PENTECOSTAL WORSHIP WEB

Pentecostal Worship – A Godly Legacy Of The Church Of Pentecost

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a brand is an identifying mark burned on livestock or, in former times, criminals or enslaved people with a branding iron. Based on this definition, branding reveals one’s identity. Branding is a concept that has been established and applied in the world.

When the disciples lived a lifestyle that resembled Jesus Christ, they took on an identity or a brand. As a result, they were called Christians (Acts 11:26). Therefore, the disciples carried what I call “The brand of Christ.” This brand should be carried by everyone who has accepted CHRIST and confessed His Lordship over their lives. People in our communities should see Christ in us.

Jesus instructed the disciples to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, according to Acts 2, the disciples received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. The baptism of the Holy Spirit and the work of the Spirit in the lives of believers gave them another brand, which I term “The Church of Pentecost Brand.” For The Church of Pentecost (CoP), our Pentecostal Distinctiveness is based on our Pentecostal Doctrine and Pentecostal Spirituality.

Pentecostals see themselves as recapturing the spiritual renewal experienced by the first-century Christians who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals emphasise the baptism in the Holy Spirit after conversion, evidenced by speaking in tongues.

Several distinguishing marks differentiate Pentecostals from other Christians. These include:

  • A strong emphasis on the need for individuals to undergo the born-again experience (confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior) before they can be called Christians (John 3:3).
  • A belief in a post-conversion experience called “the Baptism of the Holy Spirit” with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4; 10:44-48; 19:6).
  • A strong emphasis on the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Ephesians 4:11; Galatians 5:22-23) in the lives of believers. The gift of the Holy Spirit refers to the various ways in which the power of God works through the believer, while the fruit of the Spirit is the character and nature of Jesus Christ being displayed in the life of the believer.
  • A belief in the manifestation of signs, wonders, and miracles following the preaching of the word of God (Mark 16:17-18) as exemplified by the early church.
  • A strong belief in the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ, also called the Parousia (Acts 1:11; Revelation 22:12).
  • Emphasis on holiness (Hebrews 12:14).
  • Emphasis on aggressive evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:4).
  • A belief in exuberant and emotional worship (Psalm 66:1).
  • Emphasis on spontaneous, natural worship characterised by singing, drumming, clapping, praising, and dancing (Psalm 47:1; 149:3; 150:4).
  • Strong emphasis on church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:2-5; 1 Timothy 5:20).
  • Emphasis on the “full-gospel” or “Four-Square-Gospel” (Acts 5:20).
  • Emphasis on the simplicity of the gospel and a simple lifestyle (2 Corinthians 1:12 KJV).
  • Emphasis on prayer and fasting (Acts 13:3).

Growing up as a child in The Church of Pentecost (Classical Pentecostals), I always experienced a certain kind of spiritual atmosphere during services. This was not limited to Sundays or weekly services but also during weddings, funerals, and other gatherings. CoP members usually feel uncomfortable when such an atmosphere is absent in non-CoP gatherings.

This is another aspect of the CoP brand (related to Pentecostal worship) that the leadership is strategically handing over to the youth as a legacy. They do this through prayer, mentoring, and teaching. I refer to it as the “Spiritual Atmosphere Brand” of the CoP.

THE UNIQUE PENTECOSTAL WORSHIP EXPERIENCE

Our spirituality influences our worship just as our worship affects our spirituality. We cannot separate our spirituality from our worship because they are interdependent. Spirituality is expressed in worship, and worship is determined by spirituality. Our spirituality and worship are outward expressions of our belief in a creator God who is greater than us in every way.

One important aspect of worship we cannot ignore is the experience of being satisfied with God in Christ. This experience speaks of His greatness. Apart from being an expression of gratitude, worship is also a means of grace, whereby those who are spiritually hungry are fed.

In the CoP worship setting, we believe that God approaches human beings at the level they can meet or experience Him. Just as the leadership encourages personal pre-service preparation (before congregational worship), which the Puritans called heart-work, church leaders are responsible for creating an enabling environment for people to worship God with their hearts, mind, soul, and strength.

