Posts in category: Top Stories

The President of The Apostolic Church, Ghana, Apostle Dr Aaron Ami-Narh, has cautioned church leaders to live what they claim to be and not otherwise.

Speaking at the Ashanti Regional All Ministers’ Conference held at the Bompata Central auditorium of The Church of Pentecost on Friday, Apostle Dr Ami-Narh challenged the Christian community to reflect on their true impact on society.

He asked why 71% of the population was Christians, and yet the country had remained the same.

“If 71% of Christians cannot change the nation, what will the 29% do?” He asked the church to look at its authenticity and effectiveness.

Drawing lessons from Mark 11:11-14, 20-21, Apostle Dr Ami-Narh reflected on the story where Jesus cursed the fig tree. True, it was not the right season for figs, but the leaves of the tree suggested otherwise, he disclosed.

He revealed that the fig tree was discovered to be fruitless, despite being cultivated and was finally cursed for pretending to serve.

“Do not advertise what you cannot deliver,” he cautioned, adding, “Leaves are signs of flourishing, but the fruits are the products.”

He challenged the church to take stock of what it has produced, saying, “Are we producing what we are advertising as a church? Are we producing the right products for the Kingdom? Are we producing the right products for the world?”

He warned against misplaced priorities.

“We have shifted our focus, therefore, we need to recalibrate. While church growth, prominent members, and material success are not inherently wrong, they should not come at the expense of the church’s real mission.

“Certain things are not evil per se, but if you put them in the wrong places, they become evil.

“Our practical creed has become different from our normal creed. God’s power must work in you so that it can work for you,” Apostle Dr Ami-Narh emphasized.

He noted that true discipleship is making the right fruit and multiplying it. “Beyond the huge numbers of our churches, we have to make sure that they are true disciples and saints of God,” he said.

Citing John 8:31-32, the President of the Apostolic Church, Ghana drew the dividing line between fake and real disciples.

“It is only His Word that the real disciple abides in. These alone will get to know the truth, and the truth will set them free.”

He decried modern preaching, turning to materialism and motivation at the expense of true faith and character.

“The messages of today don’t, and cannot produce Saints,” he bemoaned, adding, “You don’t bring them the members into liberty; you take them into slavery.”

PENTECOST NEWS

The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) of The Church of Pentecost, in collaboration with the Kumasi Local Council of Churches (KLCC) and the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, has held a day’s conference for ministers and leaders of churches within Greater Kumasi.

The conference, held on Friday, August 2, 2024, at the Bantama Central auditorium of The Church of Pentecost, was under the theme; “The Church and the World.”

The President of the GPCC and Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, hinted that the focus of the Great Commission is the world, not the church.

Speaking on the topic, “The Authority of the Christian Believer in Transforming the World,” he noted that while believers concentrate on building huge structures, fasting and praying, they should also remember to be careful not to be serving only the church, because the focus of the church is the world.

“All that we do in church is to equip us so that we can change the world and bring it to the saving knowledge of Christ. This is the eternal purpose of God in establishing the church,” he added.

Apostle Nyamekye revealed that the intention of Jesus in establishing the church was to have a people capable of bringing change to every society.

Also addressing the participants, the Ashanti RCC Coordinator of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Yaw Adjei-Kwarteng, expressed great joy seeing ministers from different dominations come together to sharpen and equip themselves.

The event, he said, emphasised the bond between the churches in the Ashanti Region and Ghana in general.

“A meeting like this can help enforce the voice of the churches in the nation and the world,” he added.

Apostle Adjei-Kwarteng, who is also the Kwadaso Area Head of the church, mentioned that although 71% of the Ghanaian population is Christians, there is widespread of corruption, poverty, armed robbery and other social and economic vices.

“Missionaries have always assumed that the reception and practice of the gospel will transform both individual and economical lives. Unfortunately, in our part of the world, many churches have always been religious without any practical attempt to transform society, hence the need for this important conference,” he bemoaned.

He was hopeful that the participants will go back with renewed commitment so as to transform their world.

