Pastor Bernard Azizu Mohammed Abogorago, a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) and the Tamale Area Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, has charged Christian men to be determined to make an impact in life.
He delivered this message at the Determination Conference organised by Tamale Area PEMEM at the Tamale Central Assembly, Tishigu on Friday, June 23, 2023.
Drawing lessons from the life of Daniel and his friends, as recorded in Daniel 1:8, 9, the Tamale Area Secretary urged Christian men to learn to demonstrate godly character traits such as determination, faith, strong conviction, risk-taking, faithfulness, and courage.
He highlighted that these traits propelled Daniel and his friends to greater heights even in the kingdom of Babylon.
He added that a person who is determined can make a significant impact regardless of their location or circumstances.
“God will fulfill His purposes concerning our lives if we remain resolute like Daniel and his friends did, even in a hostile land,” he said.
Pastor Abogorago concluded his message by sharing several instances from his own life to emphasise the immense benefits determination brings to one’s life.
Present at the conference were Pastor Isaac Deku (Area PEMEM Leader) and other members of the Area PEMEM Executive Committee, and a section of the pastorate in the Metropolitan Zone of the Tamale Area.
Also in attendance were Mrs. Anna Essinam Baah Ofori (Area Women’s Ministry Leader) and other members of the Area Executive Committee of the Women’s Ministry, as well as District and Local PEMEM Executives and members of the Church.
Report by Overseer Isaac Kwabena Tagoe (Assistant Area Reporter, Tamale)
Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, the Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) and an Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost has urged men to create enduring legacies as fathers to benefit the younger generation.
He emphasised that fathers play a crucial role as conduits of blessings to society, particularly to the younger generation.
According to him, when good fathers are present, society experiences peace, prosperity, and godliness.
“Fathers are responsible for upholding God’s Kingdom values and principles and imparting them to their children,” he said.
Apostle Anane Denteh made these remarks on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, during his welcome address at the opening session of the 5th edition of the Bezalel Conference, coinciding with the 25th Anniversary of the Ministry, taking place at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa.
Apostle Anane Denteh drew attention to the example of Abraham, who was blessed by God and named the father of all nations, through whom generations were to be blessed.
Citing Genesis 18:19, he highlighted that God chose Abraham to direct his children and household to follow the way of the Lord, doing what is right and just for the Lord’s promises to be fulfilled.
The PEMEM Director emphasised that fathers have two vital responsibilities on earth. Firstly, they must live a legacy of godly virtues as the foundation for guiding their children. Secondly, they must teach their children about the mind and will of God.
He remarked: “It is our responsibility to live by the principles of the gospel we preach and to transform every aspect of our influence with the values and principles of God’s Kingdom.”
However, Apostle Anane Denteh stressed that the most significant legacy fathers could leave behind is not material wealth or possessions. Instead, it is a spiritual heritage, desiring that their children walk in the ways of the Lord, stressing, “This enduring legacy is meant to impact not only the present generation but also generations to come.”
To further promote legacy building, he disclosed that the Ministry had established the Faithful Giants, a platform where the younger generation can receive mentorship and guidance from their fathers. This initiative addresses the failure of Joshua’s generation in raising their children according to God’s command.
Apostle Anane Denteh urged men to awaken to building a positive legacy for future generations, recognising that today’s actions shape tomorrow’s outcomes.
He added: “What we do today significantly influences what happens tomorrow. By getting it right today and actively developing it, we will likely leave an impactful legacy for future generations.”
The 5th edition of the Bezalel Conference 2023 is centred around the theme: “Repositioning Men for Maximum Impact: Building Upon the Legacy of the Fathers” (Genesis 12:1, 18:16-20).
The Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) of The Church of Pentecost is commemorating its 25th anniversary at the fifth edition of the Bezalel Conference at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa Fetteh.
The bi-annual conference of the Ministry, which is being held from May 24 to 26, 2023, has brought together over 2000 Christian men from across the country.
Themed “Repositioning Men for Maximum Impact: Building upon the Legacy of the Fathers,” the three-day residential event seeks to honour the contributions and legacies of past leaders and directors of the ministry while inspiring Christian men to create a lasting influence in society.
Representing the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost at the opening ceremony this morning, Prophet David Kankam Beditor, the Ashaiman Area Head and Executive Council Member of the Church, conveyed his congratulations to the Men’s Ministry on reaching this milestone.
