Seek Character In Addition To Charisma – Apostle Agyemang Bekoe To Ministers WEB

Seek Character In Addition To Charisma – Apostle Agyemang Bekoe To Ministers

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The International Missions Director of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, has challenged Ministers of the Gospel to balance charisma and character in their ministries.

He explained that charisma and its power have become the most desirous among some Christians at the expense of character, even though charisma could be faked.

“Character as a fruit of the spirit in the life of the believer is always genuine and could not be faked and thus has to be desired,” he posited, adding, “A false scale is an abomination unto the Lord. The genuine must spread in order not for the fake to trend.”

Apostle Agyemang Bekoe further explained that character formation hinged on the fruits of the spirit will guide and guard the believer. So, it was important for believers to develop character and not be afraid to operate in charisma. 

Speaking on the topic, “The Personhood of the Priesthood for Moral Vision and Development” at the 2023 All Ministers Conference on Wednesday at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh near Kasoa, Apostle Agyemang Bekoe observed that some ministers by their actions and concentration focused on the workings of charisma at the expense of character. 

About the use of anointing oil and the working of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life, he advised Christians to yearn for the infilling of the Holy Spirit, which places character as its core and indwells in the believer.

“If you have the anointing oil (aleiphos) in your bag, it is time to seek the fruits of the spirit (Kleos) because the ‘aleiphos’ can be counterfeited whereas the ‘kloes’ cannot,” he admonished. 

The conference, which started on Tuesday, 19th, and will end on Friday, 22nd September, is on the theme: “Moral Vision and National Development: The Role of the Church.”

PENTECOST NEWS

IMD Urges Church Leaders To Transform Local Churches Into Prayer Movements web

IMD Urges Church Leaders To Transform Local Churches Into Prayer Movements

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The International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, called on ministers and elders of the Church to transform the local churches into vibrant prayer movements.

Speaking to participants of the Global Elders’ Retreat gathered at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa Fetteh and others at various satellite centres, Apostle Bekoe emphasised the vital role of prayer in the local church.

He explained that by embracing the vision of making the local church a powerful prayer movement, ministers and elders would usher in a transformative era of spiritual growth and impact within their congregations.

Drawing from James 5:13, Apostle Bekoe proposed that every local church service should feature a prayer session where congregants engage fervently with God in prayer.

He, therefore, urged church leaders to take the responsibility of leading their members in prayer by making the church a dedicated Prayer Centre, stating that when people are dissatisfied with the prayer life within the church, they often seek prayer elsewhere.

He acknowledged that some church members maintain membership in The Church of Pentecost while engaging in prayer fellowships outside the church premises.

To address this, he urged church leaders to satisfy their members’ spiritual needs by cultivating a robust prayer culture within the local church.

Quoting Ephesians 6:18, Apostle Bekoe noted the different types of prayer that should be practised in the local church, including the prayer of thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4), confession (1 John 1:9-10), intercession (Ezekiel 4:4), and supplication (James 5:13).

He urged Church leaders to ensure that intercession and supplication are integral to every local church gathering.

Apostle Bekoe presented four critical aspects of the local church as a prayer movement. Firstly, he described it as a Salvation Centre where people come for redemption and deliverance.

He emphasised that every church service should be seen as a deliverance service, as prayer plays a crucial role in bringing about lasting transformation.

Secondly, he described the local church as a Solution Centre, where answers are provided to complex problems. He encouraged church leaders to actively seek divine solutions to the challenges faced by their congregations.

Thirdly, Apostle Bekoe portrayed the local church as a Salvaging Centre where broken and battered individuals can find restoration and healing, saying that the church must be a source of redemption and wholeness for those in need.

Finally, the IMD highlighted the local church as an Encounter Centre, stressing that it should be a place where people genuinely encounter God rather than a mere entertainment venue.

“When people come to Church, they must encounter God, or God must encounter them. Whichever way, there must certainly be an encounter,” he said.

Apostle Bekoe urged church leaders to prioritise prayer over administrative tasks and ensure that the church remains a sacred space for encountering the presence of God.

“As Church leaders, let us all rise in prayer and protect the spiritual boundaries of the Church,” he charged.

PENTECOST NEWS.

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CACI-Chairman Pays Courtesy Call On Apostle Eric Nyamekye

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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.

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Missions Directorate Receives Massive Support From Madina Area

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The Madina Area of The Church of Pentecost, led by the Area Head, Apostle Martin Seth Appiah, has donated a range of items to the internal and external missions of the Church.