This means creating an environment where people can personally and closely connect with God to glorify, honour, and bless Him – and the CoP holds this in high esteem. This is why we are sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit at every point in the service.

The distinctive spiritual atmosphere can be felt during CoP services. I describe it as “The Grace of a Holy Spirit-Charged Atmosphere.” Most leaders in the CoP are blessed with the ability to create and maintain such an enabling spiritual atmosphere. They know when to allow songs to continue, when to disallow, when to pray, when to end, when to dance, and when to stop. The result of this is always evident through:

  • Joyous celebrations in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17)
  • People’s eagerness to return to the church for another encounter with the Lord.
  • Worshippers having a strong sense of God’s presence.
  • Individuals willingly repenting and surrendering their lives to God.

Indeed, there is always an indescribable move and order during these gatherings. This is also a special brand—a unique aspect of CoP!  As a result, spontaneous Holy Ghost-impacted worship is always present. There is always joy in the Holy Spirit during CoP services and meetings. Superficial worship leads to spiritual decline, and I thank God that this is usually not the case in the CoP setting.

OUR PART AS YOUTH

The CoP is a distinctive, God-given, and a firebrand – which is why I am a proud Brand Ambassador of this great Church.

Indeed, the CoP brand is a great heritage for us. As youth, let us strive to remain at the feet of our fathers to receive this grace. Let us not imitate outsiders and so-called “deep preachers.” Instead, thank God for The Church of Pentecost and do everything we can to safeguard, project and pass it on to ensuing generations.

Hey brother! Be grounded!

Hey sister! Be grounded!

Be grounded!

May God bless us all.

Written by Elder Martinson Twum Asamoah (Aworowa District Youth Ministry Leader, Techiman Area)

Anyaa District Launches Box Library web

Anyaa District Launches Box Library

The Anyaa District in the Anyaa-Ablekuma Area of The Church of Pentecost launched the box library for the Children’s Ministry on Sunday, May 28th, 2023, at a cost of GHȼ10,000.00.

The event, chaired by the District Minister, Pastor Emmanuel Teye Sackitey, was graced by Pastor Emmanuel Ofori Opoku (Area Children’s Ministry Leader) and Pastor George Osei-Asiedu (Dwenewoho District).

During the launch, Pastor Ofori Opoku commended the District Pastor for his bold initiative and for adding value to the vision, making it a reality.

He reiterated the vision of the box library to the gathering and encouraged the Children’s Ministry workers to stock the library while advising the children to take good care of the books.

In his speech, Pastor Teye Sackitey emphasised the numerous benefits of developing the habit of reading at an early stage of development.

He pointed out that despite the advantages of reading, the high cost of books discourages parents from purchasing more for their children. The box library project aims to mitigate this challenge.

Pastor Sackitey expressed deep appreciation for the commitment shown by the presiding elders of the five local assemblies in the district (Anyaa Central, Maranatha, Bethel, Nsumfa, and Berea) by raising the funds needed to make the launch possible.

He also praised the Children’s Ministry workers in the district for their dedication to duty, specifically highlighting their devotion to hold monthly fasting and prayer exercises for the children, while encouraging the teachers to continue their good work.

The bookshelves for the library cost GHȼ7,500.00, and an additional GHȼ2,500.00 was spent on books as initial materials.

The Central Assembly set an example by stocking their shelves properly. The purchased books, included children’s dictionaries, moral novels, packs of flashcards, French storybooks, inspirational books, and more.

Pastor Sackitey also donated church publications and diaries worth GHȼ1,000.00 for use in the library.

As part of the event, the teachers received instruction on monitoring the children’s reading habits and guiding them to understand what they read.

In total, 21 teachers and 55 children from the five local assemblies in the district attended the event.

Report by Anyaa District Media Team

Kaase District Donates Educational Materials To Kaase Primary & JHS web

Kaase District Donates Educational Materials To Kaase Primary & JHS

The Kaase District in the Asokwa Area of The Church of Pentecost has donated educational materials worth GHC 25,000 to the Kaase M/A Primary and Junior High School (JHS) in the Asokwa Municipal of the Ashanti Region to promote teaching and learning in the school.