He emphasised the pivotal role of fathers as conduits of blessings to society, particularly the younger generation.
Drawing inspiration from Genesis 18:19, Prophet Beditor underscored the importance of fathers upholding God’s Kingdom values and principles while imparting them to their children.
Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, the Director of the Men’s Ministry and an Executive Council Member of the Church, also delivered a heartfelt welcome address event, expressing gratitude to God for the ministry’s growth.
Reflecting on the significance of the 25th anniversary, Apostle Denteh highlighted the Men’s Ministry’s positive impact on men within the Church.
“Over the years, with the blessings of the Lord and the great leadership of the Church, PEMEM has become a vivacious Ministry to the glory of God. Also, PEMEM has contributed to the growth of the Church in diverse ways through its leadership,” he said.
According to him, this year’s conference would provide the opportunity to evaluate the contributions and legacies of past leaders, as well as inspire men to maintain virtuous practices and leave an enduring legacy for future generations.
“The intentionality of this conference in developing ourselves for tomorrow should lead us to three key things: repositioning ourselves, identifying a good legacy to build for the next generation, and the relevant strategy to execute our aspirations in life and ministry,” he said, adding: “Let us, therefore, wake up and build a good legacy for the next generation to emulate, bearing in mind that tomorrow begins today.”
The 2023 Bezalel Conference promises to be exceptional, offering men opportunities for innovation, skill development, and spiritual growth. The objective is to empower conference participants to have a tangible influence in every sphere of life and make a maximum impact on society.
With a focus on repositioning, the Bezalel Conference will address four key areas: becoming agents of transformation in society, repositioning the local church for maximum impact, equipping men to make a significant difference, and building upon the legacy of the fathers.
Distinguished speakers at the event include Apostle Eric Nyamekye (Chairman), Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (General Secretary), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe (International Missions Director), Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah, Rtd. (Immediate-past Chairman), Apostle Prof. Peter Ohene Kyei (Rtd.), Apostle Dr. Phillip Osei-Korsah (Director, Counselling Ministry), and other esteemed personalities such as Elder Dr. Nana Kwadwo Gyasi (PEMEM National Executive Committee Member), Elder Paul Mante (Kasoa Area Deacon), Elder Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong (Executive Chairman, Jospong Group of Companies), Elder Dr. Samuel Amo Tobbin (Executive Chairman, Tobinco Group of Companies), Deaconess Philomina Mireku (Director, Women’s Ministry), and Deaconess Gifty Agyemang (Founder, Radiant Parenting), among others.
Participants are expected to leave the conference with a renewed passion and the capacity to excel in their areas of influence, just like Bezalel and Oholiab, who assisted Moses in constructing the Tabernacle.
The “2023 National Bible Reading,” a week-long initiative of The Church of Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), in collaboration with the Ghana Bible Society and Local Council of Churches, was officially launched on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at the Sophia McKeown Temple (SMT), near the Church’s General Headquarters, La, in Accra.
The event, was chaired by the International Missions Director (IMD), Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe. He was assisted by the PEMEM Director, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, who doubles as an Executive Council Member of the Church.
This year’s “Bible Reading Week” is under the theme, “God’s Unchanging Word, Hope for all,” with Isaiah 40:8 and 1 Peter 1:24-25 as key scriptures.
The National Bible Reading exercise is scheduled to take place at the studios of Pent TV from Monday (February 7) to Friday (February 10).
Delivering the welcome address at the event, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh explained that the rationale behind the Bible Reading Marathon is to encourage the public reading of scriptures, stressing that everything about our lives revolves around the Word of God. which is completely reliable and accurate.
The PEMEM Director noted that the increasing spate of social and spiritual challenges in the world seem to scare godly people and cause them to doubt whether there is a place for Kingdom values and principles in the emerging world.
He, however, assured that “there is hope for us because God’s Word is infallible, unchanging, and faithful for anyone who depends on Him.”
“The Bible does not need to be recast, modernized or amended to compromise its standards in the face of societal challenges. God’s Word, rather needs to be understood, believed and practised in all spheres of our lives,” he added.
Apostle Anane Denteh is optimistic that as the Bible is read aloud in public, it would inspire the reading of God’s Word in homes and society, urging, “It is our earnest desire to expose our community to the powerful words of the Creator with an open heart of understanding.”
