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One thing that is in the heart of God, burning above everything else, is the salvation of man. Since the fall of man, His greatest priority has been to reconcile mankind unto Himself. Right at the heart of this mission is the act of evangelism. As Christians, we are not called just to know and sing about it but to make it the passion of our lives. God’s heart beats for the lost, and if we claim to be His children, we must share in His passion. Why is evangelism so important to God in the first place, and why should it be our passionate pursuit?

Throughout the Bible, it is very clear that proclaiming the Gospel, or evangelism, is God’s priority. Jesus says in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” This was His main agenda on earth, and it remains His heartbeat each passing day. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 admonishes us, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” It is not a suggestion; it is a mandate. God does not wish for any to perish (2 Peter 3:9), and He has given us the responsibility to bring that message of salvation into the world. Evangelism is the heartbeat of God because His love for humanity is manifest through it. This is what John 3:16 says in summary: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Evangelism is the means by which God ensures that this love reaches into the soul of every individual, and He has called us all to be His messengers in doing this. The salvation of souls is His priority, and we in His church must embrace this with zeal and passion.

BEING UNLEASHED AS A CHURCH IN POSSESSING THE NATIONS

This is a call to lay the Gospel before every corner of our communities, workplaces, schools, and beyond. Evangelism is central to this vision because it is through the spread of the Gospel that nations are won to Christ. We cannot possess the nations without preaching the message of salvation. When a church is passionate about evangelism, it becomes a beacon of hope to the world. Proverbs 11:30 says, “He who wins souls is wise.” Therefore, a church that prioritises soul-winning aligns itself with God’s wisdom and His eternal purpose. Evangelism brings growth, transformation, and revival. It takes the focus off ourselves and places it where it needs to be: reaching the lost and building the Kingdom of God.

Making evangelism your personal passion as a believer is crucial to your spiritual growth and maturity. Jesus’ command to “Go and make disciples” is not just for church leaders or evangelists; it’s for every believer. When we share the Gospel, we are fulfilling the purpose for which we were created. 1 Corinthians 9:16 is a striking reminder of this truth: the Apostle Paul said, “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” Paul understood that his life’s mission was tied to sharing the message of Christ. When we make evangelism a priority in our lives, we experience a deeper connection with God’s heart; we grow in boldness, and we see the Holy Spirit work in and through us. Additionally, evangelism strengthens our faith as we witness firsthand how the power of the Gospel transforms lives.

How do we develop this passion for evangelism? Let’s consider just a few examples. In a real sense, Paul’s evangelistic zeal was a result of a personal encounter with Jesus (Acts 9:1-19). He was motivated and driven by the love and grace he had received. Paul declared in 1 Corinthians 9:16, “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” because he felt an urgency in preaching it. He was passionate because he understood the eternal impact of his message. A passion like Paul’s is developed through a personal encounter with Jesus and reminders of His saving grace. Even Jesus Himself showed how one could live a life of passionate evangelism. Matthew 9:36 says, “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” The love Jesus had for people became His motivating factor in mission. As we learn to cultivate a heart for evangelism, we need to ask God to give us a heart of compassion towards the lost. As we start to see people through God’s eyes, God’s heart begins to beat through ours, motivating us to share the Good News.

In the book of Acts, we see the early church’s zeal for evangelism. After being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter, John, and the other disciples preached the Gospel with boldness (Acts 4:29-31). Their passion emanated from being empowered by the Holy Spirit. To cultivate this passion, we must continually seek the filling of the Spirit, letting Him embolden us to be fearless in sharing the Gospel through continuous prayer. Prayer is indispensable for fostering an apostolic zeal because it tunes our hearts to the desire of God’s heart and allows the Holy Spirit to fill us with boldness to speak the Gospel. Note how the early church prayed for boldness and drew strength to preach. Similarly, if we want to see the fire of evangelism grow within us, we need to be in the presence of God through continual prayer.

In addition to prayer, the study of the Word of God is key to cultivating a zealous passion for evangelism. The Apostle Paul encourages Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:6b: “Continue to study the message about Jesus that you have already learned; that will help you to be strong.” Through studying the Scriptures, believers become deeply rooted in the truth of the Gospel and better understand the message of salvation. The Word of God exposes us to the reality of God’s love, the brokenness of humanity, and the urgency of sharing the Gospel. Growing in knowledge of the Word reveals the importance of sharing the Gospel with the lost, building a growing passion within us to share the truth with others. When we are armed with Scripture, we are not only aware of the need to preach the Gospel but are also equipped to do so. The Word sharpens our insight and steels our determination to herald the Good News with certainty.

