Posts in category: Top Stories

Apostle Jude Hama, the Former National Director of Scripture Union (SU) Ghana, has underscored the imperative for the Church to focus on equipping and unleashing the youth as the largest mission field in Ghana in order to transform the nation.

With 70% of the population being young people, Apostle Hama urged the allocation of resources for their training, emphasising the pivotal role they play in transforming the nation for Christ.

Apostle Hama articulated a compelling vision for Ghana’s future, asserting that Christ and Christ-like individuals are the nation’s true hope.

He emphasised the need for holistic disciples who embody godliness and integrity, serving as salt and light in their communities.

The crux of Apostle Hama’s message centered on the intentional efforts required to disciple those won for Christ, particularly on university campuses.

He asserted that disciple-making is the primary task assigned to the Church by Jesus Christ, quoting C. S. Lewis: “The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men and women to Christ to make them ‘little Christs’.”

Highlighting the interconnectedness of evangelism and discipleship, Apostle Hama echoed Dr. Mark Dever’s sentiment that “Evangelism without discipleship is incomplete evangelism.”

He stressed the urgent need for effective discipleship within the Ghanaian Church, identifying a lack of intentional disciple-making focus as a significant challenge.

Addressing the issue, the former National Director of the Scripture Union of Ghana provided practical steps on how to follow up with new believers.

These steps include fostering a sense of immediate belonging to God’s family, imparting foundational Christian knowledge, ensuring basic assurances of salvation, facilitating Holy Spirit baptism, and instilling essential spiritual disciplines for Christian maturity.

Quoting Ephesians 4:15, Apostle Hama urged believers to hold fast to the truth and solid teachings of scripture, emphasizing the goal of continuous growth in Christ.

He emphasised that the formation of Christ-like disciples on campuses and in churches is crucial for Ghana’s future, asserting that without effective discipleship, numerical growth would be in vain.

Concluding his presentation, Apostle Hama defined a true Christlike disciple as one who has experienced life in Christ, is born again, committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, baptised with the Holy Spirit, practices basic Christian living and service, and possesses the capacity to train others to become disciples.

“As believers engage in effective discipleship, Ghana holds the promise of a brighter future grounded in resilient, matured Christ-like disciples”, he remarked.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The PENSA Ghana Coordinator, Elder Samuel Boahen, has stressed the urgent need for young people to step up as world transformers and change agents in society.

According to him, Christian youth have reached a pivotal moment where their energy, ideals, and potential are required to shape communities and nations.

Elder Boahen made this declaration in his opening address at the 2024 PENSA Ghana Conference, dubbed the “Transformers Conference.” The conference aims to spiritually equip young people to maximise their global impact.

Addressing the participants, the PENSA Ghana Coordinator said young people needed to avail themselves for a divine encounter, stressing that: “to transform others, you must be transformed.”

“Young people cannot ignite transformation in their schools, workplaces, churches, and governments unless they have been changed from within. That is why spaces like the PENSA conference that facilitate dynamic personal reflection and transformative spiritual experiences are so critical,” he stated.

He explained that when young hearts and minds encounter the life-giving message of the Gospel, they gain new perspective and direction to channel their energies, adding, “With the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, the youth can rise as “transformers for good” in their spheres of influence.

He, however, revealed that the world has already seen the beginning of youth-led movements tackling society’s most pressing issues, from climate change to racial reconciliation to mental health awareness. 

He revealed that God is unleashing a generation of young change-makers who will redeem and restore the broken aspects of society.

“As the Church, we must do our part to spiritually invest in young people, nurture their leadership gifts, and make space for them to lead. There are Esthers, Josephs, Ruths, Marys, and Timothys among us who will courageously take up the mantle to transform systems and structures by living out Kingdom values,” he said.

Ending his address, the PENSA Ghana Coordinator noted that it is time for radical obedience, sacrificial living, and bold faith from young people to see revival and renewal spread in our communities and nation.

“The future belongs to those transformers who, captivated by a transcendent vision, are willing to pay the cost to see their world changed. By God’s grace, may the youth arise from gatherings like PENSA Ghana glow with holy fire and hope,” he concluded.

PENSA-Ghana Conference, an annual conference championed by the Youth Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, is one of the biggest youth conferences in Ghana and the West African sub-region. Many youths who participated in previous editions have testified to life-changing encounters with God. Participants of the conferences are taken through rigorous spiritual exercises, among other activities that address their holistic development; as a result, they always leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a calling to go out and make positive change. 

Report by PENSA Ghana Media/Editorial Team

The Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, has indicated that members of the Church are key stakeholders of the second phase of the “Possessing the Nations” agenda (Vision 2028).

Apostle Hagan said this today during his sermon on Day 2 of the ongoing PENSA Ghana Conference at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, one of the three centres of the conference.

