The Ministry Of Drama And Dance A Strategic Weapon For The Unleashing Agenda web

The Ministry Of Drama And Dance: A Strategic Weapon For The Unleashing Agenda

by with No Comment ArticlesTop Stories

INTRODUCTION

I have been out of PENSA GHANA Conferences for a while now until I was privileged to join this year’s – Transformers edition at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh.

The event was wrought with great ministrations, exciting times of worship, deep spiritual encounters and thrilling times of refreshing typical of PENSA Conferences, including new terms like “Heeeeeeeaaat.”

One thing that caught my attention was the Shachah night, which is usually devoted to drama, choreography, and great music.

I sat through the service, relishing the moment and enjoying the expressions of creativity and artistry by these young people amidst the laughter, cheers, and exhilaration; my writing instincts were triggered as an attempt to contribute to the discourse of the unleashing agenda.

I consider the Ministry of Drama and Dance a strategic weapon that can be leveraged as a major contribution to the unleashing agenda.

In this article, I will attempt to offer reflections on some factors that make the ministry of drama and dance a worthy one to consider.

THE PLACE OF DRAMA AND DANCE IN CLASSICAL PENTECOSTALISM

Over the years, Classical Pentecostals have been noted for our simplicity, conservatism and calm disposition when it comes to matters of Christian entertainment.

Many times, the discipline associated with classical Pentecostalism to stick religiously to our doctrine underpinned by the foursquare gospel of Jesus Christ, the Saviour, the Healer, the Baptiser of the Holy Spirit and as the soon-coming King gives little room for consideration of the proclamation of the gospel in other forms apart from the traditional pulpit approaches.

However, in contemporary times, the narrative is changing, and the wind of change that is paddling The Church of Pentecost following the unveiling of Vision 2023, which is being continued through Vision 2028, is vital.

With the call by our dear Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, for us to have the Joshua Mentality that rides on boldness, faith and a pioneering spirit, stepping out of our comfort zones and daring to do things differently is imminent; hence, the conscious call for room to be created for drama and dance ministries in the Church.

WHAT THE DANCE AND DRAMA MINISTRIES BRING TO THE TABLE

Reflecting on the impact of the dance and drama ministrations I witnessed during the conference, the following thoughts come to mind

1. OPTIMISATION OF GIFTS AND TALENTS

It is clear from my observation that there is a pool of talents and gifts within the Church whose potential has not been maximised. These are the actors, actresses, scriptwriters, content creators, dancers, etc. However, with space created for dance and drama ministries, these untapped talents would be leveraged and utilised for the Lord’s glory. For example, the PENSA Literary Society at the University of Ghana and Aroma Theatre at the University of Cape Coast have, over the years, been churning out talented creators who have had their giftings buried for lack of room for expression. With the creation of such ministries in the Church, these creative geniuses would be unveiled and optimised for impact.

2. SATISFYING THE SCREEN GENERATION

The contemporary generation is being described as a screen generation. In other words, our visual information-gathering tools have become very strong to the extent that our auditory skills are becoming dormant. What that means is that most young people are more connected to what they see with their eyes than what they read. With that understanding, communicating values, principles, and ethics that bring transformation becomes meaningful if they can be packaged and shared in creative forms. This would be possible by the Ministry of Drama and Dance.

3. A TOOL FOR HEALTHY LIVING, PHYSICAL FITNESS & EXERCISE

Another factor for the dance ministry in the Church is that it can be used as a tool for healthy living, physical fitness and exercise. The Apostle Paul, while encouraging his son Timothy to pursue godliness, admonished in passing that bodily exercise is of value. I see the dance ministry as a channel for young people to dissipate their energies in a positive way. This observation became more apparent as I observed the passionate movements in structured, patterned dance moves by the literary society. The swinging of their arms up and down, the strides and the two-step bounce, and side-to-side motions draw out lots of energy, burn calories, loosen veins for easy blood flow and deepen the fitness of the actors.

