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The Daniel K. Arnan Worship Centre in the Teshie-Nungua Area of The Church of Pentecost (CoP) organised a special service on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, to formally welcome their new Resident Minister and newly-appointed Finance and Administration Director (FAD) at the Church’s Headquarters, Pastor Emmanuel Appah and his family.

The welcome service, which garnered an impressive turnout, was officiated by Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah-Agyeman, the Teshie-Nungua Area Head. He was assisted by a cross-section of the Area pastorate, including Pastor Solomon Kyei (Resident Minister, PIWC-Sakumono), Pastor Bernard Kofie (Resident Minister, Bethel Worship Centre), Pastor Kwasi Asante Annor (General Manager, Pent TV), and Pastor Daniel Danso (Chaplain, Zoomlion Company Ltd.).

Also in attendance were Pastor Dr. Felix Dela Klutse (Media Ministry Pastor), Pastor Supt. Moses Animah (Chaplain, Ghana Prisons Service), CoP Headquarters staff, relatives of the minister, and members of the Worship Centre and PIWC-Bogoso, among others.

During the service, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah-Agyeman preached an inspiring message titled “The Walking Trees,” inspired by Mark 8:22-25 and Jeremiah 1:9-12.

In his sermon, the Teshie-Nungua Area Head explained that the blind man whom Jesus healed at Bethsaida needed a second touch before his eyes were restored. Jeremiah, on the other hand, was able to see clearly just after the first touch.

He noted that every believer must be able to see (discern) the will of God, stressing that when Christians, especially Church leaders, do not see clearly, it is a recipe for disaster.

“If you do not see clearly, then seek a second touch of God,” he urged.

Reading from Proverbs 20:20, the Teshie-Nungua Area Head said that when one is unable to discern the ways of God, they may even oppose God’s will.

“A Christian who cannot see clearly will be overcome by sin,” he further cautioned.

Apostle Nkrumah-Agyeman urged them to develop an intimate relationship with God, enabling them to see beyond the ordinary to do exploits. He also advised them to be visionary by applying the knowledge acquired to solve problems and challenges.

Interspersing his sermon with life experiences, the Area Head assured the congregants of God’s protection and faithfulness in all circumstances.

In his response, Pastor Appah, on behalf of his family, expressed gratitude to the leadership of The Church of Pentecost for the trust reposed in them and thanked their predecessor for laying a solid foundation for them to build on.

He expressed his commitment to fulfilling the Church’s mission of “Possessing the Nations,” saying: “Our salvation is meaningless unless it is linked with the salvation of our homes, workplaces, communities, and nations.”

“It is my prayer that all our service at this Worship Centre will be characterised by the supernatural, so that members will be empowered to go out as agents of transformation to possess their homes, workplaces, communities, and nations for Christ,” he added.

BRIEF PROFILE:

Pastor Emmanuel Appah, who holds a Master’s in Finance, a Master’s in Divinity, a Bachelor’s in Commerce, and a Bachelor’s in Religious Arts, is a Chartered Accountant. He also possesses a Ghana Stock Exchange Securities certificate and is a fellow of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants.

He was called into the full-time ministry of The Church of Pentecost in 2015 and has since pastored at the Dobro District and Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Bogoso.

He is married to Mrs. Dorcas Appah, and they have a son.

Pastor Appah has succeeded Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko, who is headed for Twifo Praso as Area Head.

PENTECOST NEWS

The Church of Pentecost, La Area, under the leadership of Apostle Dr Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe, together with the Area Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee (ADLDC), has organised a 5-day intensive lay leadership training for officers, ministry leaders and their executives at various districts in the Area. The event occurred from Monday, 7th to Friday, 11th August, 2023.

Participants were taken through topics such as ‘The Church Leader’s Marriage and Family Life,’ ‘The Church of Pentecost Distinctive Brand,’ and ‘The Repositioned Assembly of The Church of Pentecost,’ among others.

The Area ADLDC Coordinator, Pastor Dannis James Osei Assibey, noted that all the topics for this year’s lay leadership school were most relevant in contemporary times. 

Speaking during a visit to the Alajo District, Pastor Assibey said that as the year goes by and membership increases, many questions are raised regarding the doctrine, practices and, most significantly, the church’s history due to a lack of understanding that needs to be addressed.

He stated that including the church’s history in the courses was necessary so that participants would be enlightened and well-informed about past events. This way, he said, they can always defend the church when questions are raised.

Pastor Dannis James Osei Assibey indicated that the church’s history and 1931 prophesy affirm why The Church of Pentecost is a covenant church. “This is a notable history every member should know,” he added.

He charged presiding elders and ministry leaders to include the topics in their presentations to members.

He commended participants and facilitators for availing themselves to be impacted by things of the church.

The La Area Head and Executive Council Member-Elect, Apostle Dieudonne Komla Nuekpe, together with Pastor Dannis James Osei Assibey and his team, went round the various districts to supervise and encourage participants.

