Posts in category: Top Stories

Apostle Dr. Benjamin Debrah, the Sweden National Head of The Church of Pentecost, has encouraged Christians to stay connected to the world around them to glorify Christ in the public sphere.

During his address on the topic “Living Your Faith in the Public Sphere” on Day 3 of the 2024 Heads’ Fasting and Prayer Meeting being held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) near Gomoa Fetteh, Apostle Debrah emphasised that every Christian is a citizen of heaven, chosen by God, and has the authority of Christ to represent Him in every aspect of life.

He urged Christians to bridge the gap between Sunday worship and daily life, highlighting that there should be no distinction between how Christians live on Sundays and throughout the week.

“Most of a Christian’s time is spent in the workplace, so opportunities for others to encounter Christ often arise in these settings,” he stated, encouraging Christian leaders to disciple individuals to become influencers in the public sphere.

“When people come to know Jesus Christ, we must intentionally guide them to shape their worldview according to biblical values,” he affirmed. He pointed out that Jesus engaged with the world during His time on earth and made a difference through His actions. He, therefore, urged Christians to allow the presence of Christ within them to manifest in the public arena.

“Do not disconnect from the world around you. Be available and visible when people need help; this may open doors for you to impact their lives. Christians should consistently engage with society and value those involved in public service,” he emphasised.

Apostle Debrah explained that the public sphere encompasses all areas outside of one’s private life, including family interactions, politics, public service, and business.

“Your faith in Jesus Christ should guide how you work and live; as ambassadors of Christ, you cannot separate yourselves from these responsibilities. Timeliness, integrity, and quality should define our work ethic. Let your faith dictate your words and actions,” he advised.

He encouraged Christians to develop deep roots in Christ, cultivating a mindset that fears and desires to please God, which provides the boldness to represent Him well. He outlined spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, waiting, and meditation on the Word of God as essential for building a strong Christian character.

“Studying the Word and living by it is crucial. It is not enough to simply profess your faith; if your actions do not reflect Christ, then your testimony is compromised,” Dr. Debrah stated.

He stressed the importance of respecting everyone, noting that being sensitive and courteous to individuals from various backgrounds makes them more receptive to the message of Christ.

He expressed concern about how some Christians conduct themselves during public events like funerals, birthday parties, and weddings.

“If an event is under your control, bring your godly influence to it. Playing music that is not godly at significant occasions undermines your testimony and increases the Church’s workload in evangelism,” he cautioned.

Additionally, he highlighted the importance of excellence in the workplace, stating that it draws attention and creates influence. He suggested using skills and intellect to showcase the testimony of a worthy life in Christ.

He noted that a heart filled with sincere love and compassion for others, combined with godly wisdom and a willingness to engage, are powerful tools for sharing the gospel in various settings.

“Make the most of every opportunity and share your testimonies. Our influence as Christians must be palpable to impact the public sphere,” Apostle Debrah reinforced.

PENT NEWS

The immediate past General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Kumi-Larbi, has emphasized the urgent need to revitalize worship and fellowship within the local church.

He made this statement while speaking on Day 3 (morning session) of the 2024 Heads and Wives Meeting at the Pentecost Convention Centre.

Drawing from Psalm 122:1, Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32, and Ephesians 2:9, Apostle Kumi-Larbi, who spoke on “Revitalizing Worship and Fellowship in the Local Assembly,” outlined a comprehensive approach to restoring the vibrancy and purpose of church life.

The former chief scribe stressed that every church, regardless of its current state, needs revitalization to maintain its health and missional energy.

According to him, this process involves positioning the local assemblies of the church as equipping centers where members are thoroughly prepared to impact others.

He revealed that worship, as a lifestyle of daily service to God, should not be confined to a physical temple but should occur wherever believers gather.

Highlighting the importance of fellowship, he mentioned that it builds friendships, unity, and contributes to building God’s Kingdom on Earth.

To achieve this revitalization, Apostle Kumi-Larbi advocated for several key strategies.

He emphasized the importance of mentoring and raising leaders at the local level, ensuring that church leaders are intentional and strategic in their approach.

Regular church attendance and active participation in outreach events are also vital, as they help members become more invested in the church’s health and future.

He also highlighted the value of small groups in fostering deeper fellowship and generosity among church members. By embracing change, rediscovering the mission of the church, and remaining patient throughout every step of the journey, churches can experience transformative renewal.

