be organised, make the most of every opportunity, especially taking care of the new converts, and do everything in the church in an excellent manner, as stated in Ephesians 5:13-18, Colossians 4:5 and 1 Corinthians 14:26.

The President of the GPCC said the title “Pastor” connotes a position of leadership, but having the title does not make one a leader, adding; “Swimming in the ocean does not make you a fish.”

He cited the example of Aaron, who was a High Priest but not a good leader, as seen in Exodus 32:22. He contrasted him with Moses, who had to learn leadership from his father-in-law Jethro (Exodus 18:15-23).

He said leadership could be a gift (Romans 12:6-7), but it can also be learned.

“Leadership is not glamour, toughness, power, feared by enemies, admired by friends, showmanship, achievement, administration or management, position, title or authority, or privileges. But leadership is about contagious vision, character and example. It is service – giving up of self,” he explained.

He concluded by highlighting the importance of leadership. He said, “When God arises, His people will be willing. When leaders take charge, the people will gladly follow.”

Apostle Eric Nyamekye emphasised the importance of building leadership teams. He referenced 1 Chronicles 11:9-10, explaining that just as David needed to mobilise his people for the nation to give him strong support.

The Chairman stressed that to be an effective pastor, one must raise good leaders. He, thus, identified skills, attitude, and character as the three key elements that make a leader effective.

He defined effectiveness as being adequate to accomplish a purpose or the expected result, citing Acts 6:6.

“We all cause effect, but when the effect is positive, we say you are effective,” he said.

He further explained that skill is a capability that is crucial for leadership.

He quoted Mark 1:17, saying, “When you become a pastor, you need skills to lead the congregation. Once you are made a leader, you need to acquire skills.”

Apostle Eric Nyamekye also discussed the importance of attitude, which he defined as a mindset that affects what and how a person does something.

He explained that attitude can either draw people to you or repel them from you, and can also cause people to love you or hate you.

He warned that a negative attitude tests the patience and tolerance level of people.

He explained that underlining good attitude is the principle of respect for all, and that good attitude calls for a lot of sacrifices.

Present were Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi (Cape Coast Area Head), Apostle Sylvester Arhin (Takoradi Area Head), Apostle Robert Andoh and wife, Gladys (Essam-Debiso Area Head) and a cross-section of the Cape Coast Area pastorate.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has eulogised the Late Apostle Dr Micheal Kwabena Ntumy, describing him as “a man that Heaven greatly loved.”

Delivering a sermon titled “A Man Greatly Loved” at the memorial service for Apostle Ntumy, former Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, at the Forecourt of the State House on Saturday, February 24, 2024, Apostle Nyamekye said: “There was, and there is something between God and Apostle Dr Michael Kwabena Ntumy that we may not understand. But we can say that Heaven loved and loves him; he was and is precious to God.

“Chairman Ntumy was a wonder. He was a wonderful, surprising sign of what God can do. He was greatly loved by The Church of Pentecost.”

Using Prophet Daniel in the Bible as a case study, Chairman Nyamekye emphasised how the Angel Gabriel in the book of Daniel Chapter 9:22-23 and the Angel who came to interpret God’s revelation to Daniel in Daniel 10:10-11 all described the prophet as “Man greatly loved.”

According to him, the angels called Daniel so due to their observation of how Heaven saw and treated him.

Apostle Nyamekye clarified that neither Prophet Daniel’s ability to make great kings and queens bow before God, his great wisdom, strong prayer life, purity, and all other qualities were the reasons Heaven loved him.

However, he believes that God loved Daniel because of his righteousness.

Eulogising the life of Apostle Dr Michael Ntumy, Chairman Eric Nyamekye spoke about how the former Chairman refused to return to Ghana during the war in Liberia on the request of the then Executive Council of the church but chose to put his life on the line for God’s work.

Considering this and the several challenges Apostle Ntumy went through, including surviving multiple accidents, 18 surgeries in 15 years as well as two deliberate food poison attempts on his life, Apostle Eric Nyamekye drew a conclusion that the late Apostle Ntumy loved God and his work, making God also loving him exceptionally.

He stated: “The fact that God loves a person does not insulate him from human predicaments.”

Apostle Ntumy’s memorial service was graced by many prominent persons in Ghana and beyond, including the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Dr Mahmud Bawumia, Former President John Dramani Mahama, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Akosua Frema Osei Opara, Ministers of State and Members of Parliament, heads of Churches and para-church organisations, the members of the Church’s Executive Council, the former Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah, among others.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has urged church leaders to think of nations, not just churches, and to have passion and zeal for the gospel.

He made this call at the Missions Board Meeting held at the Pentecost Missions Transit Quarters in Accra on February 20, 2024.

He delivered a sermon on the topic “The Power Of The Scattered Believers”, based on Acts 8:1-8, which narrates the story of how the persecution of the early church led to the scattering of the believers and the spread of the gospel in Samaria.

He said that God can use the scattered servants to change the community and the nation, even in the midst of persecution and opposition.

He commended the International Missions Director and the board members for their good advice and guidance that enabled the church to establish its presence in 19 nations in one year.

The Chairman also challenged the church to be a ‘seeing’ ministry, not just a ‘hearing’ one, and to demonstrate the power of God through signs and wonders.

He said that the church should bring great joy to the broken cities and transform them with love and grace.

 “When there is not great joy in the city, then the city is a broken city. Life comes through scattered servants, whether young, old, or any age between,” he said and encouraged the church to be faithful and courageous in the face of challenges and opposition.

Apostle Nyamekye emphasised the importance of unleashing the potential of every believer, regardless of their age, education, or status, and equipping them for the Great Commission.

