Posts in category: Moving With Chairman

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.

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.