4. DANCE AND DRAMA ARE ENGAGING & EMOTIONAL

The fourth reason for advocating a place for the dance and drama ministries in the Church is that these ministries are engaging and emotional. It is said that congregants are able to retain 30% of pulpit sermons no matter how scripted or articulated the message might have come. This, however, is not the case with dance and drama. The dance expressions to the sound of music and the movements of hands and feet to the tunes have a way of catching the attention of the audience, who are awe-struck by the whole experience. Again, most drama scripts deal with stories patrons are able to relate to, stories that are able to ring a bell in their hearts and capture scenes that are relatable and easy to connect with. As a result, the mental picture of the impact of such ministrations is usually unquantifiably great.

5. DRAMA AS A TRANSFORMATION TOOL

I see drama and dance as Transformation tools. Over the years, nations have shaped perceptions, driven ideologies and shaped cultures through drama and dance. Consciously, policymakers and influencers have wisely scripted and staged through creative plays, skits and dance. Similarly, the kingdom of God ought to consider drama as a tool for initiating, communicating and enforcing the change we desire. The Apostle Paul says he became all things to all men so that by all means, he would win. We can conveniently infer that if Paul were in our days, he would have employed drama as one of the all-means methods to accentuate the message of the gospel.

CONCLUSION

This article aims to trigger the discourse for attention to be given to and space consciously created for the ministry of dance and drama as part of the unleashing agenda. With the call for avenues of ministry to be created both within and outside the walls of the Church, the drama ministry comes in handy as a powerful means of communicating the Word of God. Drama and Dance are not only a source of entertainment but also a structured sacred system of artistry that uses movement, contemplation, dialogue, sound, illumination, and response to bring people to an awareness of God, where they can visualise the revelations in God’s word through encouragement, enlightenment, empowerment, and equipment as an unleashed force to transform their world. May God ignite our pursuit for the ministry of drama and dance in the Church because a picture can convey more meaning than one thousand words.

Written by Pastor Kwasi Asante Annor (General Manager, PENT TV)

Maintain Godly Companionship – Chairman Advises Youth web

Maintain Godly Companionship – Chairman Advises Youth

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanTop Stories

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council  (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has advised Christian youth to find and maintain godly companionship which will help them in their journey of life.

He said this when he delivered a sermon at the 2024 PENSA Ghana Conference on January 5, 2024 at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa-Fetteh.

Speaking to the topic: “Amnon Had A Friend”, he explored the consequences of misguided affections, particularly focusing on the story of Amnon and the subtle influence of his friend.

Apostle Nyamekye contrasted the destructive nature of lust with the sacrificial essence of love, pointing out the tragic impact of Amnon’s actions on his sister and the resulting discord among siblings.

“Lust is senseless and careless, while love subordinates feelings to value,” he stressed.

Quoting Proverbs 18:24, Apostle Nyamekye addressed the dual existence of “Jonadabs” (negative influences) and “Jonathans” (positive influences) in life.

He said that, “Jonadabs (bad friends) will take you out of the church, pull you out of your home, ruin your career, and be a destruction to you.”

He cautioned the youth to be people who fear God, walk with wisdom, and very diligent.

The sermon further explored the principles of choosing friends wisely, with biblical guidance from Psalm 119:63, Proverbs 13:20, and Proverbs 12:24.

Apostle Nyamekye encouraged, “The basic principle to apply when looking for a friend is to be a friend to all who fear the Lord.”

Throughout the sermon, the importance of being a friend of God was underscored, with references to 2 Chronicles 20:7, Exodus 33:11, and Jonah 2:8.

Apostle Nyamekye stressed, “God is looking for a certain person, a person of a good heart.”

In his closing remarks, Apostle Nyamekye commended the youth as the strength and future of the church.

“What makes you a strong Christian is when you cultivate a habit of praying yourself”, he encouraged.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Websizee-2

Prioritise Thanksgiving – Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah Advises

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah, the Ho Area Head and an Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost, has encourage Christian youth to prioritise thanksgiving above any everything else.