He said, “It is not about whether they’re educated or illiterates, not shortness or bigness – what is important is to unleash them, direct them, raise them and let them go.”

He stated that the unleashing business should include children, who are also agents of transformation.

The meeting was attended by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, the International Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, Apostle Larri Banimpo (Executive Council Member / National Head for Togo), Apostle James Raj (Executive Council Member / National Head, India), Apostle Miezou Amalanon K. Ernest (President, CoP La Cote D’Ivoire), and Apostle Dr. Lord Elorm Donkor (National Head, CoP UK).

Also present were Pastor George Prah (Member, Missions Board), Elder Dr. Lawyer Ken Aboah (Member, Missions Board), Pastor Emmanuel Appah (Finance and Administration Director, CoP), Elder Prof. Owusu Korankye (Finance Board Chairman) and others.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has advised church leaders to seek the peace and prosperity of the nation, especially during an election year.

“When the economy in our nation grows, the churches will also grow. So, seek the peace and prosperity of the land because if it has peace, you too will have peace. We should not excuse ourselves from working for the good of our country because God has linked our peace with its peace, our prosperity with its prosperity,” he said.

The GPCC President made this appeal on Tuesday, February 14, 2024, during the 2024 Heads of Churches and Organisations Conference at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa-Fetteh, when he delivered a sermon on the topic “The Church: God’s Instrument for Peace and Transformation.”

Drawing from Ephesians 3:1-10, Apostle Nyamekye stressed that “God’s intent is that His wisdom will be made known to rulers and forces that govern nations. We are God’s strategic community to bring transformation to societies. We do that so we can salvage our nations to God. The church isn’t an end in itself; it is a means to an end.”

He further quoted John Baker, saying, “Religion is an escape mechanism to suffering.” He reminded the congregation that “When you are born again, it doesn’t insulate you against suffering. But we came to Jesus because he takes away the sins of the world. Jesus has plans for us. All the plans are wrapped up in his Word.”

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost urged Christians to focus on God’s plans for them rather than being preoccupied with what the devil has against them. He said, “Our future is better than our now because the scripture is true. Go back to the simplicity of the gospel. Christianity is a relationship with Christ.”

Referencing Jeremiah 28:2-4, 10, 15, 17, he encouraged Christians to increase in number, even in foreign lands, and not to be deceived by false prophets. He said, “Life is real, there are no easy roads. As long as the earth remains, there will be planting time and harvest time.”

He also urged Christians to seek the peace and prosperity of their land, saying, “When the economy in our nation grows, the churches will also grow. So, seek the peace and prosperity of the land because if it has peace, you too will have peace. We should not excuse ourselves from working for the good of our country because God has linked our peace with its peace, our prosperity with its prosperity. Churches are strategic partners to bring transformation to the nations.”

Apostle Nyamekye concluded his sermon by reminding the congregation of their role in society.

“We are persons in community. We are shaped in many ways by the environment we find ourselves. Corrupt social structures will make life difficult for all of us. Ministry should be part of society, if we do not care about our society, the devil will have a ‘field day’. Mere independence from colonial rule does not solve our problems. Whether we will enjoy God’s providence depends on how we manage what He has freely given. When we do not manage what He has entrusted to us, we corrupt it and eventually lose it”, he bemoaned.

Apostle Nyamekye further addressed the issue of corruption, stating, “Corruption is a human activity. We all need to help in creating environments in our spheres of operation that will be hostile to corruption.”

He identified incompetence and greed as the two key problems leading to mismanagement and corruption.

He outlined the devastating effects of corruption, saying, “Corruption results in poverty, lack of development, diseases, premature deaths, hopelessness, unemployment. Corruption is a social danger; it facilitates environmental degradation. It destroys nations, future, it undermines honesty and hard work. It also favours the privileged few.”

In his call to action, Apostle Nyamekye urged Christians to move away from corrupt practices and to pray for those who seek the peace of the nation.

He concluded by saying, “The key to the nation’s development lies in the character of its people.”

He emphasised the importance of personal integrity and character in nation-building and societal transformation.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The annual Heads of Churches and Organisations Conference, organised by the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), has commenced at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa-Fetteh.

The three-day event, which began on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, is set to conclude on February 15, 2024.

The conference is being held under the theme “The Church: God’s Instrument For Peace And Transformation” (Ephesians 2:17).

In his address, the GPCC President, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, emphasised the transformative role of the church in society, stating, “The church remains the hope for the manifestation of the glory of God. We cannot limit our focus to just salvation of souls while ignoring the state of society; it is crucial we care about both.”

With the upcoming elections in Ghana, Apostle Nyamekye highlighted the significant role the church plays during such crucial times. He said, “This year, we will be heading to the polls to elect politicians to head Ghana; the role of the church in this crucial time cannot be overestimated. This requires us to provide our best support in any way possible to ensure that the peace of this nation is safeguarded from one election to another.”

Apostle Nyamekye also urged attendees to maintain a stance of non-partisanship, stating, “We must be a part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

He encouraged participants to recommit themselves to their calling as ministers of the gospel and to be agents of reconciliation in a broken world.

The conference features a line-up of distinguished speakers, including Apostle Eric Nyamekye (President, GPCC), Rt. Rev. Gordon Kisseih (1st Vice President, GPCC), and Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh (2nd Vice President, GPCC).

Among those present were Apostle Emmanuel Tettey (General Secretary, GPCC), Rev. Dr. Francis Sey (Treasurer of GPCC), Apostle General Sam Koranchie Ankrah (Former First Vice President, GPCC), and Bishop Samuel Mensah (Former NEC Member, GPCC), among others.

PENTECOST NEWS.