Posts in category: Youth Ministry

This article draws inspiration from a lecture by Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah, the former General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, titled “Sharing the Gospel in Contemporary Times” at the Pentecost School of Theology and Mission (PSTM). The terms “centripetal worship” and “centrifugal worship” were introduced during the lecture. I will, thus, delve into these concepts and their relation to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in the modern era.

Centripetal, a term derived from physics, refers to the force that propels an object travelling in a circular path towards the centre of that circle. It ensures that an object continues moving in a circular motion and prevents it from moving in a straight line.

In the Old Testament (OT), kings, prophets, and judges engaged in centripetal worship, with Jerusalem as the focal point. People from all over the world would journey to Jerusalem to worship, believing that God resided solely in the temple. Upon the completion of the temple’s construction in Jerusalem, King Solomon prayed in 1 Kings 8:22–51, emphasising the significance of the temple. His prayer includes multiple references to the temple. This indicates that both the king and the nation believed God’s presence was confined to the temple and the nation.

This belief was rooted in the practice of worship in the Tabernacle, which consisted of two distinct inner spaces: “the holy place” and “the most holy place” (Holy of Holies). The outer room, known as the “holy place,” housed the seven-branched candelabrum (menorah), the altar of incense, and the table for the bread of the Presence (shewbread). As the Ark of the Covenant was carried to different locations, the presence of God was believed to be there. Thus, when King Darius issued a decree forbidding anyone to pray to any god except the king, Daniel, in Daniel 6:10, turned his face toward Jerusalem to worship. Similarly, the Ethiopian worshipper described in Acts 8:26–40 travelled from his country to Jerusalem to offer his prayers to God.

However, contemporary Christians should embrace centrifugal worship instead of centripetal worship. “Fictitious” or “apparent” force is often used to describe centrifugal force. It appears to push objects away from the centre of rotation, opposing the centripetal force. Thus, centrifugal worship involves moving away from the centre, symbolised by Jerusalem, and spreading the gospel to the rest of the world. Jesus, understanding His disciples’ thoughts, instructed them to remain in Jerusalem until they were baptised in the Holy Spirit, empowering them to bear witness to Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). This great commission is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 28:19–20, urging His disciples to leave Jerusalem and go into the world, making disciples, baptising them, and teaching them to follow His commands. Acts 4 demonstrates the fulfilment of Jesus’ directive as three thousand (3000) men were saved. Despite the initial focus on Jerusalem due to the apostles’ enjoyment of a large following, it took persecution in Acts 8, 11, and elsewhere for the church to expand globally.

As contemporary Christians, we must engage in centrifugal worship by actively sharing the gospel with everyone. We cannot receive and keep the Word to ourselves while others perish. God sent His only begotten son out of His immense love to save the world. Instead of confining ourselves to comfortable spaces, we must demonstrate God’s love to those who have not heard of Jesus.

Today, we have various ways to spread the gospel, such as utilising social media, engaging in personal evangelism, reaching out to marginalised communities, including physically-challenged individuals, and even going from house to house – We have no excuse!

Therefore, our commitment to the Great Commission must be unwavering, as every soul matters.

Written by P/Overseer Solomon Boadi

Throughout history, leaders have relied on their wisdom and strength to achieve their goals. Combining experience and fresh perspectives has proven to be a powerful tool for successful leadership. Youth bring strength, energy, creativity, and a willingness to take risks, while the elderly offer wisdom, counsel, guidance, and a deep understanding of the world.

Leadership is the ability to combine strength and wisdom to achieve desired results. Strength is the capacity or willingness to withstand great force or pressure through zeal or passion, while wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, guidance, and counsel. From a clear perspective, the strength of youth brings energy, passion, and innovation to leadership. Young leaders are often bold, creative, and unafraid to take risks, which are essential qualities for success in today’s fast-paced, rapidly changing world. Together, they form a formidable team that can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

As written in the book of Ecclesiastes, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them'” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). This verse emphasises the importance of utilising the strength of youth while acknowledging the fleeting nature of time. It is crucial to invest in the younger generation and empower them to lead, as they will be the ones to carry the torch forward. Youths are people with passion and a readiness to take action. The challenge lies in whether we will use their strength to benefit the church or the world. However, the value of the elderly should not be underestimated.