Present at the conference were Apostle Samuel Amponsah Frimpong (Chairman, Christ Apostolic Church), Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh (President, The Apostolic Church – Ghana), Apostle Immanuel Tettey (General Secretary, GPCC), Reverend Emmanuel Forson (Ashanti Regional Secretary, GPCC) and Apostle Peter Kofi Dzemekey (Ashanti Regional Chairman of GPCC/Asokwa Area Head).

Also present were Apostle Charles Osei Boateng (Pentecostal Life Church International General Superintendent), Reverend Dr. Douglas Frimpong (Planning Committee Chairman, Kumasi Council of Christian Churches), Bishop Dr. Divine Adjei (Founder, Calvary Life Chapel International), Apostle Emmanuel Atimah (Territorial Head, Ashanti West Christ Apostolic Church), Ministers and their wives in the region and other church leaders.

PENTECOST NEWS.

Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the Ashaiman Area Head and Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost, has highlighted the significance of Christians being kind to others, as tomorrow is unpredictable.

He urged them to be mindful of how they treat people in today’s interconnected world.

During a sermon at the retirement service for Pastor Samuel Kwadwo and Mrs. Grace Oteng (the outgone Ashtown District Minister), on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at the Peter Agyapong Memorial Temple (PAMT) in Ashtown, Apostle Kumi-Larbi shared a personal story of how Pastor Oteng had positively impacted his life during their time together at Koforidua Secondary Technical School, expressing his appreciation and admiration for Pastor Oteng.

“I have known Pastor Oteng since 1979 during my school days at Koforidua SECTECH in 1979, where he was my senior. ‘Senior Oteng’ as I affectionately called him, helped me greatly by protecting me from bullying and guiding me in my Christian life, as he always made sure I did my morning devotions. If he had been aware that I would be officiating his retirement service today, I believe he would have offered me even more assistance. I humbly request the congregation to bless this man on my behalf,” he conveyed.

Apostle Kumi-Larbi, therefore, advised the congregation to treat others well as they never know when their paths might cross again.

“Turn to your neighbour and say, ‘One day, we shall meet, so treat me well.”

Speaking on the topic: “Handing Over the Baton; Who Is Your Next of Kin?” Apostle Kumi-Larbi emphasised the significance of succession planning and mentoring in the Church to ensure continuity and growth.

The immediate past General Secretary of the Church referenced passages from Ecclesiastes 2:14-26, Psalm 145:4-7, and 2 Timothy 2:2, encouraging Christian leaders to prepare for inevitable moment when they would no longer be available by training others to take over their responsibilities.

“God has a purpose for everyone, but this requires people to mentor and guide them to fulfill their potential,” he pointed out, adding, “God is a God of generations.”

He also advised against being egoistic and self-indulgent as such behaviour could hinder the ability to positively impact the lives of others, saying, “A leader allows others to stand on their shoulders to see afar, but not to suppress them in their leadership.”

While acknowledging the importance of training others, Apostle A.N.Y. Kumi-Larbi noted that some people are untrainable, urging vigilance against “Gehazis” in the church.

Report by Emmanuel Nana Nsiah

The National Coordinator of the National Discipleship and Leadership Development Committee (NDLDC) of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), Apostle Dr. Samuel Kojo Gakpetor, has eulogised the leadership of the Church for retooling various ministries, committees, and agencies of the church for the effective running of the church machinery.

Apostle Samuel Gakpetor made these remarks when he presented 40 brand new HP ProBook laptops and accessories to the members of the scriptwriting, translations, and editorial sub-committees of the NDLDC at their half-year meeting held at the Pentecost Guest House, Gbawe.

In making the presentation on behalf of the General Secretary, Apostle Samuel Gyau Oboubi, Apostle Gakpetor reminded the beneficiaries that the equipment is meant to enhance their work. He noted that with the provision of the laptops and accessories, leadership looks forward to timely delivery and enhanced output of work.

He commended the Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and his Executive Committee members for their continued support of the committee and other agencies of the church over the years.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of the sub-committees, an elated Pastor Alex Anum Keininger praised the thoughtfulness of the leadership of The Church of Pentecost. He pledged their continuous dedication to duty and assured that they will take absolute care of the machines to ensure they last long in the service of the church.