The donation was made on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at the Church’s General Headquarters in La, Accra.

The items included one Tricycle (Aboboyaa), four motorbikes, 86 bicycles, one generator set, 11 pieces of Kente cloth, 22 GTP Wax Print, 335 High-Target Wax Print, 106 materials, 18 jackets, 25 suits, 105 headgears, 33 shirts, 107 singlets, 15 boxes, five towels, and 33 sacks of sewn clothes, among others.

The areas set to benefit from the donations are Bawku, Tumu, Bolga, Yendi, Atebubu, and Afram Plains (Maame Krobo District).

The Madina Area also donated USD 1,610.00 to support the Ganta District of the Church in Liberia, which is aslo supported by the Fire Stone Worship Centre.

In a brief interview with PENTECOST NEWS on the sidelines of the presentation ceremony, Apostle M.S. Appiah said, “As a missionary for fourteen years, where I served in Nigeria (6 years), South Africa (3 years), and the United Kingdom (5 years), respectively, I know the challenges that happen in the missions’ front, where it is worse in the internal missions. I felt that we should put things together as an Area, ensuring that the missions work meets the Great Commission agenda of believers.”

He also revealed that each Area has special needs, especially in the Northern sector, where getting money to acquire some of these items is quite challenging, stating, “We also realized most people in the Northern sector used bicycles and tricycles as their means of transportation.”

The International Missions Director (IMD), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, on behalf of the Missions Board of the Church, thanked Madina Area for their kind gesture, saying, “The Lord who touched the heart of the leadership will bless you abundantly.”

He indicated that the items would be swiftly distributed to the designated areas as soon as possible. Apostle Bekoe called on members and “Friends of Missions” to never relent in supporting missions by giving their missions offering and donating always to push the work of God across the globe.

The delegation from Madina Area included Pastor Patrick Anto (Madina Area Secretary, Adenta Housing District Minister & Madina Area Missions Chairman), Pastor Joseph Boachie Agyemang (La-Nkwantanang District), Pastor Essel Kofi Annor (East Legon District), Pastor Joshua Yirenkyi-Smart Jnr. (Adjiringanor District), Pastor Daniel Appiah (James Mckeown Worship Centre), Elder Philip Atiemo (Madina Area Estate Officer), and Deaconess Gifty Opare Zowonu (La-Nkwantanang District Women’s Ministry Executive Member).

Also present at the presentation ceremony were Pastor Gideon Boadu Yirenkyi (Personal Assistant To IMD & Resident Minister of Firestone Worship Centre) and Deaconess Ruth Adjabeng (Accounts Manager, Missions Office).

PENTECOST NEWS.

PIWC-Graceland Donates $20,000.00 To Support Missions Work

PIWC Graceland Gives Massive Support To Missions

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Pentecost International Worship Centre, Graceland (PIWC-Graceland) in the Teshie-Nungua Area of The Church of Pentecost (CoP) has donated $20,000.00 to the International Missions Office in support of the CoP’s external branches in Tanzania, Lesotho, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and the Osogbo Area in Nigeria.

The Church has also donated 20 pieces of wax prints, an undisclosed cash amount to the Bawku Area pastorate Ministers and their wives, a motorcycle valued at GHC 12,000.00 to the Ekye Amanfrom District in the Afram Plains Area, and GHC 60,000.00 towards the upkeep of Missionaries’ children in Ghana.

The donation was made today by a church delegation led by the Resident Minister, Pastor Felix Okyere Anti, at a short ceremony held at the CoP’s General Headquarters in La, Accra.

In a brief remark, the International Missions Director, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, commended the Church for the wonderful gesture, emphasising the importance of the support to missionaries’ children in Ghana.

“Your donation demonstrates your commitment to supporting those in need around the world and will help to advance the work of missions in the Church,” he said.

The PIWC-Graceland entourage included Elder Joseph Tawiah Ahinde (District Executive Committee Member), Elder Miguel Ekow Andoh (District Administrator), Elder Samuel Ainoo, and Deaconess Edith Delali Ametepey (Assistant Women’s Ministry Leader).

Staff from the Missions Office, including Pastor Gideon Boadu-Yirenkyi (Personal Assistant to the IMD), Mrs. Victoria Kumi-Woode (Administrative Manager To IMD), and Deaconess Ruth Adjabeng (Accounts Manager), were also present at the ceremony.

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IMD Embarks On Missions Promotional Tour

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The International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, fellowshipped with members of the New Tafo Area last Thursday as part of his McKeown ‘s Missions Week promotional tour to the Ashanti region.

