Mentor The Children Under Your Care – General Secretary Tells Children’s Ministry Workers web

Mentor The Children Under Your Care – General Secretary Tells Children’s Ministry Workers

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has advised Children’s Ministry workers to mentor the children under their care in order to effectively shape the spiritual foundation of the next generation.

Speaking on the topic: “Mentoring the Next Generation: The Role of Children Workers” at the just-ended Foundation Builders Conference (FBC’2023), Apostle Kumi-Larbi urged the Children’s Ministry workers not to give up, bearing in mind that they significantly contribute to the lives of the young ones they teach.

“There’s nothing good that can be achieved without a good foundation. Yet, foundation builders are less celebrated, but those who stand on it enjoy the glory. You might not know what you are doing for the young ones you teach, but do not give up,” he encouraged.

Drawing from Ephesians 4:11-13, Apostle Kumi-Larbi highlighted the essential work of child workers in impacting children’s lives, saying that The Church of Pentecost would never lack leaders due to the dedicated efforts of the children’s workers who serve as the foundation builders.

“By building a solid spiritual foundation for the children of the Church, you play a vital role in ensuring continuous growth and leadership development within the Church,” he said.

The General Secretary noted that mentors, as wise and trusted counsellors or teachers, offer invaluable guidance and support to less experienced individuals over an extended period.

He further noted that mentors are crucial in equipping and shaping the next generation, providing them with the necessary skills and navigating the challenges of the professional world.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi cited biblical examples of mentorship, such as the relationship between Eli and Samuel, Elijah and Elisha, and Jesus and His disciples, as inspiration for effective mentoring.

He highlighted the importance of relational mentorship, stating that Jesus was always present and interacted with His disciples daily, and, therefore, urged the foundation builders to conduct themselves in a manner that resonates with their mentees.

“Before you can impact somebody, the person needs to follow you,” Apostle Kumi-Larbi remarked, referencing Matthew 16:24.

The General Secretary said mentors should lead by example, demonstrating a genuine interest in their mentees’ growth and learning.

He explained that mentoring involves helping mentees identify, develop, and utilise their God-given talents.

He also stressed the importance of nurturing and supporting the young ones, setting an exemplary standard for them to follow, and ultimately enabling them to become mentors themselves.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi’s presentation also touched on the “Barnabas Model,” citing the relationship between Barnabas and Paul as a powerful example of mentorship.

He also highlighted how Barnabas sponsored and supported Paul’s acceptance into the apostolic community, ultimately transforming him from a persecuted member to a devoted minister of Christ.

He encouraged foundation builders to stand by young men and defend them, actively shaping and releasing them into the church’s service.

“Mentoring the next generation requires us to come to their level, groom them, defend them and unleash them,” he said.

He also advised the children’s workers to foster an environment of mutual sharing, trust, and enrichment, where mentors and mentees learn from each other.

The General Secretary concluded his presentation by discussing the faces of mentoring, which include parenthood, pace-setting, and partnering.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi said that mentors not only give back but also enhance their own leadership skills and gain new perspectives. He, therefore, encouraged Children’s Ministry workers to live a life of significance by sharing their time and expertise with their mentees, enabling them to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Live The COP Brand! – Apostle Kumi-Larbi Urges Missionaries web

Live The COP Brand! – Apostle Kumi-Larbi Urges Missionaries

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has emphasized the importance of missionaries embracing a Christ-centered lifestyle that aligns with the values and principles of The Church of Pentecost, regardless of their location.

According to the General Secretary, “Over the years, The Church of Pentecost has built a Christ-centered brand with our core values, culture, and rules of conduct handed down to us as a legacy from our forebears, which we must preserve and pass on to the next generation.”

He made this call when addressing the newly-called missionaries to the internal and external mission areas of the Church yesterday at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

Delivering a paper on “Deepening The COP Brand,” Apostle Kumi-Larbi emphasised that “for the past 80 years, our forebears, being careful in observing the instructions in the covenant, the tenets, core values, church culture, and rules of conduct of the church, have given the CoP a unique and enviable brand which ought to be guarded jealously.