He said this during the recently-held Transformers Conference, organised by the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) Ghana, in collaboration with the Youth Ministry of The Church of Pentecost.

The event was held place at three centers nationwide; the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) – Gomoa Fetteh, the Pentecost Students’ and Associates (PENSA) – KNUST branch auditorium – Kumasi and the University for Development Studies (UDS) Campus – Tamale.

Speaking to the topic: “Living by the Values and Principles of the Kingdom of God”, Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah urged the youth to prioritise gratitude, emphasising the importance of letting their thanksgiving list exceed their shopping list with God.

Highlighting the cultural significance of gratitude, Apostle Dr. Quampah remarked, “Gratitude is sometimes overlooked in certain cultures, but it should be highly practiced by all.

We ought to appreciate God for His goodness and also express gratitude for the basic acts of kindness from people. In summary, gratitude should be fundamental.”

Quoting from 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, he stressed that gratitude has the power to improve one’s attitude and is a key to opening doors in one’s life.

He added, “Whatever we appreciate should be valued; it brings about a winsome attitude that is essential for personal growth.”

The Ho Area Head drew attention to the significance of appreciating family, stating, “Appreciate family and stop demonising families because gratitude brings a lot of social recognition.”

Referencing a message from Luke 17:11-19, he reminded the youth that Jesus condemns ingratitude, reinforcing the idea that being thankful is an acknowledgment of someone adding value to one’s life.

Concluding his presentation, Apostle Dr. Quampah encouraged the youth to embrace gratitude as a fundamental principle which will foster positive attitudes.

Report by PENSA Ghana Media/Editorial Team

Newly Launched Eco Impact Network To Promote Environmental Consciousness Among Young People web

Newly Launched “Eco Impact Network” To Promote Environmental Consciousness Among Young People

by with No Comment Church NewsTop Stories

Eco-Impact Network, a non-governmental organisation inspired by The Church of Pentecost’s Vision 2028 and Environmental Care Campaign, was officially launched today [Friday, January 5, 2024] at a short ceremony in Accra.

The colourful event was chaired by Pastor Dr. Nicholas Darko (Rtd.), former Finance and Administration Director of the Church and currently the Financial Controller for the National Cathedral project.

The event was also graced by representatives of partner organisations and agencies, namely the National Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee (NDLDC), the committee in charge of implementing the Environmental Care Campaign of The Church of Pentecost; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Zoomlion Ghana Limited, and the Environmental Health Department of Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), as well as collaborative ministries such as Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development (MLGRD) and the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR).

In her welcome address, the Executive Director of Eco Impact Network, Mrs Gifty Ofori-Yeboah (a Deaconess of the Church who fellowships with the Greda Estate District in the Teshie-Nungua Area), stated that her organisation is committed to positively influencing the younger generation through environmental consciousness and sustainable living practices for a healthier planet.

According to her, Eco Impact Network is poised to create a healthy society for all by educating and instilling a profound understanding of the environment and its crucial role in sustaining life on earth in the younger generation.

“We recognise the vital role that education plays in shaping the future. Therefore, our focus extends to schools, particularly the basic schools in the Krowor Municipality and other deprived areas in the Greater Accra Region and beyond,” the Executive Director said.

She added: “It is imperative for everyone, young and old, to grasp the significance of protecting our environment, and we are determined to be the catalysts for this awareness.”

In her speech, Mrs Lilian Adu-Kumi of the Environmental Protection Agency said that industrialisation had brought many economic benefits to humanity but has also taken a toll on the environment, leading to severe pollution and exploitation of natural resources, causing long-term damage.

She noted that the mission of Eco Impact Network aligns well with the EPA’s mission for Ghana and pledged her outfit’s support to the NGO’s cause.

“Young people are important stakeholders in addressing environmental issues because the future is theirs, and equipping them with environmental knowledge will place them in a better position to appreciate environmental discourses and be passionate about contributing to protecting our environment,” she said.