A delegation led by the District Minister, Pastor Benjamin Antwi Kwarifa, visited the school on Monday, May 22, 2023, and presented 100 pieces of dual desks and 100 copies of guidance books.

According to Pastor Kwarifa, the gesture, which was a response to the request made by the school, corroborates the Vision 2023 of the Church, which focuses on “Possessing the Nations” by influencing every sphere with Kingdom values and principles.

He was optimistic that the desks would help address the seating challenge being faced by the school whilst the guidance books would also help to shape the moral lives of the pupils. 

Receiving the items, the headmistress of Kaase M/A Primary School, Madam Dela Rita, expressed her sincere gratitude to The Church of Pentecost, especially Kaase District for the kind gesture.

She said the items would go a long way to ehance teaching and learning in the school, thereby influencing the lives of the learners positively.

She further disclosed that most of the pupils have no exercise books and school uniforms and this affects their education, hence her appeal to all to come to their aid.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah & Dennis Owusu

Maluwe Mission House Dedicated web

Maluwe Mission House Dedicated

The newly-constructed mission house for the Maluwe District of The Church of Pentecost has been dedicated to the glory of God.

The four-bedroom manse, largely funded by the Church’s Headquarters, was dedicated by Apostle David Amankwaa, the Sawla Area Head, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

The Maluwe District was carved out of the Tingar District after receiving approval for its creation at the 15th Extraordinary Council Meeting of the church. Consequently, the District was officially inaugurated on Sunday, November 21, 2020, with Overseer Kennedy Offe stationed as its first minister.

Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, the then Sawla Area Head, cut sod for the commencement of the mission house project on Wednesday, March 16, 2020.

After the building reached a habitable stage, the foundation stone was laid on Friday, September 15, 2020, to house the minister and his family.

During the dedication service, Apostle David Amankwaa delivered a sermon on the topic “The Spiritual Inheritance for the Saints,” referring to Ephesians 1:17-18 as his scriptural reference.

He noted that Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Saints in Ephesus had four results, including spiritual inheritance.

Apostle Amankwaa emphasised that some of the spiritual benefits of Christianity include the gospel of salvation, the Holy Spirit and His gifts, the word of God, and prayer, among others.

He explained that as Christians, their primary inheritance is Jesus Christ, and when they have Jesus, they have everything.

He further highlighted that the benefits Christians enjoy are not only spiritual but also physical.

Apostle Amankwaa noted that church buildings and mission houses are physical inheritances believers receive from God, and they must strive to protect and preserve them from decay and destruction.

He urged Christians not to neglect the physical inheritance, such as the mission house, while focusing solely on preserving the spiritual inheritance.

He also charged ministers to take proper care of their mission houses through effective maintenance and care to ensure they serve many pastors.

During the dedication of the building, Apostle Amankwaa expressed profound gratitude to the Chairman and the Executive Council for accepting the creation of the Maluwe District and providing the funds to complete the mission house on time.

He also thanked Pastor George Kyeremateng, the former Tingar District Minister, and his wife for their hard work in ensuring the successful completion of the mission house.

The dedication service was attended by the Sawla Area pastorate and their wives, presbyters, and members of the Maluwe District.

Report by Jones Dwomoh Amankwah (Sawla Area Media Team)

GPCC Savannah Regional Leadership Calls On Yagbon Chief web

GPCC Savannah Regional Leadership Calls On Yagbon Chief

The leadership of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) in the Savannah Region paid a courtesy call on the Yagbonwura (Chief of Yagbon), Bii-Kunuto Jawu Soale, at his palace in Damongo on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

The new Yagbon Overlord was enskinned on Monday, March 20, 2023, following the demise of the late Yagbonwura, Prof. Tuntunba Boressah Jakpa II, earlier this year.

Leading the GPCC delegation was Apostle David Amankwaa, the GPCC Savannah Regional Chairman and the Sawla Area Head of The Church of Pentecost.