He encouraged all ministers and members of the church to brand themselves with the values and principles of Christ. He said that, like every other church, The Church of Pentecost has its own culture and foundational beliefs at the heart of its theology, governing system, and practical expression of Christian life and ministry.

“As a church, we love and cherish these practices so dearly. Everyone who comes into our fold must know and diligently apply themselves to these,” he stated.

He reiterated the need to reposition the church in this generation as a clarion call to deepen the brand as a church.

“We want to make The COP brand stronger and more intense to bring clarity to it and cause our members to become more interested in the church. These are virtues and values that must be jealously guarded and bequeathed from one generation to the other,” he added.

He urged the missionaries to carry a distinctive character of Christ, which has contributed to building a strong church through selfless service, sound biblical teaching, good leadership and succession, evangelism and discipleship, sacrificial giving, fellowship, and discipline.

“It thus behooves this generation to know, uphold, and jealously guard these time-tested Pentecostal distinctive attributes as we seek to reposition the local church for maximum impact,” he stressed.

The General Secretary concluded by saying that although the church began with people who were not so educated, yet, the Holy Ghost inspired them to create a brand that has made the church unique, distinguished, and respected in the world.

PENTECOST NEWS

Emulate Jesus' Mentoring Model – Apostle Kumi-Larbi Tells Church Elders web

Emulate Jesus’ Mentoring Model – Apostle Kumi-Larbi Tells Church Elders

The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has emphasised the importance of mentoring in the local church and called upon elders of the Church to emulate the mentoring model of Jesus Christ.

With The Church of Pentecost experiencing significant growth in membership and expanding its presence to numerous nations, Apostle Kumi-Larbi stressed the need for intentional mentoring, particularly among the youth, who comprise over 70% of the church’s members.

According to him, effective mentoring would play a vital role in the church’s efforts to reposition the local church for a greater societal impact.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi said this when he gave a presentation on the topic “Mentoring In The Local Church” today at the second edition of the Global Elders’ Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

In his presentation, the General Secretary defined a mentor as a wise and trusted counsellor or teacher who guides and advises a younger or less experienced person over an extended period, especially in professional or educational settings.

Referring to Ephesians 4:11-13, Apostle Kumi-Larbi explained that it is the responsibility of Church leaders to equip God’s people for His work and to build up the body of Christ until everyone reaches maturity.

He described the Church’s leadership philosophy as “Grow your own timber and use it,” emphasising that every new convert, regardless of gender, possesses the potential to become a leader.

“Our leadership development starts at the grassroots level,” Apostle Kumi-Larbi stated, adding that mentors are crucial in transferring knowledge and experiences, helping the next generation avoid repeating past mistakes and making better decisions.

Touching on Jesus’ mentoring model, he said that the religious leaders at the time marvelled at the boldness and impact of Peter and John despite their lack of formal training. He said the fact that Jesus Himself had mentored them accounted for the transformation of the disciples.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi further highlighted Jesus’ relational approach to mentoring, where there is close interaction between mentors and mentees.

He encouraged church leaders to create room and avenues for mentees to be in close proximity to their mentors, allowing for intimate relationships and open communication.

He stressed the significance of leaders demonstrating the qualities they wish to impart, leading through their own actions and experiences.

He said that Jesus’ teaching was not limited to theory but manifested in His own life, providing a tangible example for His disciples to follow.

Using various methods such as parables, questions, and correction, Jesus taught His disciples about prayer, love, forgiveness, and leadership.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi encouraged church leaders to adopt similar teaching strategies, engaging in dialogue and providing practical guidance to help mentees develop their God-given graces and talents.

The General Secretary explained that Christian mentoring is a process based on submission to Christ, characterised by mutual sharing, trust, and enrichment.

He highlighted the mentor’s role as a model and trusted listener, relying on the Holy Spirit for insight and transformation.