PENT NEWS

The founder of Calvary Worship Centre in Vancouver, Canada, Rev. Dr Samuel Owusu has said the mission of the Church to make all nations disciples of Christ is achievable in our time.

Speaking at the 2024 heads’ fasting prayer meeting underway at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh, Rev. Dr Owusu said though it looks like the mission is a huge task because the harvest remains great and the labourers are few, the mission is possible and achievable.

Preaching on the theme ‘Mission on Reverse’, he revealed that the Church in Africa is at work to finish the unfinished task. He stated that there are more Christians in Africa than any continent in the world, and Africans are everywhere making it a reliable force for the gospel to spread.

‘It is our turn to send the gospel to the rest of the world just as the early missionaries came with the world. We dare not fail in this possible mission’, he charged.

He called for a new mind-set in doing missions to reach everyone with the word of God.

‘We need new strategies because God is taking us to places we have never been before’, he reiterated.

Narrating the story of the Church, he touched on the mandate, mistakes and methods that needs to be noted to make the right impact.

He said Matthew 28:18–20 is a call of God to the Church to disciple nations not a particular people or nation.

Referencing Mark 11:17, Dr Owusu said ‘until the Church begins to reflect the culture of the people they minister to, we are not doing missions’.

He noted that the Church has the people, the power and the resources to prosecute a successful mission.

‘Sometimes we leave the mission and complain about money but what we need is the power because Peter and the apostles had no silver and gold but they could turn the world upside down’, he reminded the heads.

Dr Owusu added that ‘The primary purpose of the Holy Ghost is to soak ourselves in power to do missions. That which was birthed in Pentecost at the upper room can only be maintained by Pentecost in the upper room’.

Touching on the mistakes of the Church, the contemporary Church has been repeating the mistakes of the early church in Acts 11:19 where the disciples spread to other parts of the world but preached only to fellow Jews. He lamented that when they were ready to preach to other nations, they still wanted other nations to be like them (Acts 15) until God has to instigate a change of mind in Peter.

He said the Church must be prepared to encounter new things, new territories and new people.

‘We are not just called to be chaplains over our own people but to be missionaries to others’, he emphasised.

‘In the Good Samaritan story, Jesus teaches us that true biblical love is to love people who are not like us. Loving a fellow Ghanaian is a natural affinity’, he mentioned.

He encouraged the gathering to be passionate about others and avoid stereotyping, appreciate power dynamics of servant leadership, work on church programming and also keep the preaching simple and sweet.

He reminded the heads that when Chairman Nyamekye talks of new territories it is not about new territories with Ghanaians or Africa but territories of the nations. Rev. Dr Owusu concluded that the method for the Church is to preach Christ where He has not been named (Romans 15:20–21).

PENTECOST NEWS

A memorial service has been held to lay to rest Apostle Isaac Ayerakwa, who, until his demise, was the Keta-Krachi Area Head of The Church of Pentecost.

Believers and loved ones gathered at the Zion SHS Park in Kasoa on Saturday, November 9, 2024, to bid farewell to the late man of God, who passed away at the age of 53.

Apostle Dr Dela Quampah, the Ho Area Head and Executive Council member of The Church of Pentecost, delivered the sermon titled, ‘It is a Mystery.’ He reflected on Jesus’ question on the cross, ‘Why have you forsaken me?’ and indicated that Jesus’ resurrection provides strength to overcome sufferings.

Apostle Dr Quampah encouraged the mourners to find comfort in the assurance of a better place after life.

Heartfelt tributes eulogised Apostle Ayerakwa’s kindness, warm smile, and gratitude towards everyone. His impact extended beyond the church, making him a beloved figure in society.

Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, reminded all present that even though death scares and does no good to the people it visits, it will only triumph over them if they give it the chance.

 According to him, death must be confronted by faith with the assurance that there is a better place for believers after death.

Apostle Isaac Ayerakwa began his full-time ministry in 2003 within The Church of Pentecost. He served in various roles, including a one-time Personal Assistant to the International Missions Director and a resident minister of several worship centres. His missionary work in Zimbabwe from 2018 to 2023 highlighted his commitment to spreading the gospel.

Upon his return in 2023, he became the Area Head of Kete-Krachi, a position he embraced with enthusiasm and dedication. He was a mentor, confidant, and unifier, known for his gentle manner, kind words, and patient spirit.

PENTECOST NEWS