As stated in Proverbs, “Gray hair is a crown of splendour; it is attained in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31). This highlights the honour and respect that should be given to those who have lived long and fruitful lives. Their experiences, knowledge, and wisdom are invaluable assets that can guide and mentor the younger generation. The strength of youth needs nurturing and coaching for maximum impact.

For this reason, leadership is a critical aspect of any organisation, whether it is a business, non-profit, or religious institution. Great leaders possess unique qualities, including strength, wisdom, and vision. Proverbs 20:29 states, “The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendour of old men is their grey hair.” From this scripture, the question arises about who makes the best leaders. Is it the young, with their energy and fresh ideas, or the old, with their experience and wisdom? The answer is simple: the strength of the youth and the wisdom of the elderly are great tools for successful leadership.

Young people are valuable assets in any organisation. They bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and boundless energy to the table. In the Bible, youth are often recognised as a source of strength and vitality. Ecclesiastes 11:9 also says, “Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will judge you for all these things.” This verse acknowledges the youthful exuberance and encourages young people to pursue their passions while recognising the need for accountability.

The Church of Pentecost recognises the strength of youth in leadership. The operational structure of the church encourages young people to take up leadership roles and responsibilities within the church and society. The church believes that young people can make a positive impact and contribute to the growth and development of their communities. In doing so, they become good leaders as they grow older, gaining experience and appreciating what the youth bring to the table when they are involved in leadership.

Additionally, the Bible teaches that young leaders can inspire others. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” This verse encourages young leaders to set a positive example for others and to demonstrate their leadership potential.

Furthermore, the Bible teaches that older leaders can be excellent mentors. Titus 2:2-3 reads, “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good.” This verse highlights the importance of older leaders in mentoring and teaching younger leaders. Effective leadership requires a balance of the strength of youth and the wisdom of the elderly. Young leaders bring fresh ideas, boundless energy, and inspiration, while older leaders bring experience, wisdom, and mentorship. Combining these two elements creates a powerful leadership dynamic that can guide organisations to success.

In conclusion, successful leadership requires both the strength of youth and the wisdom of the elderly. The Bible teaches that both the young and old have unique qualities to offer in leadership. Young leaders bring enthusiasm, creativity, and innovation, while older leaders bring experience, wisdom, and mentorship. By working together, they can create a powerful leadership dynamic that can guide organisations to success. As Psalm 71:18 says, “Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Both age groups have their unique strengths and contributions to make, and it is essential to recognise and harness them. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour. If either of them falls, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?” Let us embrace the strength of the youth and the wisdom of the elderly in leadership and work together towards a better future. If we truly aim to bridge the generational gap in leadership, we need to blend the young and the old in leadership, utilising the strength of the youth while imparting the lessons learned through experience.

Written by P/Overseer Enoch Okain

One delightful observation I made during the just-ended National Youth Ministry Week celebration of The Church of Pentecost (CoP) was the active involvement of the teens. Watching videos and seeing pictures from various assemblies across the nation filled me with excitement.

I remember telling a colleague youth ministry leader that if we had this level of engagement when we were growing up, many of our teens would have been properly grounded in Christ and the Church and would have played active roles at various levels in the church. In the past, there was no proper structure established to effectively coordinate the activities of teens in the CoP. If you were fortunate as a teen to find yourself in an assembly with leaders who believed in the potential of teens, then you were blessed. I count myself as one of those teens who, while growing up, was fortunate to have leaders who gave us room to learn and grow in the faith.

I was only 17 years old when I was appointed District Secretary for the Children’s Ministry in the Elmina District of the Cape Coast Area, right after graduating from Senior High School. Again, I was appointed as the local leader for the Youth Ministry of SSNIT Flats Assembly, also in the Elmina District. At the age of 18, I was ordained as a Deacon by Apostle Kwesi Ackah Baidoo (Rtd.). The Lord made all these opportunities possible through Elders Samuel Michael Boham and Francis Freeman. They gave me many opportunities as a teen to learn, and though I made some mistakes along the way, they were very patient with me. I remember the many preaching assignments they both gave me, the opportunity to represent them at meetings, and, most importantly, how they disciplined me in love.