He also mentioned Eli and Samuel (1 Samuel 1-4), Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 2:1-25), Barnabas and Paul, and Paul and Timothy, among others, as other biblical examples of how Christian mentoring can be effective and urged church leaders to prioritise mentoring within their congregations.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi identified the three phases of mentoring as the Parenthood Phase, where the mentor cares for and nurtures young Christians (mentees); the Pacesetting Phase, where the mentor models Christian maturity for the mentee to emulate; and the Partnering Phase, where the mentee becomes spiritually mature and is now viewed as a co-worker by the mentor.

The General Secretary was confident that if Christian mentoring is pursued intentionally at the local churches, many young members will become grounded in Christ, resulting in a more glorious Church in the future.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Cape Coast Area Dedicates Double Occupancy Mission House web

Cape Coast Area Dedicates Double Occupancy Mission House

The Cape Coast Area of The Church of Pentecost, under the leadership of Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, has dedicated a double occupancy mission house to accommodate the Akotokyir District Minister and the Campus Minister of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) branch of the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA).

The building was dedicated by the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, on Sunday, May 28, 2023, with support from the Area Head.

The dedication ceremony, which took place at the Kwaprow Assembly auditorium, brought together people from all walks of life, including ministers, officers, PENSA members/ alumni and church members.

Delivering a sermon on the topic “Repositioned After Pentecost for Maximum Impact,” with scripture references from Joshua 5:1-13, 2 Chronicles 5:14, and Ezekiel 11:14-25, Apostle Kumi-Larbi stated that Christians must reposition themselves to be pruned by God in order to maintain the glory of God.

The General Secretary said that the forebears have worked hard to bring the Church this far and the present generation is currently enjoying the fruit of their labour.

He, therefore, urged the current generation to strategically and consciously reposition themselves to build a more glorious Church in the coming years for maximum impact in the nations.

He further stated that after encountering the Holy Spirit, one’s mind must be renewed by the word of God, which will affect the way they perceive things as they are being transformed into the image of Christ.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi added that any spirit-filled believer should have a renewed spirit where they are conscious in choosing their words carefully.

“After Pentecost, your thoughts must change, your hearts must be renewed, and finally, your words must have a positive impact,” he affirmed.

Dedicating the building, Apostle Kumi-Larbi commended Apostle Yaw Antwi, who also serves as the Coordinator for the Central Regional Coordinating Committee (CRCC) and Executive Council Member of the Church, for the great work done to ensure the successful completion of the project.

“Apostle Antwi has managed and used the grants very well to put up this edifice, which will house the PENSA-UCC Campus Pastor and the Akotokyir District Minister,” he said.

Each apartment of the double occupancy mission house comprises four bedrooms, one office, a study, a family hall, a visitor’s hall, a dining area, and a kitchen, among other facilities.

Elder Kwabena Owusu provided a brief history of the project, mentioning that the idea for the mission house was conceived when Pastor Mark Kofi Adom-Nyankey, the former District Minister of Hopedo in the Ho Area, generously donated his parcel of land in Kwaprow for the Akotokyir District mission house project.

Upon receiving this great news, the Area Head, Apostle Samuel Yaw Antwi, together with the Area Executive Committee, who were also looking for a plot of land to construct a mission house for the PENSA UCC Campus Minister, came up with the idea of using the plot of land to build a duplex storey building to accommodate both ministers.

The dedication ceremony had in attendance the Cape Coast Area pastorate and their spouses, Elder Daniel Quainoo (Area Deacon), Mrs. Margaret Serwaa Antwi (Wife of the Area Head), Deaconess Georgina Ashley (Area Women’s Ministry Leader), Nana Kwasi Mensah II (Chief of Kwaprow), and Farinyi Kweigya VII (Chief Fisherman of Moree).

Report by Pastor Frank Akonnor (PENSA-UCC Campus Minister)

National Creation Care Conference Tackles Ghana's Environmental Crisis

National Creation Care Conference Tackles Ghana’s Environmental Crisis

The Church of Pentecost is collaborating with other Christian organisations to tackle Ghana’s environmental crisis at the maiden National Creation Care Conference currently ongoing at the Crystal Palm Hotel in Accra.

The three-day conference, which officially commenced today, Monday, May 22, aims to develop a national Christian framework, policy, and plan to safeguard the environment and address climate change-related issues.