Report by Gina Akua Padi

The newly-created Assin Basofi Ningo District in the Assin Foso Area of The Church of Pentecost was inaugurated on August 22, 2023.

The colourful event, which was officiated by the Area Head, Apostle Frederick Kweku Andoh, also saw the dedication of the district’s newly constructed Mission House and the Central Assembly church building.

In a brief sermon on the topic, “Making the Church a Spiritual Home for Maximum Impact: The Role of Its Members” at the event, Apostle Frederick Andoh advised Christians who feel called to serve in the Lord’s vineyard not to be only enthused with the privileges attached to the ministerial calling, but must also be prepared to carry out the assigned responsibilities as well.

Quoting from Acts 2:42-47, Judges 17:6-13 and Romans 12:1-21, Apostle Andoh reiterated the need for each member to carry out their assigned responsibilities as members of God’s household as we seek to enjoy all privileges as family members.

Using the responsibilities given to the rest of the eleven tribes of Israel by God towards the Levites as a case study, the Apostle noted from Judges 17 that Micah consecrated a wandering Levite to serve as priest to idols he had set up because the people had reneged on their responsibilities.

To ensure the church’s rapid growth, Apostle Andoh encouraged all to adopt the principles of the early church in Jerusalem, which are devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers.

“As a member of the church, you should not just be part of the numbers, but your membership must count in how you offer services with your gifts and resources to God, the church, ministers of the gospel and one another,” he concluded.

Basofi Ningo District, which was carved out of Assin Nyankomasi District, started as a local assembly with six members on February 10, 1952, after an open-air rally during the era of the then-District Minister of Assin Foso District, Overseer Denkyi.

The proposal for the creation of the district was approved by Councillors during the 46^th General Council Meetings of The Church of Pentecost held in May this year.

Inaugurating the district, Apostle Andoh explained that The Church of Pentecost operates with the principle of “multiplication by division.” Whenever a new District is created, growth and expansion are envisaged.

He, therefore, encouraged the members to appreciate the enormity of the responsibility entrusted to them and work assiduously towards the growth of the kingdom of God.

As part of the event, ten officers made up of an Elder, four Deacons and five Deaconesses were ordained and commissioned into their respective offices.

A cross-section of the pastorate, their wives in the area, and officers, among others, were in attendance.

Report by Pastor Samuel Avornyo (Assin Foso Area Reporter)

The newly constructed Kotoso District Mission House of The Church of Pentecost was officially dedicated by Prophet Foster Aniakwaa, the Nkawkaw Area Head, on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

The dedication ceremony, held at the Nazareth Assembly church auditorium, drew members of the district who could not hide their joy at the successful completion of the building, a project that spanned six months.

Speaking on the theme, “Expanding Your Divine and Physical Territory for Maximum Impact,” with scriptural references from 2 Kings 6:1-7 and Luke 5:1-9, Prophet Forster Aniakwaa advised believers not to relent but to seek growth and expansion in whatever has been entrusted into our care.

He encouraged believers not to be complacent but to actively pursue growth and expansion in their entrusted responsibilities.

He highlighted that the first Mission House in the Bible was the Garden of Eden, where God placed man. Unfortunately, due to the temptations of the flesh, the eyes, and pride, it was lost.

He further urged church leaders, especially ministers, to have a broad and ambitious perspective on ministry, focusing on multifaceted growth.

Prophet Aniakwaa emphasised that despite the challenges inherent in life and ministry, these challenges should not be viewed as dead-ends but rather as opportunities for progress and elevation. “Expansion should be the focus of every leader,” he stressed.

Constructed at a total cost of GHS 385,300.00, the four-bedroom Kotoso District Mission House has an office, hall, kitchen, store room, dining area and a garage.

Present at the event were the area pastorate and their wives, as well as Elder Isaac Agyapong (DCE Kwahu East), Elder D02 Ebenezer Sackitey (District Fire Commander, Kwahu East), Elder L.F. Bright Dankwah, some invited guests, officers and church members.

Report by Nkawkaw Area Media Team

The Moral Vision Implementation Committee of the National Development Conference (NADEC 2023) presented its report to the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, in Accra, yesterday.

The team was led by Elder Dr Eric Oduro Osae (Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency, who doubled as the Secretary of the Committee). Other members of the committee present were Dr Regina Ohene-Darko Adutwum (Former Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission), Deaconess Mercy Larbi (Deputy Commissioner of the Commission for Human Rights and Justice), Rev. Dr Emmanuel Ansah, and Pastor Dr Felix Dela Klutse (Media Ministry Pastor).

Also present at the meeting were the outgoing and incoming General Secretaries of the church, Apostles Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi and Samuel Gyau Obuobi, respectively, and PEMEM Director, Apostle Vincent Anane Denteh, who doubled as the Chairman of the NADEC Planning Committee.

In his remarks, Dr Oduro Osae noted that the report captured key issues emerging out of the conference and also provided some guidance to leadership in organising future conferences.

Thanking the Chairman for selecting them to serve the church in that capacity, Dr Osae assured leadership of their availability to put their expertise to bear whenever they are called upon.