The representative of the Environmental Health Department of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Mr. Emmanuel Younge, commended Eco Impact Network for fervently committing to initiating a comprehensive health education campaign focused on hygiene within schools, communities, and industries.

“We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to discuss potential collaboration and explore ways in which TMA and other government agencies can synergise efforts toward this noble cause,” he said.

Pastor Eric Ansah, representing the National Coordinator of the Environmental Care Campaign of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gakpetor, said that the creation of the Eco Impact Network aligns perfectly with Vision 2028 of the Church, encouraging members to make a meaningful impact outside of the Church.

He commended Mrs Gifty Ofori-Yeboah, the Executive Director, for undertaking such a worthy initiative and assured her of the Church’s support in ensuring that their collaborative efforts yield results for a healthier planet.

Pastor Dr Nicholas Darko, in his remarks, expressed his delight that environmental issues are receiving the needed attention as he shared some damning statistics with the audience.

He noted that the inception of the Network is divine and the beginning of something bigger that will significantly contribute to the preservation of the environment.

He then joined the various dignitaries present to officially launch the network.

Also present at the event were Pastor Charles Amponsah Baah (Greda Estate District), Pastor Emmanuel Marfo (CERSI, Pentecost University), Pastor William Amponsah Asiamah (Kwabenya Old Town District), Mr Edward Ofori-Yeboah (Spouse of the Eco-Impact Network Executive Director), Mrs Mabel Darko (Wife of the Chairperson), as well as some relatives and well-wishers.

PENTECOST NEWS.

2024 Theme Is The Foundation For The Church's Transformative Agenda web

2024 Theme Is The Foundation For The Church’s Transformative Agenda – Pastor Eghan Reveals

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

Pastor Benedict Eghan, the Resident Minister for the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Tesano, and the Personal Assistant to the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, has revealed that the theme for this year serves as the foundation for the second phase of the Church’s “Possessing the Nations” agenda.

Speaking on “The Rationale for the 2024 Theme”, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, Pastor Eghan emphasised that this year’s theme is spirit-led, guiding The Church of Pentecost on the trajectory of God’s intentions and providing a focused framework for assessing growth.

Elaborating on the current phase of the “Possessing the Nations” agenda, Pastor Eghan stressed that the 2024 theme, “A People of God Unleashed to Transform Their World (1 Peter 2:9, Acts 1:8),” is critical to mobilising and unleashing the church for the transformation of their world in the coming years.

“The Lord has equipped us for five years; we are ready to transform the world with godly principles. Nothing will restrain us. The enemy cannot stop the church. We are arising and shining forth,” he declared with conviction.

In a call to action, Pastor Benedict urged all young people to rise and exert influence in their campuses, workplaces, and every sphere of life.

Highlighting on the Church’s unleashing mandate, he called for Christians to make their presence felt on earth, echoing the mission to possess all nations for Christ.

To reach and transform the youth, the Personal Assistant to the Chairman specifically encouraged Pentecost students to invigorate PENSA (Pentecost Students and Associates) on their campuses.

The 2024 Transformers Conference, which saw over 10,000 young participants across three centers (PCC, KNUST, and UDS), attested to the readiness and equipped nature of the youth, signaling a wind of transformation set to impact nations globally.

Report by PENSA Ghana Secretariat Team

Make Evangelism Your Lifestyle – Pastor Isaac Donkor Tells Christians web

Make Evangelism Your Lifestyle – Pastor Isaac Donkor Tells Christians

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

Pastor Isaac Donkor, the PENSA Travelling Secretary for the Kwadaso Sector, has urged Christians, especially  the Christian youth, to make evangelism their lifestyle.

He made this call during a presentation at the ongoing PENSA Ghana Conference (Transformers Conference) at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, one of the three centres for this year’s annual youth conference.

In his presentation, Pastor Isaac Donkor mentioned that the concept of evangelism takes its root from the greatest commission highlighted by the four Gospels and also affirmed in Acts 1:8. He stated emphatically that the Great Commission is not a suggestion nor a negotiation but a command.