He commended the Heads of churches and the Chairman of the Bible Society of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Torto, for the support towards the programme and called on Church leaders to intentionally promote both public and private reading of the Bible among their members.
In a keynote address, the incoming General Secretary of Ghana Bible Society, Very Rev. Dr. Kwasi Addo Jnr, expressed that it is always a delight when people gather to read the scriptures, saying, “with the word of God dwelling in our hearts, we are guided.”
He said that in a world where everything appears uncertain and systems are crumpling, the Word of God is the only unchanging thing that can be relied on.
“Contemporary Christians are hooked on to the English versions of the Bible, and survey shows that many lack reading in the mother language. We want to encourage reading the Bible in our mother tongue,” he stated.
He further noted that reading the Bible in the native languages brings out the cultural interpretation that would help to make reading better and take away the strangeness in culture to bear. He, therefore, encouraged Christians to make Bible reading a habit and not only an annual event.
“Indeed, we go to church, carry the Bible, but the light of the Word appears not to guide us as a people. We are still dominated by corruption, deceit and lies. As a people of the Word, let’s allow the light of God’s Word to guide us as a country and transform our lives as a people,” he appealed to the Christian community.
Among those who read the scriptures were, Nii Afotey Anokwafo II (Antweregono Mantse, Teshie), Eld. Nana Ampim (Chief of Ekumfi Eyisem & Twafohene of Ekumfi), Nana Adjoah Tanah II (Bogoso Queen mother), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama (Chief of Defence Staff), Hon. Moses Anim (MP Trobu Constituency & Deputy Minister for Fisheries), Hon. Elizabeth Sackey (Accra Mayor); and Dr. Francis Omane-Addo (Representative for Director of Prisons).
Others were Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare (Director General, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission); Rev. DOII I. K. Erzoah Amihere (Rep. for Chief Fire Officer of Ghana National Fire Service); Rev. Andrew Jackson T. Odjawo (Presbyterian Church of Ghana; Director for Ecumerical and social Relations); Rev. ADO II Samuel Mireku Addo (Chaplain, National Headquarters, GNFS); Rev. Derek E. Koomson (The General Director Scripture Union).
Also in attendance were Apostle Dr. Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe (La Area Head); Apostle Col. Benjamin Kumi-Woode (Chaplain, Ghana Armed Forces & Resident Minister, Burma Camp Worship Centre); Elder Dr. Nana K. Gyasi (CEO Nana K. Gyasi Company Limited); Elder Dr. Nana Amo Tobin (CEO. Tobinco Group of Companies & Chief of Apinto Traditional Area), Elder Dr. Ebenezer Asamoah Nyarko (Deputy Director, PEMEM), and PEMEM National Executive Committee Members.
The “Bible Reading Marathon” initiative was initiated six years ago during the tenure of Apostle Emmanuel Ankra Badu (now Tema Area Head) as PEMEM Director. To commemorate this significant milestone, some churches with television broadcast channels have also offered to join Pent TV in transmitting the programme live to the church and general public.
The Director of the Men’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost (PEMEM), who doubles as an Executive Council Member of the Church, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, has urged church leaders to promote visitation in the local church since it is one of the most important and expressive ways the Church offers care and compassion to members in real-life situations.
According to Apostle Anane Denteh, visitation in the local church could be promoted not only in times of crises but also in times of celebrations and good news such as weddings, outdooring, graduations, and visiting students.
“Besides, it is also our divine responsibility to look for persons who are shut off from the church’s fellowship due to old age, health challenges, or facing various kinds of hardships that may require the attention of other persons,” he stated.
Apostle Anane Denteh gave this admonition on Friday, January 27, 2023, at the 2023 Global Ministers and Wives Conference (GMWC’23) of The Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh near Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana.
Presenting on the topic, “Visitation in the Local Church,” he emphasised that when church leaders promote visitation in the local church, there is godly fellowship, care for one another, brotherly love and members begin to bear each other’s burdens.
He, therefore, stressed that Christians must grasp that the love of Christ is the basis of our pastoral care ministry of which visitation is a part.
“The purpose of these visitations is to look for persons who cannot attend church services or fellowships due to old age, health challenges, or facing various challenges that may require the attention of others. This could be among members, local leaders, and other leaders of the Church,” he said.