Let us make God’s priority our zealous passion. Like Paul, let us declare, “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” As we embrace this calling, may we be filled with the same fire that drove the early church to turn the world upside down. This is the time to ignite our passion for evangelism and rise up to save a never-dying soul for God!

Written by Elder Amos Atanga (Firestone Worship Centre)

On this special occasion of Officers appreciation Day, I can only join the millions and well-meaning populace of The Church of Pentecost to pay a glowing tribute to its Officers. The commitments, energy levels, sacrifices and Love for God and the church by the Officers at times beats my imagination. God’s work is a calling indeed, and they are a testament to this true saying. Otherwise, how could one explain the zeal with which some toil tirelessly to ensure the church gets a place or parcel of Land for worship when they themselves have none to boast of. How could you imagine some fasting and praying for God’s intervention in the lives of the members amidst their own unresolved challenges. Again, why they do not get exhausted in following-up and visiting the members even when the latter do not reciprocate such gestures equally baffles my mind. It can only be their Love for God, His children and unflinching loyalty to the leadership of The Church.

To mention a few, I cannot forget Teacher Oppong, my Sunday school teacher during the late 70s and early 80s in Dormaa Ahenkro who helped me to recite my first ever Bible text. Late Elder Ntow, during the same period also taught me the lyrics of my first Pentecostal hymn. May His soul rest in peace. Elders Raymond Poku and Kodua (a.k.a Prof Ko) during their days at Prempeh College who helped me during my A’ Levels days. I say a big thank you to you all because your sacrifices went beyond the confines of the church. Deaconess Mrs Alberta Lomotey, your constant words of encouragement, prayers, and support ever since we entered the full time Ministry has been amazing. And to all Officers at the headquarters, Areas and Districts I have served such as Agona Swedru, Bolgatanga and Kaneshie, I doff my hat in awe for you all. Your labor in the Lord is never in vain.

People are appointed to find solutions to problems and offer directions as and when needed. God found a specific task and project for Moses to execute in Egypt before giving him the title, Prophet. Stephen was also a young man in a group the early church leadership chose to serve as Deacons during the first century AD. “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.” (Acts 6:1). They were, thus, selected to solve problems and not as a reward for their regular fellowship in church. Stephen’s terms of reference as a Deacon were to de-escalate the rising tension between the Hebraic Jews and their Hellenistic counterpart. Together with his colleagues, they were also to ensure a fair and incident-free mode of distributing food and other resources amongst the members. Per a typical Church liturgy, the role given to Stephen was one of the most unspiritual but stressful and loaded with the likelihood of confrontations. It was, therefore, not surprising that the Apostles wanted a tried and tested Spirit-filled people to handle such a task.

Stephen and the other six deacons were shortlisted and endorsed by their congregants or Local assembly. They, therefore, enjoyed the goodwill and support of the church due to their virtues. Making a list of seven out of the lot was not a small feat Stephen and his friends chalked. It was, therefore, not difficult for the early Church leadership to lay hands upon them and commission them to continue with their service. These were young men with great aspirations to grow and possibly become Apostles and take up the ruins of power after the first-generation leadership. They were, however, assigned to serve tables. Why would the leaders of the early church require people with faith who are Spirit-filled to oversee the distribution of “common” food among women? Was there anything Apostle Peter saw ahead that the church had not seen? More so, these were young men in their late 20s and early 30s going to work amongst women daily.

Ironically, there would also be some greedy foodians or gluttons who would envy that portfolio of Stephen due to the opportunity of enriching themselves with dishonest gains. For them, all Stephen needed to do was to strike the necessary acquaintances with the domestic bursars and cooks to have access to the best portions of the meat. These characters would, therefore, not pray for one’s survival in such a highly “inflammable” seat but design and mount impediments and unwarranted attacks to cause their failure. Deacon Stephen would have done himself a great disservice should he have taken a posturing of whirling away time eagerly waiting for a higher appointment. It would have distracted and affected his performance as the food distribution officer and suffered a replacement.

Meanwhile, many others who saw his office as a juicy one would also be eagerly waiting to take up that role. Therefore, let all assigned any role in the Lord’s vineyard business stay focused and offer their best. What others call “Table Serving” may require even more spirituality than some of the roles that appear spiritual. Of course, all things being equal, Stephen’s schedule wouldn’t allow him much space to pray and be with the Word as the Apostles. After all, the church leadership wanted to focus on the word and prayer.