Other members of the delegation were Pastor Patrick Mensah (Vice Regional Chairman and Head Pastor for Christ Apostolic Church, Bole Missions), Pastor Benjamin Addo-Boateng (Regional Secretary and Bole District Minister, CoP), Pastor Joseph Atta Achintre (Council Member and Head Pastor for the Holistic Gospel Church, Damongo), and Pastor Francis Agbenyeke (Buipe District Pastor of Assemblies of God church).

Accompanying them were Rev. Emmanuel Kumah (Damongo District Pastor of the Christ Apostolic Church) and Rev. Jones Dwomoh Amankwah (Mandari District Minister of The Church of Pentecost).

The GPCC Regional Chairman said the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the Chief on his ascension to the highest throne in Gonja land as the Yagbonwura of the Traditional Council.

Apostle Amankwaa said the peaceful transition of leadership is an indication of God’s faithfulness towards the people of Yagbon.

Apostle Amankwaa said the visit was also to officially introduce himself and the other Council members to the Chief, pledge their commitment to supporting his reign, and to pray for God’s protection, sustenance, and guidance to make his reign peaceful and impactful.

Apostle Amankwaa, in a short exhortation on the topic “Oh Lord Save the King,” with scriptural reference from Psalm 20:9, noted that chieftaincy is a major cultural heritage in Africa that exercises authority and power.

This, according to him, is because chieftaincy is revered as an institution ordained by God.

He further noted that as custodians of the land, chiefs and kings also preserve the culture, tradition, and governance systems of the community.

The GPCC Regional Chairman also noted that the Church, on the other hand, has a prophetic role in ministering to the chiefs, kings, queens, and royals in this noble institution with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God to help them rule their communities with justice and the fear of the Lord.

He said that the Church’s partnership with this all-important institution will, therefore, go a long way to help develop the communities.

In response, Yagbonwura Soale thanked the GPCC for the support and cooperation they accorded his predecessor and prayed that the same would be extended to him by the Council.

He also noted that his doors are always open to welcome the leadership of the Council to his palace for deliberations, prayers, and dialogue to help bring great progress and sustained peace in the Traditional Area and the Savannah Region in general.

Apostle Amankwaa led the team to pray for the Overlord, after which the team donated bottles of water and other gifts to him.

The clergymen pledged to visit the Overlord regularly to enhance the bilateral bond between the two institutions.

PENTECOST NEWS

Understanding ‘The Power Of Go’ For Excellence As A Christian Youth

Understanding ‘The Power of Go’ for Excellence as a Christian Youth

“GO” is an action word. When it enters an individual’s mind, it signifies that they are convinced of what needs to be done or must be done. In order to take action, one must understand what needs to be accomplished.

“GO” is also a commanding power that drives your original intent to align with your vision, enabling you to become the prosperous being you were created to be. As a result, youth who know when and how to act enjoy the benefits that life offers without experiencing failure.

In the entrepreneurial world, “GO” translates to taking risks. There are numerous productive opportunities available for youth to embrace. However, if this power is not activated to support your desire for what you yearn for, you will miss out on these opportunities.

Furthermore, “GO” is defined as “Redeeming the time…” (Ephesians 5:16). As a youth, it is expected of us to arise and shine. This means that in order to achieve excellence, we need to take action. It is essential to recognise that everyone has a destination, meaning everyone is on a mission based on their intent. If you are unaware of your mission, you will stumble and subject yourself to the misfortunes that arise from missing out on opportunities meant for you. Whether you aim to partner with a specific business or organisation, understanding and embracing your mission is crucial.

To excel in your field as a youth, make a significant impact, and transform your world, you must be willing to take risks. Your excellence demands your ability to take action. Whether it is promoting your products, building your brand, or showcasing your talent, among other initiatives, you must overcome shyness and timidity. This will enable you to take full responsibility and pave the way for success.

Remember, as a youth; it is important to rise and shine for excellence. Keep shining.

Thank you.

Written by Tonnie Baffoe

The Church of Pentecost Donates To 3 Health Facilities web

The Church of Pentecost Donates To 3 Health Facilities

The Sawla Area Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost has made separate donations to three health facilities in the Savannah Region of Ghana, namely, the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba Hospital, Evergreen Clinic, and Ajira Clinic.