The PEMEM Director further noted that visitation has always been a crucial practice in Christianity and cited Acts 20:20 to demonstrate how apostle Paul engaged in house-to-house activities as one of his visitation models to the believers in the early church.
Apostle Anane Denteh, therefore, urged ministers and church leaders to always uphold this principle and be ready to stay connected with the members so that they could identify themselves with their needs and help them solve those challenges.
He, however, cautioned that what transpires in visitation, whether house to house or wherever the visitation occurs, must be godly in nature and devoid of pursuing any rebellious behaviour against God’s church or a group of people.
“Negligence of the pastoral care, on the other hand, would incur the displeasure of God since all are duty-bound to carry out that aspect of divine obligation. This informs us of the importance of fostering visitation in the Church, particularly the local church, where the members are fundamentally accounted for,” he said.
An elder of The Church of Pentecost, Nana Kwakye Dankwah II, has been enstooled as the chief of Kasei, near Ejura in the Ashanti Region.
His enstoolment ceremony which took place on January 7, 2023, was attended by the National Co-ordinator of the Chieftaincy Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, who doubles as Director of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) and an Executive Council Member of the church; the Mampong Area Head, Apostle Samuel Kwabena Asare, and other ministers of the church.
In an address, the Chief of Ejura, Barima Osei Hwedie II, explained that it became necessary for a new chief to be enstooled for the people of Kasei due to the passage of the former chief, Nana Twumasi.
He commended Nana Kwakye Dankwah II for showing leadership skills and commitment to lead Kaseiman. He expressed his appreciation to The Church of Pentecost and the Chieftaincy Ministry for the encouragement and support given to the new chief.
In his welcome address, Elder Nana Kwakye Dankwah II thanked the Lord for His grace and mercy and the noble opportunity to serve the people of Kasei.
He further expressed his appreciation to the Ejurahene and the clergy for their immense support towards him.
He pledged his unrelenting support for the development and progress of Kasei, advocating for the provision of potable water which, according to him, is a major challenge for the people.
On his part, Apostle Anane Denteh called on the people and the royals in the palaces to be faithful, stating, “Every chief likes righteous, wise and skilled people.”
He explained that the Chieftaincy Ministry is a medium for the Church to partner with the palace for development in the communities.
According to him, the Church in collaboration with the Pentecost University has rolled out a course to support the chiefs who wanted to develop further skills to govern their people.
Gracing the occasion was the Queen mother of Kasie, Nana Akosua Akyiaa Oyiakwan, and some traditional leaders.
It was a great gathering of splendid royalty when Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, the National Co-ordinator of the Chieftaincy Ministry of The Church of Pentecost who also doubles as an Executive Council Member of the church and Director of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), launched the Wa Area Chieftaincy Ministry.
Apostle Anane Denteh reiterated that the Chieftaincy Ministry is part of the Vision 2023 initiatives of the church. The ministry, he said, aims at partnering with chiefs for community development, peace-building, and to foster chaplaincy at the palaces.
In a sermon titled, “Divine Order for Kings,” Apostle Anane Denteh read from Proverbs 16:10-15; 14:35; 22:29 and established that traditional rulership was established by God to provide leadership to communities and to care for God’s creation.
He challenged both royals and their subjects to live righteous lives to inure to the development of their communities. He also called for the need to uphold cultural values that please God and review those that do not.
Apostle Anane Denteh explained that there is a close working relationship between chiefs and the church, saying, “The subjects of the chiefs are also members of the church.”
He disclosed that Pentecost University will soon commence Chieftaincy Studies. He, therefore, challenged royals to take advantage of the academic programme.
In his welcome address, the Wa Area Head of the church, Apostle Daniel Nii Tetteh Tackie, said that the Chieftaincy Ministry concept is in line with the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda of The Church of Pentecost. He was full of praise to the chiefs for partnering with the Wa Area and The Church of Pentecost in many beneficial ways.
Naa Dikomwine Domalae, Chief of Daffiamah Traditional Area who doubles as the President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, recalled an earlier engagement between The Church of Pentecost Chieftaincy Ministry and the National House of Chiefs on 21st December 2022 and expressed delight that the National Chieftaincy Coordinator was in the Upper West Region for the Wa Area launch.
The President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs requested that the launch should also be done at the district and community levels.
He encouraged leadership of the church to demonstrate fortitude and patience should they encounter resistance to their effort at the palaces. He pledged his support to the novel Chieftaincy Studies at the Pentecost University and indicated the readiness of chiefs in the area to enroll when admission opens.