Yet his submission and presentation in Acts 7 about God and his creation up to his day did not look like someone running the Food distribution schedule and only mediating between feuding factions. In a typical high school setting, Stephen spoke like the founder of a scripture union and not the dining hall prefect. Even before his much-touted speech in Acts 7, God worked miracles, signs, and wonders with him. “Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8). One would have thought that all Peter needed was a courageous man with some sense of discipline to handle the contention between the Jewish and Greek women. But wait a minute, what was about to follow Stephen’s task was more than one could imagine.

After Stephen’s excellent management of the confusion between the Jewish and Greek women, another problematic issue arose. This time around, it was between men and not women. “Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia —who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.” (Acts 6:9-10). Stephen, therefore, did not only perform great wonders and signs, but God also endowed him with great wisdom. Can those who are supposed to focus on serving tables perform miracles? And do they also need great wisdom for their daily operations? Yes, of course! If such was the challenge a “common” table servant went through, what do you think awaited the Apostles by way of challenges?

What presents as a social or socio-economic challenge in the things of God usually takes more to resolve than the use of physical and human resources. Warning the church about Satanic infiltrations, Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 2:11, “For we are not unaware of his schemes.” It is expected of everyone who takes any appointment in the church to show the highest level of spiritual consciousness with the help of the Holy Spirit. Which lapses have you identified and are prayerfully seeking an opportunity to resolve in your household, organization, or church? Or you want the appointment or title before trying to help in the Lord’s vineyard business?

At the time of Stephen’s appointment, there were other ranks such as Elders, Overseers, Pastors, Apostles, Evangelists, Prophets, and Teachers. Stephen, however, focused on raising the bar and standards as a Deacon of the early church instead of harboring ambitions for any of such higher positions. It is common for people to lose their passion and joy for want of higher ecclesiastical ranks other than what they hold. Such folks keep deluding themselves, thinking they would fare better with those higher portfolios deserving of them. Today, some have also spent many years in their churches but can hardly be found when any roll of workers is being called. They argue they wouldn’t want to entangle themselves with too many church activities to the detriment of their family lives and professional careers. Little do they know that God’s yoke by service is far lighter than the load this world would pile on them. Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 11:30, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Much wasn’t mentioned in the Bible about Stephen’s academic qualifications. Still, his attempt to summarize the good Book into one single chapter qualifies to be the greatest of all time English Literature summaries. He compressed more than a thousand chapters into one. That is what The Holy Spirit can achieve for all who allow Him free space to operate. Stephen’s devotional life, coupled with his confidence and courage before the connoisseurs of everything religion at the time, was admirable. Although they fumed at him, it never stopped him from delivery the words of wisdom the Holy Spirit gave him for them. Indeed, when Deacon Stephen displayed that enviable levels of growth and maturity in the Lord, he could only have been three and a half years old in the Lord. (i.e., If we even assume he was also in the Upper Room when the Holy Spirit descended upon the early Church). Stephen’s age in the Lord and his display of maturity only challenge and leave us higher in rank and ecclesiastical titles in a deep state of reflection.

Those who were introduced to the Lord at a very early age and have spent quite some time in the things of God but are still requesting some additional time to stop, say, lying must watch out. Unfortunately, others are also literally pleading for some ample time to overcome sins such as sexual immorality, dishonesty, and unfaithfulness to God when it comes to tithing. We must all understand that the end is much closer than ever. After his presentation, Stephen was painfully dragged out of the synagogue and stoned to death by Saul and the Sanhedrin. (Acts 7:56-58)

“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:59). According to Acts chapter seven, Stephen was a man of prayer and the word, full of the Holy Spirit and exhibited a great deal of faith in God. He was a respectful deacon but chose to say it as it was, and he wasn’t bothered by the number of influential people who bore and gnashed their teeth at him. No wonder he rose to the occasion, forgave, and prayed for a character like Saul, who was one of the Architects responsible for his murder. Stephen’s prayer, before breathing his last, I believed was consequential to Saul’s encounter with Christ on his way to Damascus. Such a powerful display of Christian virtues by Stephen, reminiscent of what Christ also did on the cross before giving up the ghost, is only achievable by the Spirit-filled person.