The historic visit, which took place at the M. K. Yeboah Memorial Temple, Krofrom in Kumasi, attracted a high turnout, despite the threat of the rain.

Addressing the elated congregants, Apostle Agyemang Bekoe read 1 Chronicles 16:23-24 and explained that God’s people have special responsibility to praise Him, and proclaim the good news of His salvation day to day, which is the mission statement of the Church.

He was glad to announce that The Church of Pentecost has its presence in 151 nations. He indicated that missionaries are most often sent into a completely foreign and unfamiliar context and culture, faced with environmental and language barriers.

In the light of this, the IMD outlined the power of encouragement, especially to missionaries, revealing that active interest shown by members towards them and the work is a tangible reminder that someone really cares for them.

According to him, missionaries are strengthened to overcome the myriad of challenges and hardships related to carrying out the task through encouragement, hence the need for members of The Church of Pentecost to reach out to them through phone calls.

He, therefore, urged members of the Church to develop active interest in encouraging missionaries. Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe also commended the various Areas of the Church for their support, especially during missions weeks revealing that, many members of the Church witnessed and confessed to the significance of the tithes and missions offering during the Russia -Ukraine war.

He called for more support towards missions work, particularly this week, which has been designated as Missions Week. The New Tafo Area Head, Prophet Samuel Tetteh Doku, was grateful to the IMD for the visit.

He called on members to heavily support the missionary cause because it is the biblical model of expansion of the kingdom of God, and by helping the missionaries, “we help in spreading the good news to the whole world.”

Present at the service were Apostle J. B. K Tawiah (Kwadaso Area Head), Mrs. Victoria Tetteh Doku (Wife of the Area Head), Area pastorate and their spouses.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah & Dennis Owusu

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Prayer Is A Power-Filled Ministry – Apostle Agyemang Bekoe Asserts

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The International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, has said that prayer is a ministry through which the power of God is released upon an individual for maximum impact.

Apostle Agyemang Bekoe said this today when he gave a presentation on the topic: “Prayer Ministry and Evangelism in the Local Church” at the Global Elders’ Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

Reading from Hebrews 5:7, 7:25, the IMD pointed out that Jesus considered prayer as a ministry. “This means ministry is a service. So, if services can be offered and rendered, then prayer can be offered and rendered,” he said.

He explained that when one offers prayers, the rippling effect, which is the power of God, is released upon the vessel praying. He further noted that Christians should model the prayer life of Jesus, our great intercessor.

“When you intercede, you do not offer prayer; you render prayer. If you don’t offer prayer, but render it, you will lose power instead of gaining. Then you will become a spent force. That is why prayer must be offered before being rendered,” he advised.

“If you follow Jesus’ ministry, you would realise that He always offered prayer to God first. After, He comes down to render prayer. In the same way, in the local church, we must offer prayer before rendering it,” he added.

To make evangelism more effective in the local church, the IMD advised church leaders to strive to operate in all nine spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, which he termed as “the Spiritual gift model of evangelism.”

He said that when church leaders operating mightily in these gifts, they would draw more souls to Christ. Other evangelism models Apostle Agyemang Bekoe noted are the “Jesus-Samaritan model” where one engages in one-on-one evangelism (John 4) or one person evangelising to many people known as the “Day of Pentecost model” (Acts 2:41).

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church Of Pentecost Dedicates State-Of-The-Art Evangelism Gospel Truck 2

The Church Of Pentecost Dedicates State-Of-The-Art Evangelism Gospel Truck

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The “Possessing The Nations” agenda of The Church of Pentecost received a boost following the unveiling and dedication of a brand-new state-of-the-art truck for evangelism purposes.

The multipurpose truck, which has tailor-made systems for outdoor sound and visuals, was dedicated today by the Chairman of the Church, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on the sidelines of the Global Elders’ Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

The dedication was witnessed by a jubilant crowd, most of whom were in awe of the 20-foot-long gigantic automobile.

The new truck has an inbuilt platform, clear sunlight screens on the sides, complete sound and lightning, three LED screens, and electrical gen set.

Dedicating the truck, the Chairman expressed gratitude to God for making the vision of acquiring the vehicle a reality.

He further expressed optimism that the facility will help the Church reach out to many with the gospel message of Christ.

The Evangelism Ministry Director, Apostle Dr Jimmy Markin, on his part, applauded the Apostle Eric Nyamekye-led Executive Council for the massive investment made in the Evangelism Ministry that would yield eternal rewards.