Naa Puowele Karbo III, the Chief of Lawra Traditional Area who is also the Vice President of Upper West Regional House of Chiefs as well as the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs, said that though the chieftaincy institution is one of the critical institutions for the development of the nation, it remains the least resourced.
Naa Karbo cited the chief’s role to include disputes settlements, justice administration, and the most accessible leadership for community life.
He commended The Church of Pentecost for the recognition and pledged his support for the initiative. He stressed the need for the church to assign competent persons who could facilitate the ministry to the palace since there could be conflicting beliefs between the gospel and some aspects of culture.
“We are ready to work with you, but if you bring people who tell us that our culture is demonic and the white man’s culture is the best, we will not listen to you. Bring us people who can engage,” he said.
Tiisah Naa Zakaria Abdul Aziz, the Representative of Wa Naa, on his part, said that there has been a long-standing relationship between The Church of Pentecost and Wa Naa palace, and expressed the appreciation of the overlord for the sustained relationship. He taunted the Chieftaincy Ministry initiative as timely and called for the support of all.
The Committee Members of the newly launched Wa Area Chieftaincy Ministry are Pastor Kofi Adu Sarfo (Co-ordinator), Elder Adams Bacho (Vice Co-ordinator), and Elder Akanvariwon (Secretary).
Others are Elder Daniel Tuozie, Elder Naa Saabon Sabastian, Elder Joseph Mwinianaa, and Elder Moses Abu.
Among the many Chiefs and Queen Mothers were Naa Dauda Kubo, representative of Wechiau Naa; Naa Pogenaa Kenseni, Queen Mother of Wechiau Traditional Area; Nyaasung Naa Mogtar, Dugu Naa Ishaku Mahama, Dikurey Naa Sufyan Mahama, and Kunfaabiala Naa Jonyouhi, all of Wala Traditional Area.
Others were Elder Naa Jacob Yebaar, Elder Naa Sebastian Saabom all Elders of The Church of Pentecost from Lawra Traditional Area. Also in attendance were Elder Naa Joseph Nyuur-Ire, Elder Naa Maxwell N. Yelpoe, and Donglabong Dinaa, Regent Justice all from Jirapa Traditional Area.
The rest were Naa Yirinoba Dominic Domanaang, Kanyi Guasi Naa; Naa Yilidon Kulipli Songmene, in-charge of Chakali Community; Naa Nagua Anmwiekenjeng, Second-in-command to Daffiamah Naa, and Naa Kpangbare of Daffiamah Traditional Area.
History was made on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, when the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Pentecost Chieftaincy Ministry interacted with members of the National House of Chiefs at their end-of-year sitting at Manhyia in Kumasi.
The meeting, which was to introduce the Chieftaincy Ministry to the National House of Chiefs, was part of the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda of The Church of Pentecost to transform every sphere of society with the Kingdom values and principles, including the chieftaincy institution.
Some of the revered chiefs described the move by the Church as historic, being the first church to set up a ministry dedicated to chiefs and for appearing before the august House to share its vision with Nananom.
Addressing members of the House, the National Co-ordinator of the Chieftaincy Ministry and Director of Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM), Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, thanked the President of the House and Nananom for the honour done the Church to interact with them.
He indicated that the Church has a vision of reaching the palaces with the gospel of Christ and to share godly fellowship among chiefs and royals through palace chaplaincies.
“We believe that introducing the Pentecost Chieftaincy Ministry to the National House of Chiefs during this important meeting will help to foster a cordial relationship between the church and the palace,” he said.
Apostle Anane Denteh, who is also an Executive Council member of the Church, explained that through the establishment of the ministry to the chieftaincy institution, the spiritual bond between the church and the palace would be strengthened for the good of all royals and the thought that chieftaincy is incompatible with the Christian faith will be effectively eroded.
This, he said, will result in a situation where a person’s Christian faith will no longer hinder him/her from ascending to the throne when their time is due.
“We consider the fact that there must always be a good and solid relationship between the church and the palace for the transformation of society as one of our mutual responsibilities. Thus, both the church and the palace are crucial for our national development and peacebuilding because we all lead the largest portion of our populace,” Apostle Denteh said.
According to him, as the church is seeking to effect transformation in society, it acknowledges the unequivocal leadership role the chieftaincy institution has successfully played over the centuries in Ghanaian society.