The destruction of Ghana’s natural resources, including illegal mining, deforestation, and pollution, has reached an alarming level. Consequently, the conference seeks to mobilise the Christian community, representing a significant portion of the country’s population, to take action and become a positive force in addressing environmental challenges.

During his speech at the event, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to combat the nation’s environmental challenges.

He expressed excitement about the potential impact of the forum, stating, “As a denomination, we eagerly look forward to joining forces with all denominations to pursue an Environmental Care Campaign that will transform our nation, Ghana.”

He called on Christians to recognise their responsibility as stewards of God’s creation and highlighted the importance of caring for the environment and the consequences of neglecting this divine duty.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi noted that The Church of Pentecost, under the leadership of Apostle Eric Nyamekye, instituted the Environmental Care Campaign as part of the Church’s five-year strategic vision (Vision 2023) four years ago to address Ghana’s environmental challenges. Through clean-up drives, tree-planting initiatives, and recycling plastic waste, the Church has made significant progress in raising awareness and taking practical steps towards preserving Ghana’s environment. He, therefore, called for unity among denominations and institutions to maximise the impact of these efforts.

The General Secretary further noted that religious leaders have a vital role in this endeavour because they have a unique opportunity to regularly engage with their congregations and equip them as agents of transformation in all aspects of life.

Concluding his speech, Apostle Kumi-Larbi reiterated The Church of Pentecost’s commitment to environmental care. He further expressed hope that the conference would provide the impetus for the wider Christian community to implement sustainable practices to ensure a cleaner and greener Ghana.

The National Coordinator of the Environmental Care Campaign and Agormanya Area Head of the Church, Apostle Samuel Gakpetor, also gave a presentation on the prevailing environmental challenges and their impact on lifeforms in Ghana at the conference.

His presentation shed light on critical issues affecting the country’s ecosystems and called for urgent action to address them. He also identified unsustainable agriculture practices, poor land use planning, water, land, and air pollution, inadequate waste management, and urban sprawl as critical environmental challenges facing the country with far-reaching consequences if left unaddressed.

The National Creation Care Conference, a first of its kind, provides a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and expertise to develop a comprehensive Christian response to environmental challenges.

Participants from various organisations, including The Church of Pentecost, A Rocha Ghana, Akrofi Christaller Institute, Challenge Enterprises of Ghana, and World Vision Ghana, have gathered to come up with practical ways to mitigate Ghana’s ecological crises and promote sustainable practices.

Outcomes from the discussions and workshops at the conference would be used to develop a national Christian framework for environmental care to shape future initiatives and inspire collective action to protect Ghana’s environment for future generations.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church of Pentecost Calls For Collaborative Efforts To Enhance Food Security In Ghana - Websize

The Church of Pentecost Calls For Collaborative Efforts To Enhance Food Security In Ghana

The Church of Pentecost has called for collaborative efforts to enhance food security in Ghana, emphasising the importance of addressing the four dimensions of food security: physical availability, economic and physical access, food utilisation, and stability over time.

Speaking at the Ghana Food Security Conference being jointly organised by the Jospong Group of Companies, Asian African Consortium and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, in a speech delivered on behalf of the Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, acknowledged the challenges facing food security in Ghana, including undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies, which persist across all life stages.

He also highlighted poverty, climate change, rapid urbanisation and population expansion, and poor infrastructure as significant threats to food security in the country.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi referred to the 1996 World Food Summit’s definition of food security, which emphasises the need for all people to have physical and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food for an active and healthy life. He stressed that all four dimensions of food security must be fulfilled simultaneously for food security objectives to be realised.

He commended the Jospong Group of Companies, led by Elder Dr. Joseph Siaw-Agyapong, for their mission to improve people’s lives and introduce the unique idea of public and private sector collaboration for food sufficiency.

According to him, The Church of Pentecost sees this as a significant and timely initiative to help Ghana achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2: “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.”

The partnership between the Jospong Group and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was therefore timely, significant and crucial to addressing food security challenges, and expressed optimism that the collaborative efforts will lead to practical solutions and strategies to enhance food security in Ghana.