He remarked how our forebears evangelised wholeheartedly, and not even persecution could stop them because they upheld one of the core values of the church: evangelism, being a prime purpose.

He further elaborated on the need to make evangelism a lifestyle, pointing to the fact that people are dying, and the unanswered question of how many are saved is of great concern.

Pastor Donkor reiterated that it is therefore the will of God that all be saved, with reference to 1 Peter 3:9.

He posited that the heartbeat of God is world evangelisation as such we must be compelled with love to evangelise to all.

In the course of his presentation, Pastor Isaac Donkor stressed that we all have a moral responsibility to evangelize and reach out to the lost – by so doing, we reconcile the lost to God.

“As we evangelise, the crown of soul winners is made available unto us,” he added.

As he approached the conclusion of his presentation, he listed vital ways of making evangelism a lifestyle. These include travailing in prayer for the lost, developing passion and zeal for personal devotion, delighting in joining evangelism trips, and most importantly, attaching scriptures or gospel messages to our posts on social media to proclaim Jesus to our world.

He made a profound quote by John Knox; “Give me Scotland or I die.”

He urged Christians to also have this same desire and rise with boldness proclaiming similar chant, “Give me my Campus or I die.”

Pastor Isaac Donkor ended with a prayer for the youth to passionately and vigorously evangelise to win the lost.

Report by PENSA Ghana Secretariat Team

Evangelism Thrives On Effective Follow-Up & Discipleship - Apostle Samuel Gakpetor web

Evangelism Thrives On Effective Follow-Up & Discipleship – Apostle Samuel Gakpetor

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

The Agormanya Area Head and National Coordinator for the Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee (DLDC) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gakpetor, has said that effective follow-up and discipleship are the legs on which evangelism thrives.

Apostle Samuel Gakpetor made this assertion yesterday during a presentation at 2024 PENSA Ghana Conference (Transformers Conference) at the PENSA-KNUST centre, one of the three centres for this year’s conference.

The DLDC Coordinator, in his presentation, enlightened participants on the need to effectively follow up and disciple others, especially new converts, to be grounded in Christ.

Apostle Gakpetor likened preaching the gospel to fishing, emphasising the necessity of diligently working on souls until they can confidently claim them.

He passionately stressed the importance of follow-up and discipleship for various reasons including the vulnerability of new Christians, ensuring spiritual multiplication, and preventing the hardening of new believers who lack proper guidance.

He also noted that discipleship is key in equipping believers to bear fruits with buds, that is, manifesting in character, good works, and an evangelistic lifestyle.

Apostle Gakpetor also stressed on the needs of new converts such as being loved, being nourished by the word of God, prayer, as well as protection against the devil and their previous worldly associations.

Reading from Acts 9:1-22, he cited Ananias as an evangelistic prototype, who demonstrated the eight essential actions of a disciple-making Christian during his encounterwith Saul.

According to him, Ananias prayed to God about Saul, visited him, accepted him as a brother, tended to his spiritual and physical needs, ensured that Saul underwent water baptism, laid hands on him, introduced him to the fellowship of saints, and equipped him for ministry.

Drawing inspiration from the Ananias and Saul example; he admonished the church to pay attention to follow-up and discipleship so that their evangelism efforts are not in vain.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Chairman Urges Youth To Cultivate A Joshua Generation Mentality For National Transformation web

Chairman Urges Youth To Cultivate A “Joshua Generation Mentality” For National Transformation

by with No Comment Church NewsMoving With ChairmanTop Stories

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has urged Christian youth to cultivate the “can do” mentality of the Joshua generation in order to transform the nations.

He made this address on Wednesday, January 3, 2023, at the 2024 PENSA Ghana Conference which is being held at the Pentecost Students’ and Associates (PENSA) – KNUST branch auditorium.

Basing his sermon on Joshua 1, he began by reminding Christians of life’s temporal nature, urging them to make their existence a period of fruitful labour.