“The Church of Pentecost believes that our ability to influence and bring transformation to our society will be incomplete without, first, involvement with the chieftaincy institution in a healthy partnership, beginning with rendering a ministry to and through the chieftaincy institution.
“The National House of Chiefs is the highest body in Ghana that unites all traditional rulers, chiefs, and kings which indicates its significance to us as a church. Similarly, the church’s prophetic call and mandate have wide and deep impact on the various communities across the country and that shows that we have something in common to share,” he stressed.
Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh ended his presentation by introducing the new academic programme in Chieftaincy Studies that Pentecost University will roll out in the 2023 academic year.
The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, thanked the Church delegation for coming to explain its vision to the House, saying, “Your presentation to Nananom has given us food for thought and I hope we will continue the dialogue.”
He commended the leadership of the Church for carefully selecting chiefs from various parts of the country to constitute the executives of the Chieftaincy Ministry.
The Vice President of the House, Naa Puowele Karbo III, Lawra Naa, was happy that the church has been a trailblazer in leading a collaboration between the palace and the church through the ministry of chieftaincy.
The Church’s delegation included Apostle Lt. Col. B.G. Kumi-Woode (Director, Airforce Chaplaincy, Ghana Armed Force and NEC Member of the Chieftaincy Ministry), Apostle Yaw Agyei-Kwarteng (Co-ordinator, Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council), Elder Pimampen Yaw Kagbrese V (Omanhene, Yeji Traditional Area/President of Bono East Regional House of Chiefs and Chairman of the Chieftaincy Ministry, and Elder Odeneho Dr Affram Brempong III (Omanhene, Suma Traditional Area and Secretary of the Chieftaincy Ministry).
Other NEC members present were Elder (Dr) Urbor Stephen Tassan Konjar VI(Chief, Kpasa Traditional Area), Elder Nana Akwasi Amoh Kyeretwie I (Chief, New Abirem Traditional Area), Nii Afotey Anokwafo II (Antwere Gonno Mantse, Nungua Traditional Area), Elder Ubor Augustine Nigarim Poyari (Konkomba Chief, Nariligu Traditional Area), Elder (Dr) Nana K. Gyasi (CEO, Nana Kwadwo Gyasi Co. Ltd.), Deaconess Nana Kofi Abuna V (Chief, Essipon) and Deaconess Nana Kyerew Akenten II (Queen Mother, Mamponteng).
The Men’s Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, who doubles as an Executive Council Member of the church, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, has charged the clergy to prioritise visitation to members in the church since they have been commissioned to take care of God’s flocks.
According to the PEMEM Director, Christian visitation is a divine responsibility that has been mandated by God to Christian leaders to shepherd the members.
“There is a divine responsibility on church leaders to shepherd the flock of God. You are to feed the flock, care for them, guide and guard them so that they will not go astray,” Apostle Anane Denteh stated.
Apostle Anane Denteh made this charge on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at the 2022 Heads’ Meeting of The Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, near Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana.
Speaking on the topic, “Christian Visitation in the Local Church,” he said that godly fellowship, caring for one another, bearing each other’s burdens, and an expression of genuine brotherly love in Christ must always be the hallmark of the local church.
He stressed that Christian visitation is conducted with the understanding that the church as the body of Christ is a family, and the local church is the basis on which the values of the family are developed and espoused, saying, “The local church has always been the focus of church growth because that is where church members meet for fellowship, training, and deployment for ministry.”
Defining visitation, he mentioned that it is an intentional direct encounter by an individual with another person or persons for the purpose of getting to know them, understanding and addressing their felt needs, providing encouragement and assistance in the name of Jesus, and expressing constant love and care of God through words or deeds.
“The visitation ministry is about making a conscious effort to have a direct encounter with another person or group of persons with the view of fellowshipping with them and offering them the needed care, where possible,” he noted.
Continuing, he iterated that the concept and principles of visitation are visible in the ministry of the early church, which can be well understood as a practice under pastoral care ministry rather than a theological exposition.
According to him, what transpires in visitation, whether house-to-house or wherever it takes place, must be godly in nature and devoid of pursuing any rebellious behaviour against God’s church or a group of people, especially in the case of the leaders in the local church who are to shepherd the flock.