The donation, which included toiletries, soft drinks, and clinical thermometers, was made on April 10, 2023, by a women’s delegation led by Mrs. Rosemond Amankwaah (Wife of the Sawla Area Head) and Deaconess Angelina Nwinebe (Area Women’s Ministry Leader).

The consumables and some toiletries were donated to the patients, while the thermometers and other items were presented to the facilities.

According to Mrs. Amankwaa, the visit aimed to share the love of Christ with the sick, pray for their speedy recovery, and assure them of Christ’s love even in their illness.

She emphasised that ministering to the sick is a Christian mandate critical to Christ and the Church’s “Possessing the Nations” agenda.

The team visited and prayed for patients and officials in every ward of the facilities. They also took the opportunity to evangelise to them, resulting in three individuals surrendering their lives to Christ.

The management of the facilities was overwhelmed by the Church’s great show of love, particularly the Women’s Ministry.

The Administrator of the Sawla-Tuna-Kaba Hospital expressed gratitude to The Church of Pentecost, stating that the Church has been very supportive since the hospital’s inception and encouraged them to continue their good work.

Report by Jones Dwomoh Amankwah (Sawla Area Media Team)

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Be Grounded In Christ’s Teachings – Pastor Dr. Kudadjie Tells Christian Youth

The Resident Minister of the Kusi Donkor Worship Centre in the Odorkor Area of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Dr. Patrick T. Kudadjie, has admonished Christian youth to be rooted in the teachings and lifestyle of Jesus Christ.

“By intentionally aligning our lives with Christ’s teachings and transforming our thoughts and actions accordingly, we establish a firm foundation in Him,” he said when he exhorted youth members of the Santa’s Maria Zone of the Odorkor Area yesterday.

Speaking on the theme: “Being Grounded In Christ, Repositioned For Maximum Impact, Pastor Dr. Kudadjie, emphasised need for one to be firmly rooted in Christ in order to make a meaningful impact in today’s world.

The Kusi Donkor Worship Centre Resident Minister used two analogies to drive his point home.

First, he compared the life of a believer to that of a tree, explaining that a tree’s growth and ability to withstand storms depend on its roots.

“Just as deep roots enable a tree to flourish and bear fruit, being grounded in Christ allows us to grow and thrive amidst the challenges of life,” he said.

He drew inspiration from Luke 6:47-49, where Jesus spoke of building on solid ground to explain his second analogy, stressing that a life with a promising future is one built on a strong foundation in Christ.

“By anchoring ourselves in Jesus, who represents the solid rock, we ensure that our lives are firmly grounded and capable of withstanding any adversity,” he noted.

Pastor Dr. Kudadjie further highlighted the importance of aligning one’s actions and decisions with the teachings and principles of Christ.

Such a life, according to him, is built on the unchanging foundation of Christ, unshakable and has the potential to flourish and prosper.

Dr. Kudadjie outlined practical steps in grounding one’s self in Christ, including being rooted in the Word of God (Joshua 1:7-8), immersing ourselves in the love of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:16-19), cultivating a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit, maintaining a consistent prayer life, engaging in regular fellowship, and reading Christian literature.

The Resident Minister, however, explained that being grounded in Christ is not simply a fleeting trend but rather an intentional lifestyle choice.

He further pointed out the benefits of being grounded in Christ, stating that it allows the believer to bear fruit, thus, making them useful and granting them the ability to achieve their dreams.

“Regardless of our backgrounds, if we remain rooted in Christ, we can overcome challenges and experience success. Apart from Christ, we cannot bear fruit or fulfil our true potential.

“As Christians, we encounter temptations and trials, but by remaining grounded in Christ, we find the strength and resilience to overcome them,” he said.

PENTECOST NEWS

Wasipe Church Building Dedicated web

Wasipe Church Building Dedicated

The Sawla Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle David Amankwaa, dedicated the Wasipe Assembly church building in the Tinga District of the Sawla Area on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

The idea to establish a local assembly in Wasipe was proposed by Pastor Kodzo, who organized rallies there during his time. As a result, the assembly was opened in 2014, with Bro. Kwaku Asimadu as the first presiding brother. Unfortunately, shortly after the assembly opened, he was transferred as a teacher, causing the members to disperse.