With the mind being the main factor in his presentation, Apostle Nyamekye noted that “Great leadership doesn’t guarantee great achievement alone. The mindset of those who walk with you is crucial in determining success.”

 He acknowledged the transformative power of the mind, asserting that societal change must commence with a profound shift in mentality.

“Transformation begins in the mind. We cannot possess or transform nations or our world when we have a certain kind of mentality. If you want to transform society, it must begin with your mind,” he explained.

Encouraging believers to cultivate a clear understanding of their identity, the nature of their God, and His purpose, Apostle Nyamekye remarked,

“Understanding brings conviction. When you are convicted, it seems like you have been apprehended; you then become a prisoner for God.”

Drawing a poignant comparison between the Joshua and Moses generations that emerged from Egypt, he highlighted the pivotal role of mindset in their journeys. “Caleb and Joshua had a different spirit. They wholeheartedly depended on God. They had a pioneering spirit. They took God at His word despite their circumstances,” he explained.

Quoting Psalm 78, Apostle Nyamekye passionately declared, “This generation, the Moses’ generation is dead. God is demanding a new generation, the Joshua generation.”

He underscored the importance of aligning one’s thoughts with God’s word, referencing Deuteronomy 9:1-3, where Moses tells the Joshua generation that they are going to Canaan to take over the land.

Addressing the need for courage in taking over nations, Apostle Nyamekye emphatically stated,

“For us to take over the nations, courage will rise with danger.”

He stressed the necessity of making God renowned in the land of Ghana, saying, “We need to make God famous in the land of Ghana.”

The Chairman concluded by connecting the “Possessing the Nations” agenda and unleashing mandate with a “Joshua Mentality Generation” stressing their courage, boldness, a willingness to tread unfamiliar territories, and advancing the Kingdom of God to all nations.

“When we talk about the youth, we are talking about the strength, future, and challenge of the church. But we will manage the challenge and take the future for the Church,” he added.

PENTECOST NEWS.

New Combine District Women’s Ministry Fetes Mentally Challenged Persons web

New Combine District Women’s Ministry Fetes Mentally Challenged Persons

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesWomen's Ministry

The New Combine District Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, in collaboration with Dam City TV, Akosombo, has feted mentally challenged persons on the streets of Akosombo and neighbouring communities.

The team, led by the wife of the District Minister, Mrs Esther Kesse, fed all mentally sick persons on the streets from the ATL factory through to Atimpoku, Akrade, Kpong, Nuaso and Agormanya. 

The special exercise took place on Boxing Day to show love to the marginalised in society during the Christmas season. 

The team was made up of a Mental Health Nurse, a Psychological Counsellor in the person of Mrs Esther Kesse (the District Pastor’s wife), a CID Officer, and delegates from New Combine Women’s Ministry and Dam City TV. 

With the help of Dam City TV, the ministry was able to locate the mentally sick persons in their hiding places. The church fed them with rice and stew, soft drinks and mineral water, fully sponsored by the Women’s Ministry, which also fueled the vehicle used for the exercise. In all, 40 mentally challenged persons were located and fed. It was very tedious work for the team, who had to walk a long distance to find them individually. Seeing how these persons aggressively took the food from the team and ate it right in their presence was touching. 

The motive behind the great move was to help extend the peace and love in the birth of Christ to the mentally challenged persons who are usually neglected by their families and loved ones. 

The team has decided to find time within the year to visit the mentally challenged persons, this time to interact with them to see if some of them can give details about their real families and where they come from so the team can locate their families and counsel them accordingly.

Residents who witnessed the exercise were touched to see The Church of Pentecost feeding the socially marginalised. They praised the church and the leadership for equipping the members with strategic ideas to possess the nations. 

Report by Reindolf Botchway, Akosombo.

Transform Ghana Through Holistic Discipleship – Apostle Jude Hama web

Transform Ghana Through Holistic Discipleship – Apostle Jude Hama

by with No Comment Church NewsTop StoriesYouth Ministry

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.