The National Moral Vision Implementation Committee chaired by His Lordship Elder Justice Kyei Baffour, an Appeal Court Judge, was tasked to, among other things, organise a stakeholder engagement and training workshops for discussion groups; be in charge of the planning and execution of the group discussion component of the conference as well as the compilation of the output of group discussions into a moral vision document to be submitted to the leadership of the church; be in charge of the implementation of the pre-and post-conference public education plan using the developed national moral vision document; develop policy briefs on the national moral vision and its impact on societal transformation.

In his response, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, on behalf of the members of the church, thanked members of the committee for a yeoman job done.

The Chairman indicated plans to push the report to the length that will bring the needed result, stressing that all major stakeholders will be engaged to ensure that Ghana gets a moral vision document that will guide the national development and governance.

Apostle Nyamekye pointed out that there was a growing need for a national moral vision, and the church was required to play a critical role in ensuring it.

The inaugural National Development Conference, which took place from July 26 to 27, 2023, under the theme, “Moral Vision and National Development,” aimed to underscore the importance of establishing standard moral principles within a Moral Vision agenda, to guide the country’s progress.

The conference brought together over 2,000 stakeholders from across the country. The various sectors represented were national and local government units, religious and traditional leaders, policy analysts, academia, business and artisans, and the media. 

Notable dignitaries present included the Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia; former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama; the Speaker of Parliament, Right Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin; Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo; Members of Parliament; Ministers of State, the Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, among others.

At the end of the two-day conference, an official communique was issued, which outlined conclusions drawn from the conference and recommendations for the way forward. Some of the highlights of the Communique are:

1. Integration of socially approved and accepted values and norms in the form of an agreed National Moral Code.
2. Set up a multi-sectoral team facilitated by Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) to actualise the proposed National Moral Vision.
3. Religious bodies to give prominence to moral teachings and principles in their teachings.
4. All levels of leadership to be re-oriented on a national transformation agenda premised on high moral values.
5. Comprehensive national moral re-orientation programme, especially for the youth.
6. Patriotism must be at the heart of public discourse and curricula.
7. Vigorous national integrity campaign to sharpen the moral consciousness of Ghanaians.
8. Prepare future leaders to appreciate the relevance of moral values in national development.
9. Incorporation of a clear media accountability framework in the proposed National Moral Vision Plan.
10. Issues of moral vision and national development must take centre stage in the manifestos of all political parties.
11. Mechanisms to create a hostile environment for all forms of corruption; and
12. Establishment of an independent National Moral and Integrity Council (NMIC) to champion the development and implementation of an agreed national moral code that would push the Moral Vision agenda.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Anyaa-Ablekuma Area, led by Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye, organised a one-day seminar on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, for ministers, district clerks, and volunteers involved in the administrative functions of the district offices within the Area.

The primary objective of the seminar was to ensure that District ministers are well-informed about the responsibilities of the District Clerks and the expectations placed upon them. Central to this initiative was the intention to enhance the efficiency of the clerks in carrying out their duties through relevant and current training.

In his opening address, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye highlighted the biblical imperative of equipping workers for Kingdom service, citing Ecclesiastes 10:10 and Proverbs 27:17.

He stressed the essential nature of continuous training, mentoring, instilling godly values, and providing on-the-job supervision to ensure fruitful outcomes.

Apostle Ohemeng-Kwakye emphasised that neglecting ongoing training and guidance could result in detrimental consequences, leading to improper conduct such as financial misconduct, misappropriation of church funds, and violations of financial policies. Hence the need to organise such training events.

Deaconess Rianon Seesi, the Executive Secretary to the Odorkor Area Head, conducted a session on Basic Record Keeping, File Creation and Maintenance Procedures, Computer File Organization, and Proper Document Storage. Her presentation focused on the importance of meticulous record-keeping and offered practical guidance on efficient filing methods.

Pastor Emmanuel Teye Sackitey, the Anyaa District Minister, and the Area Secretary, elaborated on the role and qualities of a District clerk. He also enlightened clerks about what the Pastors, Presiding Elders, the District Executive Committee, and the General Church expect of them, and the ethical standards integral to their responsibilities.

The final part of the seminar was the presentation from the IT Department of The Church of Pentecost Headquarters, represented by IT Manager Pastor Paul Odai Laryea and Miss Mary Awah. They provided insights into the Pentecost Enterprise Resources Planning (PentERP) system. Their presentation covered the utilisation of PentERP for generating invoices, tithe closing, and handling financial transactions within the church.

In his closing remarks, Apostle William Ohemeng-Kwakye expressed gratitude to the facilitators for their exceptional expertise and the quality of their presentations.

He urged ministers to support clerks in their roles and ensure timely remuneration to enhance their job satisfaction. He also encouraged the clerks to exhibit diligence and dedication, as this could serve as a springboard to bigger opportunities in the future.

He also hinted that the training programme would be held periodically to monitor progress, address challenges, and strategize for more effective discharge of duties.

Report by Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Media Team