In his sermon, he explained that Vision 2028, which aims to unleash the Whole Church to transform their world with the values and principles of the kingdom of God, enjoins Church leaders to create a church environment where each member understands their role as the Salt and Light of the World by serving as catalysts for positive change in society.

Drawing inspiration from 2 Timothy 2, he stressed the need for a paradigm shift in order to change the mindset of church members to rise to their divine mandate.

The Youth Director further underscored the importance of countering societal norms that may act as influencing operating systems.

He, therefore, urged members, especially the youth, to align with the word of God to avoid deception, stating, “These systems work by way of one’s mind, and it is only prayer and God’s word that can change the mind (thoughts) of the people.”

Apostle Hagan noted that to build a proactive church, there is a need for members to be taught and equipped to be acutely aware of their role as agents of transformation in the present generation and beyond.

He further noted that every member of the Church acts as a bridge between the world and Vision 2028, adding: “One doesn’t need to be a scholar to become a witness and disciple of Christ Jesus; every member is required to undertake this divine task.”

Concluding his sermon, Apostle Hagan issued a rallying call to the youth of the Church to embrace Vision 2028 and avail themselves as active agents of change as they work collectively towards the realisation of the Church’s strategic vision.

Report by PENSA Ghana Media/Editorial Team

The highly anticipated PENSA Ghana Conference 2024 kicked off its opening session with a powerful message of empowerment and transformation for young people across the country and beyond by the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi.

The PENSA Ghana Conference is an annual national mega-gathering of all youth in the Church of Pentecost, Ghana and beyond.

This year’s edition, dubbed the Transformers Conference, began yesterday, January 2, 2023, and is expected to end on Friday, January 5, 2023, under the theme, “Young People Unleashed to Transform their World” (1 Peter 2:9; Acts 1:8).

The Transformers Conference has drawn a large number of youth in the Church eager to participate from three different centres: the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa Fetteh, KNUST in Kumasi, and UDS in Tamale.

In his opening address, the PENSA Ghana Coordinator, Elder Samuel Boahene, warmly welcomed the participants, ministers and distinguished guests.

Highlighting the significance of a PENSA Ghana Conference and its relevance in today’s context, he emphasised the importance of the Transformers Conference in achieving the vision of the second phase of the Possessing the Nations Agenda.

“There is a time when the youth need to arise and answer numerous questions. It is a time when the youth need to arise and make their presence felt. The time is now,” exclaimed Elder Boahene.

He further registered his sincerest appreciation to the Chairman of the Church and the leaders for their massive support and guidance in achieving this remarkable feat.

Take advantage of the unique opportunity to seek a personal encounter with the Lord. Draw strength and virtue, and share fellowship with participants drawn at the 3 locations in the country. Build a professional network. Leave this conference holistically empowered,” he advised.

The Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, revealed that the conference is at the heart of the Chairman and the leaders of the church.

“The leadership took 50% of the actual registration fees,” he revealed.

He extended appreciation to the Area Heads, District Pastors and Youth leaders for taking the initiative to support the youth.

The conference means a lot to the Lord, who is the owner of the church, and also to the Chairman, who is the vision-bearer. It is also happening when the church of Pentecost has decided to prioritise the ministry of young people. We intend to reach everyone for Jesus”, he noted.

As part of the initiatives for the Youth Ministry’s Vision 2028, “Grounded in Christ, Reaching Everyone and Taking Everywhere for Christ”, the Apostle Hagan noted that the Professional Guilds will be launched to train young people to win their various fields of profession and take them for Christ.

He then gave a Clarion call to every youth to rise to the task and be challenged to take everywhere for God. He finally acknowledged participants joining from Nigeria, Togo, and other countries.

The former Youth Patron, Apostle Samuel Osei Asante, also the Area Head for Kaneshie, gave his opening remarks.

In his address, he made a profound statement that “For the youth to transform their world, they must be transformed first, hence, the need for the Transformers Conference.

“It is a conference for people who are transformers – a people ready for a change. You are to change society. It is possible. As young people, we are being unleashed to transform our world, and that is the burden on our hearts. If you can go out and transform others, you will be transformed. Take a decision. Be transformed”, he stressed.

The main speaker for the day, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, delivered an insightful exposition on the theme.

Drawing references from the theme scriptures, he spoke about the critical role of Christians in the Great Commission, calling for active engagement and commitment.

He emphasised that the Church is a container of the power of God, which is immeasurable, unlimited and surpassing; as such, the world must experience that power.

The opening session also featured uplifting ministrations from the PENSA Ghana Choir, adding a vibrant dimension to the event.

The PENSA Ghana Conference 2024 promises to be a landmark event, setting the stage for a transformative journey for young Pentecostals.

With a lineup of influential speakers, engaging sessions, and spiritual activities, the conference is poised to significantly impact the lives of many young people, empowering them to transform their world.

Report by Pensa Ghana Secretariat Team.