“By working together, scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders can make significant strides towards achieving food security goals and ensuring a prosperous and fruitful nation,” he said.

The 2023 Ghana Food Security Conference continues with sessions and discussions focusing on innovative approaches, research findings, and policies that will contribute to Ghana’s sustainable development of food security.

The conference, being held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, is under the theme: “Enhancing Food Security: The Role of Ghanaian Scientists.”

PENTECOST NEWS.

Websize-26

The Church Of Pentecost Commends Jospong Group & CSIR For Food Security Conference

The Church of Pentecost has lauded the Jospong Group of Companies and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for organising the maiden Ghana Food Security Conference.

The conference, being held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, aims to address the issue of food security in Ghana and explore ways to enhance it through collaborating with Ghanaian scientists.

The event, themed “Enhancing Food Security: The Role of Ghanaian Scientists,” has brought together over 200 scientists, experts and stakeholders in and outside the country to discuss practical ways of improving Ghana’s food security situation.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, the General Secretary of the Church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, commended Elder Dr. Joseph Siaw-Agyapong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, for his commitment to improving the lives of people and introducing the unique idea of strengthening public and private sector collaboration for food sufficiency.

According to the General Secretary, The Church of Pentecost sees the conference as a significant and timely initiative to help Ghana achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2: “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.”

He further noted that the objectives of the conference align with the Church’s five-year vision of “Possessing the Nations,” and therefore, assured Elder Dr. Siaw-Agyapong of the Church’s unwavering support in various ways to fulfil the food security vision.

“The Church of Pentecost believes that by equipping its members with the values, principles, and lifestyles of the Kingdom of God, we can actively contribute to the nation’s transformational development, just as Elder Siaw Agyepong and his wife, Mrs. Cynthian Agyepong (Chief Executive Officer of the Asian African Consortium), are doing in addressing food security challenges,” he said.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi, therefore, lauded the partnership between the CSIR, known for its mandate to drive national development through scientific and technological research, and the Asian African Consortium (AAC) of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC).

The African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development reports that around 1.5 million Ghanaians experience food insecurity, with undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies persisting across all life stages.

The 2023 Ghana Food Security Conference is expected to provide a platform for Ghanaian scientists, experts and stakeholders to share knowledge, strategies, and innovative solutions to deal with this worrying trend.

The conference’s objective is that these steps would be implemented to produce enough food to feed Ghanaians and even explore opportunities for food exportation.

PENTECOST NEWS.

NEW GS

Apostle Gyau Obuobi Elected General Secretary Of The Church Of Pentecost

Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, 53, has been elected as the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, succeeding Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, who served in the role for 10 years.

The nomination of Apostle Obuobi, who is the Asamankese Area Head of the Church, was confirmed by delegates at the Church’s 46th session of the General Council Meetings, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

He secured an overwhelming endorsement of 1,256 votes, representing 99.6% of the 1,262 votes cast.

Profile of Apostle Samuel Obuobi

Apostle Samuel Obuobi is a Chartered Accountant who holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Master’s degree in Organisational Leadership and Governance from the University of Ghana, Legon.

He was called into full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 2004, beginning as a Resident Minister at Emmanuel Worship Centre in Dansoman Area while simultaneously serving as a lecturer at Pentecost University. Later on, he was transferred to Prophet M. K. Yeboah Worship Centre in the Odorkor Area, and subsequently assigned as Resident Minister at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Asokwa, and later at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Atomic, Accra. Currently, he serves as the Area Head of the Church in Asamankese.

Apostle Samuel Obuobi has also served on various boards and committees of the Church.

He is married to Mrs. Korkor Obuobi, and they are blessed with three children.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Untold Story Of The Outgoing General Secretary Of The Church Of Pentecostdd

The Untold Story Of The Outgoing General Secretary Of The Church Of Pentecost

Whoever thought that a street boy, perched in a tailoring kiosk in Suhum Amponsah Market with his well-known drunkard father, and whose mother was the daughter of a chief fetish priest, could be saved and have the opportunity to be schooled and become a Minister of the Gospel? Isn’t it sheer grace? Who is this person? How did he come out of obscurity and attain prominence? Indeed, with God, all things are possible. The man in perspective is the indefatigable Apostle Ing. Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the outgoing General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, who has served the Church, God, and the country in that capacity for the past ten years.