How many of us aren’t still holding onto offense even after countless interventions by God’s servants? Only God knows the number of possible “Apostle Pauls” who have been denied their transformation due to unforgiveness by their victims. Others have also taken into their graves the forgiveness and release of those who offended them. Deacon Stephen, the Spirit-filled man of faith, was, however, not going to have any of that. Seeing God’s glory and Jesus standing at the Father’s right hand, he saw no reason to hold on to what Saul and his company did against him. The heartwarming sight of God’s glory doesn’t just allow the offended to continue to harbor an offense.

I have heard arguments suggesting that Stephen would have lived a little longer as a Deacon and rise to occupy higher positions if he had been a little diplomatic before the Sanhedrin. They argue that he should have been wiser in his presentation and avoided truths about Christ that appeared offensive to the Council. This argument lacks merit since the narrative and subsequent heavenly protocols Christ Himself accorded Stephen doesn’t support such assertions. Stephen’s concluding remarks that got the Sanhedrin furious was,” Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56). Was it the mention of heaven, Son of Man or God in that sentence that infuriated them? What else could he have said, and how could he have put that sentence? It is worth noting that no garnishing of the truth about Christ would appease a heart and mind under the rulership of the prince of this world.

In any case, a much longer life in which world are they talking about? Did Stephen, in any way, by his submission, make any statement that suggested he had not finished his work on earth, and so needed some more days? What else did he need after saying a prayer that culminated in the conversion and transformation of Saul to become Apostle Paul? Deacon Stephen received a standing ovation from Jesus Christ, who the Bible confirms as sitting at the Father’s right hand because he wholeheartedly accepted his calling as a deacon and didn’t get distracted by the prospect of a higher rank. He understood as a young man in the Lord that it doesn’t take ecclesiastical titles to be a tremendous apologetic of the Christian faith. He showed that one doesn’t need to be a writer before influencing the conversion of phenomenal authors like Apostle Paul.

 As I conclude, I would like to pay a glowing tribute once again to all the laity in The Church of Pentecost as we celebrate this year’s Officers Appreciation Day. Congratulations to you all, gallant soldiers in the Lord’s end-time army. Your contribution from the days of Deacon Stephen has been fantastic and immeasurable by all standards. Amid our modern-day challenges, continue your hard work because your labor in the Lord will never be in vain. God bless you and Long Live Officers of The Church of Pentecost.

Written by Apostle James Orhin Agyin

The piano serves as a striking emblem of harmony, balance, and diversity, with its white and black keys collaborating to produce exquisite melodies. This simple yet profound instrument mirrors the essence of the city church, where diverse people and cultures come together to form a unified community. In this article, I will explore the philosophy behind the piano’s white and black keys, drawing moral and socio-cultural lessons that can be applied to the concept of City Churches. Through practical examples, I will demonstrate how this metaphor can guide urban ministry and foster a thriving, inclusive church community.

The White and Black Keys: A Symbol of Diversity and Unity

The piano is composed of 88 keys, with 52 white keys and 36 black keys. While the white keys form the basis of the musical scale, the black keys provide the necessary sharps and flats that complete the tonal structure. Together, these keys allow for a full range of musical expression. Without one or the other, the piano would be incomplete, unable to produce the rich and varied sounds that it does.

Diversity in Unity

The white and black keys of the piano can be seen as representing the diversity within a city church. The white keys, which are more numerous, can symbolize the dominant culture or the majority group within the church, while the black keys represent the minority groups or those who bring different cultural perspectives. Each key, whether white or black, has its unique role in creating music. Similarly, each individual or cultural group within the church has something valuable to contribute to the overall harmony of the church.

The moral lesson here is that diversity should not only be tolerated but celebrated. Just as a pianist needs both white and black keys to play a complete piece, a city church needs the contributions of all its members to fulfill its mission. Theologically, this reflects the biblical concept of the body of Christ, where each member has a unique function, and the whole body is stronger when all parts work together (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Moral and Socio-Cultural Lessons for the City Church

1. Inclusivity and Belonging

One of the most critical lessons from the piano’s white and black keys is the importance of inclusivity. In many urban areas, city churches are often melting pots of different cultures, languages, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The church should foster an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels a sense of belonging, no matter their background. This can be accomplished by welcoming cultural diversity in worship, leadership, and community activities.

For example, a city church in a multicultural area might include different languages in their services, incorporate various cultural music styles, and celebrate the diverse holidays and traditions of its members. By doing so, the church acknowledges the value of each culture and ensures that everyone feels seen and respected.

