Posts in category: Youth Ministry

A Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Cecilia Tutu-Danquah, has cited economic disparities and the rapid rise of social media as key factors fuelling the surge in mental health challenges among young people.

In a presentation on the topic, “Mental Health: Optimising Your Mental Health as a Young Person,” at the 2026 PENSA Ghana Conference at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Dr Tutu-Danquah observed that the widespread use of social media since the mid-2000s has become a defining trend with potentially harmful consequences for adolescent and youth mental health, despite some studies suggesting mixed or occasionally positive effects.

According to her, the pressures linked to constant online engagement, comparison, and exposure to curated lifestyles often heighten stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy among young people.

She further pointed to academic and work-related demands, family conflicts, and socio-economic inequalities as additional stressors undermining the mental wellbeing of the youth.

Expounding on the dimensions of mental health — emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing — she explained that imbalances in these areas can significantly affect overall development and productivity.

Dr Tutu-Danquah urged young people to moderate their social media use and embrace healthier lifestyle choices, stressing that these measures are vital for safeguarding and sustaining good mental health.

Her presentation formed part of broader discussions at the conference aimed at equipping young Christians with practical tools to navigate contemporary societal challenges while maintaining holistic wellbeing.

Pent News

The Resident Minister of Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Sakumono, Apostle Seth Fianko-Larbi, has declared that Jesus Christ is the sure foundation of the Gospel because He conquered death, making Him the author of faith. Therefore, any Gospel that portrays Jesus as merely human and not divine is a false Gospel.

According to him, the Good News is God’s remedy for healing the world of sin and granting salvation. He urged believers to prioritise preaching this message of hope to bring conviction and transformation.

Apostle Fianko-Larbi explained that God’s method for spreading the Gospel globally is through human beings, as society cannot hear the message unless it is preached, saying, “Angels are not permitted to preach in this realm; that responsibility lies with man.”

Speaking on the topic, “The Message of the Gospel” during the Day Three of the 2026 PENSA Ghana Conference at the KNUST Campus in Kumasi, he noted that societal transformation begins with the renewal of the human heart—a mysterious work of the Holy Spirit.

He stressed that prayer is essential for the Gospel to take root: “If you preach the Gospel without prayer, the Word cannot become flesh because the Spirit incubates the Gospel to become flesh.”

He further explained that those who accept the Gospel walk in love and joy, finding purpose despite external pressures because Christ becomes their hope of glory. Preaching the Good News, he said, produces faith, which leads to righteousness and alignment with Christ.

“Anyone marked by the Holy Spirit is marked by a divine SIM card. What connects you to the new creation is the deposit of the Holy Spirit, which comes from the hope of the Gospel,” he remarked.

Apostle Seth Fianko-Larbi warned against distorted teachings, asserting that the Gospel is centred on Christ alone. Any message that reduces Jesus to a mere human or promotes salvation through personal effort is false.

He defined the Gospel as: “Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God, the Creator, born of a virgin, who lived sinlessly for 33 years, died on the Cross to pay for humanity’s sin, and rose on the third day to prove that He is Life and gives Life.” Those who place faith in Him receive forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and become heirs of the hope of glory.

Pent News

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Dennis Worlanyo Aheto, has called for a deeper partnership between the Church and academic institutions, describing it as vital to Ghana’s quest for sustainable development.

Speaking at the ongoing Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) Conference on the UCC campus, Professor Aheto dismissed the notion of rivalry between the Church and universities, insisting they are “complementary forces” in shaping the nation’s future.

“The University sharpens the intellect, while the Church moulds character and values. Both are indispensable in producing well-rounded individuals,” he said.

Professor Aheto stressed that true national progress cannot be achieved through academic credentials alone. Instead, he argued, it requires graduates who combine intellectual excellence with strong moral and spiritual foundations.

“Together, we can produce graduates who are spiritually grounded, intellectually sound, emotionally stable, socially responsible, physically disciplined and financially prudent,” he declared.

He warned that Ghana’s development challenge lies not in the scarcity of certificates but in the shortage of holistic men and women whose ethics, emotions and work attitudes reflect sound principles.