Apostle Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi is not ashamed of his ugly and hopeless past, from which only the mighty hand of God could snatch him and give him an expected end. No wonder this man is so passionate about evangelism and soul-winning. Whenever he mounts the stage to preach, he narrates where God took him from and where he is now. His testimony is so touching that it leaves most of his listeners weeping and eager to hear more.

Through him, his drunkard father, and his idol-worshipping mother, came to the saving knowledge of Christ. Today, he can pride himself on building a formidable and well-respected Christian family.

46th General Council Meeting Elections

In the next few days, The Church of Pentecost will elect a new General Secretary to replace Apostle Kumi-Larbi at the upcoming 46th Session of the General Council Meetings. This meeting will take place from May 3rd to May 5th, 2023, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region. The event will have His Excellency Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, as the Special Guest of Honour.

This piece does not attempt to speculate in any way about who will become the next General Secretary of the largest Pentecostal/Charismatic Church in Ghana. Rather, it seeks to eulogize the achievements of the hardworking outgoing General Secretary and his life experiences. Additionally, it will highlight the position of the General Secretary, which is regarded as the second-highest position within The Church of Pentecost.

How it all began

In 2013, when the “gentle giant,” Apostle Dr Alfred Koduah ended his second five-year tenure as the General Secretary of the Church, the then Chairman of the Church, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah, noticed a young Apostle named Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, who was in charge of the Asamankese Area of the Church at the time.

Looking back over the past ten years, the general consensus among the Church populace is that Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah could not have chosen a better person, as Apostle Kumi-Larbi has exceeded all expectations.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi served under Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah for five years and has worked with the current Chairman and newly elected President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, for the past five years. With tenacity, enthusiasm, and zeal, Apostle Kumi-Larbi has carried out the implementation of the Church’s Vision 2023 of the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda.

Chairman Eric Nyamekye sometimes wonders whether the General Secretary even sleeps since he is always on the move to ensure the realisation of the vision. In one of the events organised by the Church in November last year, Apostle Nyamekye virtually wept when he introduced Apostle Kumi-Larbi and indicated that he [Kumi-Larbi] would be attending the annual conference for the last time in his official capacity as the General Secretary of the Church.

Election of the General Secretary

The Church of Pentecost is touted for its excellent governance structure, which has enabled the Church to endure the test of time and emerge as a prominent, thriving global Church.

Chapter 3 of the Church’s Constitution outlines the Administration of the Church, which specifies the various administrative structures and how the Principal Officers (Chairman, General Secretary, and International Missions Director) and other key officers are selected.

Article 14 of the Constitution sets out the qualifications for the General Secretary as a mature Minister of the Church with a good standard of education. The General Secretary’s duties include: managing the Church’s correspondence, being accountable to the Chairman for the Head Office Administration,  serving as an ex-officio member of all Boards and Committees, holding the official seal of the Church and reporting to the General Council on the Headquarters Administration’s performance.

The Church of Pentecost’s method of selecting its key officers has upheld the Church’s sanctity, unity, and rapid and sustainable growth. The Church does not have elections or contests for higher positions or offices. Instead, suitable persons are chosen to occupy leadership positions in the Church through a ‘calling’ (nomination), subsequently affirmed through a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ voting system. This selection method eliminates lobbying and campaigning, which typically results in factionalism and disunity as has been the case in some churches. In Acts Chapter 1:12-26, Peter and the other Apostles prayed before selecting Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot. Similarly, in The Church of Pentecost, people are called/nominated to occupy higher positions upon careful consideration and reflection through prayers.