The NDLDC is the committee mandated to provide materials for Bible Study, Home Cell, and New Convert Classes in The Church of Pentecost in English, French, and other local languages of Ghana.

It also provides direction for leadership development in the church and organizes an annual Lay Leadership School (LLS) with lessons derived from the ision and annual themes of the church.

Report by Pastor George Osei-Asiedu

A retirement service was held on Sunday, July 28, 2024, in honour of Pastor Joseph Kwami and Mrs Alberta Agbemor of the Tema Community 4 District of The Church of Pentecost, who have served the church with commitment for 29 years.

The glorious service was officiated by Apostle Emmanuel Ofei Ankra-Badu, the Area Head of Tema.

Pastor Agbemor’s 29-year ministry saw him and his wife served in six districts across the country. He also served for four years as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM).

Prophet J. E. Ameyaw (Rtd) delivered the sermon at the service on the theme, ‘The Message and the Messenger,’ with an anchor text from Isaiah 6:8.

He emphasized the importance of being a messenger of God’s message.

He stated that a messenger is someone who delivers a message to others. According to him, God has a message and is seeking a messenger to send it forth.

He admonished those who have been saved through the gospel to remember their salvation and give thanks to God.

Prophet Ameyaw’s message highlighted the significance of being a faithful messenger of God’s message, just like Pastor Agbemor has been throughout his ministry.

Present were Apostles S. Y. Dogbe of Hohoe Area, Mathew Larbi Wettey (Rtd), and Franklin Asante Ayeh (Rtd). Representing PEMEM was Elder Stephen Djaba, PEMEM NEC Secretary.

Also present were retired and active ministers and their wives and traditional leaders.

Report by Pastor Samuel K. Koomson

The Ashanti Bekwai Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Fred Tiakor, dedicated the church building of the Anwiankwanta Central Assembly on Friday, July 26, 2024.

Apostle Fred Tiakor was assisted by Pastor William Adu Gyamerah, the Anwiankwanta District Minister.

The building project, initiated 25 years ago, was driven by the need for a larger and more modern facility to accommodate the growing congregation.

After years of planning, fundraising, and construction, the building was finally completed in July 2024.

The new church building is significant because it provides a spacious and comfortable worship space for the congregation, serves as a hub for community activities and events, fostering connections and relationships within the community, and represents a tangible expression of the church’s mission and values.

The ceremony was well-attended, with people filling the new church building to capacity. The audience comprised ministers and their wives within the Area, past ministers of the Anwiankwanta District and their wives, church members and their families, community leaders and representatives, and dignitaries from other churches.

Notable attendees included Nana Nti Berko (Ankobea Hene, Anwiankwanta) and three other sub-chiefs.

Preaching at the event, Pastor Joseph Kyei described the church as the sanctuary of God (Genesis 28:16-17), the gateway to heaven (as articulated by Jacob), and a sacred space demanding heavenly-mindedness (Matthew 6:33).

He also noted that the church serves as a place where purity and righteousness are prerequisites for access (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, Luke 3:7-9).

He underscored the significance of ministering heaven-centric messages and members embodying their faith (James 1:22).

Report by Ashanti Bekwai Area Media Team

The church building of the Otsenkorang Central Assembly in the Agona Swedru Area of The Church of Pentecost was dedicated on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

The building was dedicated by the Area Head, Apostle Derek Kwaning Mireku, with support from the Area pastorate.

The building was funded through grants from the Church’s Headquarters, the Swedru Area, as well as donations from other districts and benevolent individuals.

Preaching on the topic “The Church That Attracts” at the dedication service, Apostle Derek Kwaning Mireku defined ‘Church’ as people set apart for God to be equipped and unleashed by Him.

He continued by saying that the church comprises everyone who has believed in Christ Jesus and has been forgiven of their sins by God.

Using Acts 2:42-47 as a scripture reference, he outlined what makes the church attractive: character, the word of God, holiness, and fellowship with the Lord.

He concluded by urging Christians to demonstrate godly character wherever they find themselves so that the life of Christ will be seen in them.

“Being patient is painful, but the end is glorious,” he said.

The service was graced by traditional leaders of Otsenkorang and other community members.

Also present were officers and members of the church.

Report by Otsenkorang District Media Team.