Professor Aheto urged continuous engagement between faith-based organisations and academia to nurture a new generation of leaders capable of driving positive societal transformation.

Pent News

The Resident Minister of PENSA University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Pastor Richard Atobra, has called on Christian students and believers to embrace fasting and prayer as God-ordained tools for transforming societies, communities, and nations.

He delivered the sermon during day two of the 2026 PENSA Ghana Gospel and Power Conference at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, under the theme “Transforming Society Through Fasting and Prayer.”

Pastor Atobra explained that while laws and policies may regulate behaviour, lasting societal change occurs only when hearts are transformed through prayer. He noted that history and scripture reveal numerous instances where communities and individuals experienced dramatic positive change when God’s people committed themselves to fasting and prayer.

Drawing from biblical accounts, he stated that fasting and prayer usher believers into the presence of God, enabling them to carry divine authority and influence into society. He referenced Moses’ encounter with God, which empowered him to confront Pharaoh and lead Israel, as well as Jesus’ victory over temptation following His forty-day fast.

Focusing on Daniel and his friends, Pastor Atobra illustrated how young believers can influence hostile environments without compromising their faith. He outlined their experience in Babylon as a journey through isolation, indoctrination, intimidation, and identity redefinition, explaining how their spiritual discipline, wisdom, and integrity resulted in divine promotion and national impact.

He further noted that fasting and prayer featured prominently in the lives of biblical figures such as Elijah, Esther, Nehemiah, and the early Church, as well as in the experiences of contemporary Christian leaders whose spiritual disciplines shaped societal outcomes.

Beyond spiritual empowerment, Pastor Atobra highlighted the physical and mental benefits of fasting, including improved self-discipline, mental clarity, and character formation. Spiritually, he explained, fasting and prayer generate power, bring divine direction, activate ministry assignments, and spark revival and breakthrough.

He cautioned believers against improper fasting, stressing that true fasting must be accompanied by righteous living, humility, and a transformed conscience.

Pastor Atobra concluded by urging believers to recognise that God is ready to move and that society awaits the manifestation of spiritually empowered sons and daughters of God.

PENT NEWS

The La District of The Church of Pentecost successfully held its first-ever Grateful Teens Conference on December 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the District’s Youth Ministry efforts. The event, organised under the Youth Ministry’s Ministry to Teens (M2T) initiative, served as an annual thanksgiving and graduation ceremony, celebrating spiritual growth, gratitude, and commitment to Christ.

The conference, themed “Give Thanks and Praise to God” (Psalm 100:4–5), brought together ministers, youth leaders, teens, and their families in an atmosphere of joy and worship. Central to the celebration was the graduation of 22 teenagers who successfully completed the M2T programme, a structured discipleship course designed to ground young believers in Christian doctrine, nurture godly character, and prepare them for effective ministry and service in the church.

Delivering the keynote exhortation, Emmanuel Opoku Mensah encouraged the graduates and participants to cultivate lives marked by gratitude and purpose. He reminded the teens that God knows them personally and has a divine plan for their lives, urging them to live as people who belong to Christ and to reflect their faith through distinct, thankful Christian living in all aspects of life.

The conference was graced by the presence of key District leaders, including Peter Eshun and his wife, Florence Eshun, whose consistent support for youth-focused initiatives has contributed significantly to the growth of ministry among young people in the District. Also present was David Neizer, who doubles as the M2T Coordinator, alongside other District Youth leaders and M2T Executives.

The programme was enriched with vibrant and inspiring ministry presentations, including choreography ministrations by the La English Choreography Team, Sophia’s McKeown Temple Choreography Team, and South Chapel Square Assembly Choreography Team, adding colour and spiritual depth to the celebration.

With 22 graduates commissioned to continue their spiritual journey, the inaugural Grateful Teens Conference not only celebrated achievement but also underscored the La District’s commitment to intentional teen discipleship. The event has set a strong foundation for sustaining youth impact and future editions of the conference.

Report by Dcns Juliet Senanu Agbenyezi (M2T Coordinator, La District)