The process for selecting the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost involves several steps as outlined in Article 14 (3) of the Church’s Constitution. The process begins with the 15-Member Executive Council, led by the Chairman of the Church [after prayerful consideration], presenting a candidate from the list of eligible candidates to the Electoral College for open discussion and secret ballot. The Electoral College is made up of Members of the Executive Council, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, National Heads, and Area Heads. The Electoral College will then conduct a secret ballot election, supervised by an Electoral Commission appointed by the Executive Council, with the candidate elected by a simple majority. Finally, the candidate elected by the Electoral College will be presented to the General Council, the highest decision-making body of the Church, for approval by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting.

The elected General Secretary, like the two other Principal Officers of the Church, will serve for a term of five years and may be re-elected for a second term only, i.e., he cannot be elected to hold office for more than two terms.

During this two-term tenure, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi has done an excellent job handling the Church’s affairs. Due to his front-line involvement in pursuing specific national agendas, he is well-respected among Ghana’s ecumenical bodies.

The personality of Apostle Kumi-Larbi

Apostle Kumi-Larbi is a man known for his high level of integrity and is highly esteemed by both ministerial and non-ministerial staff at the Church’s Headquarters. He has a humble disposition, respects everyone, promotes team spirit, exhibits level-headedness, maintains good human relationships, demonstrates ingenuity, and takes work seriously. Anyone who has interacted with him will forever remember these qualities. He adopts an open-door administration, listens attentively, and addresses all issues brought to his attention promptly. Apostle Kumi-Larbi is not interested in using his position to lord over others, knowing that power can corrupt. His prayer has always been to occupy the Office as a Christian and to leave as a Christian without blemish. Fortunately, his prayer has been answered, and he is leaving the Office with clean hands.

Profile of Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi

Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi was born on 24th December 1964 at Asamankese in the Eastern Region to Mr Samuel Opare Kumi and Madam Florence Akosua Odi, both from Abiriw-Akuapim and of blessed memory.

As an engineer by training, he started schooling at Suhum Presbyterian School and obtained his Middle School Leaving Certificate in 1979. He then continued his education at Koforidua Secondary Technical School. He passed the GCE ‘O’ level examination in 1984 and proceeded to the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC, Legon) for his GCE’ A’-Level certificate in 1986.

During his pre-university National Service, he taught for one year at the Suhum Presbyterian JHS (from 1986-1987).

He subsequently gained admission at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and graduated with a BSc. (Hons) degree in Civil Engineering in 1991. During his post-university National Service, he taught at Takoradi Polytechnic, now Takoradi Technical University, from 1991-1992.

In 1995, he was awarded an OSW Scholarship to pursue an MSc degree in Infrastructure Planning at the University of Stuttgart in Germany. He completed the program in 1997. Additionally, he has finished the School of Theological Education by Extension (STEE) program at Pentecost University and has been awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Theology. He is currently a member of the Ghana Institution of Engineers (MGhIE).

Work Experience

He worked with Twum Boafo and Partners, a Consulting Engineering firm in Ghana (1992 to 2000), during which he engaged in Structural, Civil Engineering and Road Design and Construction Works. His experience in road works includes pavement and geometric designs, hydrological studies and the design of drainage structures. He was also involved in the design and supervision of some significant projects in the country, including serving as a Resident Engineer for the Rehabilitation and Completion of the Accra and Kumasi sports stadiums for the CAF-Under 20 Youth Soccer Tournament (1998-2000), Design and Resident Engineer responsible for the construction of the SSNIT flats at Tema Community 5 and Ho (1992-1995), Assistant Design Engineer involved in the Feasibility Studies for the Reconstruction of Tetteh-Quarshie Interchange-Mamfe road (1994-1995); he was involved in the structural design and detailing for a warehouse and offices for VRA at Aboadze Thermal Plant site office, Takoradi (1999) and a Consulting Engineer for The Church of Pentecost projects (1993 to date).

Call into full-time Ministry

Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi was called into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 1999 and has since served as District Minister for Kojokrom, Awoshie and Michel Camp districts. He was appointed an Area Head in 2011 and was responsible for the Asamankese Area. He was called into the Office of Apostle in 2013 and elected as the General Secretary in 2013.

Marriage

He is married to Mrs. Rose Ama Dansoa, and they have been blessed with four sons.