2. Unity in Diversity

While diversity is essential, it must be balanced with unity. The black and white keys on a piano are not played in isolation but are integrated into harmonious melodies. Similarly, a city church must find ways to bring its diverse members together in unity, focusing on common goals and shared values. This can be achieved through intentional efforts to build relationships across cultural and social divides, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

A practical example of this might be organizing small groups or ministry teams that include members from different cultural backgrounds. These groups can work together on projects that serve the community, such as feeding the homeless or providing after-school programmes for children. Through these shared experiences, members can learn from one another, build trust, and develop a stronger sense of unity.

3. Mutual Respect and Learning

Each of the piano’s white and black keys has its distinct sound, but together they create harmony. In the city church, this can be seen as a call for mutual respect and learning among its members. Just as a pianist must learn to play both sets of keys to create beautiful music, members of a city church must learn to appreciate and learn from one another’s differences.

This can be facilitated through educational programmes that explore the different cultures represented in the church. For instance, a city church might host cultural exchange nights, where members can share their traditions, food, and stories. This not only fosters mutual respect but also deepens the understanding and appreciation of each other’s backgrounds.

4. The Role of Leadership in Balancing Diversity

The piano player must skillfully navigate between the white and black keys to produce harmonious music. Similarly, the leadership of a city church plays a crucial role in balancing diversity and maintaining unity. Leaders must be intentional in their efforts to include voices from different cultural backgrounds in decision-making processes and ensure that the church’s practices reflect its diverse membership.

A practical example might be forming a leadership team that reflects the church’s diversity. This team can work together to develop strategies for inclusive worship, community engagement, and conflict resolution. By doing so, the church demonstrates a commitment to valuing all its members and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

The Socio-Cultural Implications of the City Church

1. The Church as a Microcosm of Society

The city church, with its diverse membership, can be seen as a microcosm of the broader society. How the church navigates its diversity can serve as a model for the wider community. By promoting inclusivity, unity, and mutual respect within its walls, the church can influence the surrounding society, advocating for social justice, equality, and peace.

For instance, a city church that actively engages in community service, such as supporting local schools, providing job training programmes, or advocating for affordable housing, can make a significant impact on the socio-economic conditions of its community. This engagement not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility among the church’s diverse members.

2. Addressing Social Inequality

The black and white keys of the piano, while different, are equally important in creating music. This can be a powerful metaphor for addressing social inequality within the church and the broader society. The city church must be a place where all people, regardless of their social or economic status, are valued and given the opportunity to contribute.

This can be reflected in the church’s outreach programmes, which should be designed to meet the needs of all community members, not just those who are already well-off. For example, a city church might offer financial literacy classes, job placement services, or healthcare clinics for low-income families. By addressing these social inequalities, the church not only fulfills its moral and theological obligations but also strengthens the overall health of the community.

3. Bridging Cultural Divides

Urban areas often face cultural divides that can lead to tension and conflict. The city church, with its diverse membership, is uniquely positioned to bridge these divides. By fostering dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among its members, the church can help to heal cultural wounds and build a more inclusive society.

For example, a city church might host interfaith dialogues, where members of different religious or cultural backgrounds can come together to discuss their beliefs and find common ground. These dialogues can help to break down stereotypes, build relationships, and promote a culture of peace and understanding within the broader community.

4. The City Church as a Catalyst for Social Change

The city church, with its diverse and engaged membership, has the potential to be a catalyst for social change. By leveraging its resources, networks, and moral authority, the church can advocate for policies and initiatives that promote justice, equality, and the well-being of all people. This might involve partnering with other organizations to address systemic issues such as poverty, racism, or environmental degradation. The church can also play a role in mobilizing its members to engage in civic activities, such as voting, volunteering, or participating in community organizing efforts. Through these actions, the city church can help to shape the future of its community and contribute to the creation of a more just and equitable society.

Conclusion

The piano’s white and black keys offer a powerful metaphor for the city church, highlighting the importance of diversity, unity, and harmony. By embracing these principles, the city church can create a vibrant, inclusive community that reflects the beauty and complexity of the kingdom of God. Through practical examples and a commitment to social and cultural engagement, the city church can be a beacon of hope and a force for positive change in the urban landscape. Just as a pianist expertly moves across the keys to create beautiful melodies, the city church must also adeptly manage its diversity to foster a harmonious and flourishing community.

By Pastor Fred Amoakohene Sarpong (Lecturer, Pentecost University/Resident Minister, PMKY Worship Centre, Kasoa Area)