The newly-unveiled truck is said to be the longest evangelism truck in Ghana, and the second longest in Africa.

Present at the event were Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (International Missions Director) and other ministers and officers of the Church.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Church Of Pentecost-USA Donates To Fulani Community

The Church Of Pentecost-USA Donates To Fulani Community

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The external branch of The Church of Pentecost in the United States of America (CoP-USA Inc.) has donated six tricycles to Fulani communities in Ghana through the Home and Urban Missions (HUM).

The donation, worth $5,000, were dedicated and presented on behalf of CoP-USA by the International Missions Director (IMD), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, at a brief presentation ceremony at the just-ended International Missions Board meeting.

Explaining the rationale for the donation in an interview with PENTECOST NEWS, the National Head of CoP-USA, Apostle Michael Agyemang-Amoako, said: “When we learnt that the Fulanis converts had lost their jobs due to their decision to surrender their lives to Christ, we were moved to come to their aid and provide them with some form of employment.”

“This, we believe, would also encourage others, who are afraid of facing similar fate, to come to Christ,” he added.

Elder Dr. Ken Aboah, a Trustee of The Church of Pentecost and the Chairman of the Legal Committee of the Missions Board, thanked the CoP-USA for the kind gesture.

He also revealed that the CoP-USA has offered educational scholarships to Fulanis who are interested in pursuing tertiary education.

“This is helping to prevent the Fulani’s from engaging in dubious activities in the communities, while bringing them to the saving knowledge of Christ for maximum impact,” he stated.

The HUM National Coordinator, Apostle Emmanuel Agyei Kwafo, received the tricycles for onward distribution to the beneficiaries.

Present at the presentation ceremony were Apostle Eric Nyamekye (Chairman), Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary), Apostle James Sundaram Raj (RCC Co-ordinator  Far East and Asia/ Oceania & Executive Council Member), Apostle Ousmane Zabre (RCC Co-ordinator Francophone West Africa & Executive Council Member), Apostle Angelino Binda Jequessene (SADC), Apostle Massaboi Zuwu (Anglophone West Africa), and Apostle Sam Agyemang Tabi      (Europe – Acting).

Others were, Apostle Samuel Appiah (Middle East), Apostle Seth Fianko (East Africa), Apostle Komi Tchango (Central Africa), Apostle Lawrence Otu Nyarko (Co-opted Member / FAD), Pastor George Prah Amonoo (Missions Board Member), Elder Professor Stephen Kwankye (Missions Board Member), and Deaconess Mrs. Ruth Keelson (Co-opted Missions Board  Member).

PENTECOST NEWS.

162 Officers Ordained In Teshie-Nungua Area web

162 Officers Ordained In Teshie-Nungua Area

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A total of 162 persons have been ordained as officers of The Church of Pentecost in the Teshie-Nungua Area of the church.

The ordained officers comprising 57 Elders, 56 Deacons and 49 Deaconesses, were drawn from the various districts in the Area.

The ordination service which was officiated by the International Missions Director (IMD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe, assisted by the Area Head, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah-Agyeman, took place on Friday night [February 10, 2023] during the climax of the Area’s All Officers Apostolisation held at the Fred Stephen Safo Memorial Temple at Nungua-Nshorna, Accra.

Also present to assist the IMD were the Hohoe Area Head, Apostle Moses Ahiakor, a guest speaker at the Apostolisation; Apostle Rigwell Ato Addison (Rtd) – a former General Secretary of the church, and Apostle M. M. Kopah (Rtd).

Apostle Agyeman Bekoe charged the newly called officers to commit themselves to the service of the church to advance the Kingdom business.

At the same event, the Area Head, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah-Agyeman, presented special awards to individuals and districts in the Area for their evangelistic efforts.

The awardees were Mrs Esther Boateng who won 26 children for Christ and retained them in the church in 2022. She also won nine adult souls.

Others were Elder Isaac Kyeremeh of Community 20 District who won 11 souls, with 10 baptised in water, and Elder Peter Sam of Mannet District. He also won 15 souls with 12 baptised in water.

The Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies, Elder Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, and his wife, Mrs Adelaide Cynthia Araba Siaw Agyepong, was also honoured for winning a total of 80 souls for Christ, with over 50 of them baptised in water.

The Teshie District, led by the late Pastor Robert Sowah Nii Anang, received the highest soul-winning district award for winning 422 souls last year, while Graceland Pentecost International Worship Centre, headed by Pastor Felix Okyere Anti, was also awarded for baptising and retaining all 174 souls won in 2022.

PENTECOST NEWS.