He urged church leaders to make it an obligation to visit their members, because God is the one who initiated visitation first, and as ambassadors of Christ, they must carry this task at heart.
On the importance of visiting members in the church, he said that it deepens the love and makes members feel a sense of belongingness (2 Cor. 5:14), promotes unity among church members, enhances the spirituality of the local church (Ps. 133:1-3), and promotes genuine interpersonal relationships in the church.
Apostle Anane Denteh further pointed out that lonely church members such as elderly persons, persons with disabilities, the sick, widows, and orphans feel a sense of belonging to the larger Christian community when they are visited (Mark 1:40-45), and it helps to minimize backsliding and restore lost souls to the body of Christ (Gal. 6:1-2; James 5:19-20).
To ensure the success of visitation in the local assemblies, he advised ministers to form local visitation teams, create intentional follow-up teams, involve the local presbytery, encourage virtual churches, have home visitation schedules and guides; utilize home cells and Bible study groups, and establish systematic pastoral care ministry.
Concluding his presentation, the PEMEM Director stated: “Every person in the church must nurture the desire to visit other persons just as he may want others to do unto him bearing in mind that Jesus enjoins Christians to do unto others as we may want them to do unto us.”
The Tamale Area of The Church of Pentecost, led by Apostle Sylvester Arhin, has inaugurated a seven-member Area Chieftaincy Ministry committee charged with providing chaplaincy services to the palaces.
The committee members are Pastor Mark Alhassan Muhammad (Chairman/Leader), Pastor Salasie Amedeka, Elder Peter Baaba, Elder Malgunaa Haruna Alhassan, Elder Joseph Kumah, Elder Adam Nabila, Mr. Moses Nteche, and Pastor Isaac Deku (Coopted).
Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, the National Coordinator of the Chieftaincy Ministry, who is also the Director for the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) and an Executive Council Member of the Church, inducted the committee during a colourful event, which took place at the Tishegu Assembly auditorium on October 31, 2022.
Delivering a sermon titled “The Divine Order for Kings” at the event with Proverbs 16:10-13 as his Bible reference, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh emphasised that God is “a King and The King” whose reign is eternal has no boundaries.
According to him, God, out of His benevolence towards mankind, bequeathed part of his rulership to kings of the earth and has established ordinances within which they are to exercise their authority.
The PEMEM Director further stated that God has given the kings dignity and power, therefore, they must endeavour to walk in the ordinances of the Lord so that they do not soil their dignity.
He mentioned that the divine order for kings is to delight themselves in righteousness, truth, justice, and wisdom and lead their subjects skillfully (Proverbs 22:29), adding that “it is was ordained that royals should be accountable to both God and his people.”
Apostle Anane Denteh, therefore, called on royals to subject their kingship to the rulership of God, whose reign is limitless and whose authority is endless.
He also advised Christian royals not to turn down the opportunity to serve as kings or chiefs in their communities since it is a leadership role through which they could positively influence and transform society.
“Kingmakers in the nation should allow Christian royals who prefer to rule by and with the principles of the Scriptures to become kings, unlike other positions that are by appointment or elections, royals are born and nothing can change that identity,” he said.
He also urged kings to be dutiful and to serve their subjects well by seeking their interests at all times.
“Thus, it was imperative o know God ND have his mind in order to enjoy peace and satisfaction,” he added.
Apostle Sylvester Kofi Arhin, also an Executive Council member of the Church, advised royals to surrender their ways, lives, and rule to Jesus Christ, the eternal King of all kings, stressing that “this is the wisest way to rule in power and glory.”
The well-patronised event draws some National Executive Committee (NEC) members of PEMEM, namely Elder Oubor Augustine Nigarim Poyari (NEC Member, Chieftaincy Committee), Pastor Benarnd Aziz Mohammed Abogorago.
Amongst the royals that graced the programme were Mohamadu Yusif Chief of Salamba, Gewendy Yusif, Mohinaa Moshie Chief, Nii Titibiku (Ewe Chief Odikoro), Mohamadu Issahaku (Tishegu Kpanalana), Adam Abdulai (Tishegu Kpehigunaa), other royals from Tamale, a cultural troupe also from Tamale, the Tamale Area pastorate and their wives, and the members of the Church.
Other dignitaries present were; Mrs Regina Arhin, wife of the Tamale Area Head and Mrs Martha Boakyiwaa Denteh, wife of the PEMEM Director.