Interest

Apostle is very passionate about evangelism, discipleship and selfless leadership with integrity.

By Fred Tettey Alarti-Amoako

About the Author:

The Author is a Senior Editor at The Church of Pentecost General Headquarters & a Communication Expert.

Websize-19

CACI-Chairman Pays Courtesy Call On Apostle Eric Nyamekye

The newly elected Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church International (CACI), Apostle Samuel Amponsah-Frimpong, paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, today at the Church’s General Headquarters in Accra.

The visit, according to Apostle Amponsah-Frimpong, was to thank Apostle Nyamekye for honouring the invitation to preach at his induction service, congratulate him on his elevation to the presidency of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), and wish him well in his new mandate.

The CACI delegation was received by a four-member team of The Church of Pentecost, including Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the General Secretary, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the International Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, and the Finance and Administration Director (FAD), Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko.

In his speech, Apostle Amponsah was full of praise for the leadership of The Church of Pentecost for the great work in advancing the Kingdom business in Ghana and beyond.

He said that although both church organisations have a chequered past, it was time to build bridges and forge ahead for the advancement of God’s kingdom. He explained that the Christ Apostolic Church, The Apostolic Church, and The Church of Pentecost all emerged from the ministry work of Pastor McKeown and Apostle Anim and are cut from the same cloth.

He said that the prophetic message received by early members that the Church would grow to become a big ocean had been fulfilled as all three churches have gone on to become great Pentecostal churches in their own right.

“I, therefore, see this as a divine move of God because today when you put the population of all three churches together, you can see that we have indeed become a mighty ocean,” he said.

He explained that it is now time for the Body of Christ to come together and make more inroads for the Lord. He said that both Christian organisations have a lot in common in their emphasis on holiness, soul-winning, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

“We share in Apostle Nyamekye’s passion for Christians to dominate the earth. This is the mandate we have been given as Christians to go into the world and make disciples of all nations, and in so doing, we will be filling the earth with the culture of heaven.

“The Church of Pentecost and the Christ Apostolic church must stand together always because the things that bind us together are more than our differences,” he said.

He indicated that his leadership is willing to collaborate with other church organisations, particularly The Church of Pentecost, and expressed that they are looking forward to honouring the invitation the CoP has extended to CACI to participate in its upcoming General Council meeting next month.

According to him, the meeting would serve as an opportunity to learn from The Church of Pentecost.

“As a member of the Ghana Pentecostal Charismatic Council (GPCC), we are well aware of the awesome contribution of The Church of Pentecost to the Body of Christ. The Church of Pentecost is a gem in Pentecostalism, and we accept it!” he said.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on his part, thanked the delegation for the august visit. He also congratulated the new chairman and his executive on their election to serve the CACI at the highest level.

“The work of an Executive Council Member is very important, and that is why it is not by appointment but by election so that the people themselves would select who they prefer to serve them,” he said.

He urged them to do their best to live up to the confidence the church has reposed in them by always seeking the collective interest of the church over individual interests.

He advised them to pay attention to their policies and structures in order to build a strong church.

“You should not hesitate to amend their constitution and review their policies and practices to better serve the needs of the people. Otherwise, you would have an archaic constitution that does not serve the people’s needs,” he urged.

Apostle Nyamekye also advised them to always have in mind that they building a church – a community of holy people who walk in love and advance towards heaven – and not a mere social club.

“This means that for us, the most important thing is to ensure that the Holy Spirit does not desert our camp,” he added.

The Chairman welcomed the idea of both Christian organisations to forge closer ties and work together to build on the viable seed sown by their forebears.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi also took the opportunity to invite the CACI to the second edition of the All Ministers’ Conference (AMC2023), slated for September this year.

The visit concluded with an official group photograph of the leadership of both Christian organisations.

The CACI delegation also included Apostle Dr. Addai-Kusi (General Secretary), Rev. Stephen Acheampong (Field Director), Apostle George Peter Derry (Missions Director), Apostle Prosper Agbaglor (Evangelism Director), and Rev. Asumadu Kyeremeh (Director of Christian Education).

PENTECOST NEWS.