Pastor George Kyeremateng, who succeeded Pastor Acquah, further pursued the agenda through rallies and house-to-house visitations, which resulted in the baptism of four converts. Elder David Bakari was then assigned to disciple them.

With the four converts, worship began under a tree in one Papa Gbolo’s house. The membership steadily grew, and in 2018, they purchased land for a permanent place of worship at a cost of GHS 1,400.00.

The sod-cutting ceremony for the building project took place on Tuesday, April 10, 2022, performed by Apostle David Amankwaa after receiving support from the Church’s headquarters under the Community-Based Church Building (CBCB) initiative.

Under the leadership of Pastor George Kyeremateng, the construction progressed steadily, and the foundation stone was laid by Apostle Amankwaa on Thursday, July 23, 2022, when the building reached a habitable stage.

The members’ zeal prompted them to raise funds to plaster the building themselves, in addition to the funds received from the headquarters. This collective effort ensured the timely completion of the project.

During the dedication service, Apostle Amankwaa delivered a sermon on the topic: “When the Glory of the Lord Fills a Christian,” with scriptural reference from 1 Chronicles 7:1-9.

In his sermon, he emphasised the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit as a contemporary believer, as it makes a significant difference in life and ministry.

According to him, when a believer is filled with the Holy Spirit, worship and offering become spontaneous and voluntary, without compulsion. The work of ministry also becomes easier, as the Spirit leads in all aspects of the believer’s life.

Dedicating the building, Apostle Amankwaa expressed profound gratitude to the Chairman and the Executive Council for providing a major part of the funding for the building.

 He also commended his predecessor, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye (now Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Head), for his hard work.

The Tinga District Minister, Overseer Philip Agbeko, extended his gratitude to the past ministers of the district, District Executive Committee members, and assembly members for their dedication and loyalty in supporting the building project.

The dedication service was attended by Mrs. Rosemond Amankwaa (Wife of the Area Head), the Area pastorate, Elder David Bakari (the pioneering leader of the assembly), members of the district, and other distinguished guests.

Report by Overseer Jones Dwomoh Amankwah (Sawla Area Media Team)

Worawora District Retire 5 Gallant Officers web

Worawora District Retire 5 Gallant Officers

The Worawora District of The Church of Pentecost in the Hohoe Area has organised a retirement service for five officers of the Church who have gallantly served God and the Church for several years.

The retired officers include Deaconesses Francisca Agoba (38 years of service), Elizabeth Obimpeh (26 years of service), Susana Darkoa (15 years of service), Grace Kesewaa (10 years of service), and Asamoabea Evelyn (8 years of service).

The event, which took place recently at the Central Auditorium, was officiated by the District Minister, Pastor Samuel Opata Oduetey.

Pastor Oduetey congratulated the gallant soldiers of the cross for successfully serving till their old age and thanked them for their service to the Church and humanity.

Preaching the sermon at the service on “Receiving the crown of life,” the Pai Katanga District Minister of the Church, Overseer Joshua Fiador, urged Christians to hold on to the mantle of their calling.

He called on every Christian leader to discharge their duty faithfully. He disclosed that the crown of life includes long life with good health, resting in joy and satisfaction, and eternal life.

He concluded his sermon with 1 Timothy 3:13 that those who have served well will gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Gifts, citations, certificates of service, and an undisclosed amount of money, were presented to the retired officers.

The District Minister, Pastor Samuel Oduetey Opata, on his part, encouraged believers to serve the Lord faithfully, and one day the Lord will reward them.

Present at the service were Mrs Magaret Akushika Opata (wife of Worawora District Pastor), Mrs Veronica  Fiador (wife of Pai Katanga District Minister), Overseer David Gbeti (Abotoase Lakeside District Minister), as well as members and officers in the Worawora District of the Church.

Report by Daniel Owusu Asamoah