Around the same time that I had the humble privilege of serving the Lord and His church in these capacities, many of my peers in other assemblies in the same district were struggling to fit into the church. Some, out of frustration, left the church. Those who stayed did so only because their parents were active members and could not leave, but their visible frustration was evident. The truth is, some of these teenagers in other districts were far more talented than me, but they simply did not have the opportunities I had.

In 2015, I was appointed as the District Youth Ministry Leader for Abossey Okai Worship Centre. One of the key areas I focused on as a leader was the Ministry to Teens. These teens became like family to me and my team. We were very intentional in how we nurtured them, providing them with opportunities to express themselves and grow both in the Lord and in the church. Today, as I reflect, I see many of them doing remarkable things in the house of the Lord, and I bless God for their lives.

In January 2023, I was reviewed as the Youth Ministry Leader, and the young man who succeeded me, Deacon Philemon Otoo, happened to be one of my students in the teens class. Prior to becoming the District Leader, he served as the PENSA President for the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). During the recent Youth Week, I witnessed how the Lord used this young man, and I was amazed at how he led both the young and the old to observe the week successfully.

I have witnessed firsthand what the Lord can do with teens when given the opportunity. I am a living testimony, just like Philemon, my predecessor. In the COP, as of December 2022, we had 762,190 teens in Ghana alone. The decision by the church’s leadership to relaunch the Ministry to Teens is a very strategic one. What I witnessed during the National Youth Ministry Week is enough to demonstrate that when our teens are provided with the right opportunities and an enabling environment, they can serve the purpose of God in their generation exceptionally well.

Written by Elder Yaw Asamoah Akowuah (Ministry to Teens Coordinator, Kaneshie Area)

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a brand is an identifying mark burned on livestock or, in former times, criminals or enslaved people with a branding iron. Based on this definition, branding reveals one’s identity. Branding is a concept that has been established and applied in the world.

When the disciples lived a lifestyle that resembled Jesus Christ, they took on an identity or a brand. As a result, they were called Christians (Acts 11:26). Therefore, the disciples carried what I call “The brand of Christ.” This brand should be carried by everyone who has accepted CHRIST and confessed His Lordship over their lives. People in our communities should see Christ in us.

Jesus instructed the disciples to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, according to Acts 2, the disciples received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. The baptism of the Holy Spirit and the work of the Spirit in the lives of believers gave them another brand, which I term “The Church of Pentecost Brand.” For The Church of Pentecost (CoP), our Pentecostal Distinctiveness is based on our Pentecostal Doctrine and Pentecostal Spirituality.

Pentecostals see themselves as recapturing the spiritual renewal experienced by the first-century Christians who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals emphasise the baptism in the Holy Spirit after conversion, evidenced by speaking in tongues.

Several distinguishing marks differentiate Pentecostals from other Christians. These include:

• A strong emphasis on the need for individuals to undergo the born-again experience (confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior) before they can be called Christians (John 3:3).
• A belief in a post-conversion experience called “the Baptism of the Holy Spirit” with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4; 10:44-48; 19:6).
• A strong emphasis on the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Ephesians 4:11; Galatians 5:22-23) in the lives of believers. The gift of the Holy Spirit refers to the various ways in which the power of God works through the believer, while the fruit of the Spirit is the character and nature of Jesus Christ being displayed in the life of the believer.
• A belief in the manifestation of signs, wonders, and miracles following the preaching of the word of God (Mark 16:17-18) as exemplified by the early church.
• A strong belief in the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ, also called the Parousia (Acts 1:11; Revelation 22:12).
• Emphasis on holiness (Hebrews 12:14).
• Emphasis on aggressive evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:4).
• A belief in exuberant and emotional worship (Psalm 66:1).
• Emphasis on spontaneous, natural worship characterised by singing, drumming, clapping, praising, and dancing (Psalm 47:1; 149:3; 150:4).
• Strong emphasis on church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:2-5; 1 Timothy 5:20).
• Emphasis on the “full-gospel” or “Four-Square-Gospel” (Acts 5:20).
• Emphasis on the simplicity of the gospel and a simple lifestyle (2 Corinthians 1:12 KJV).
• Emphasis on prayer and fasting (Acts 13:3).

Growing up as a child in The Church of Pentecost (Classical Pentecostals), I always experienced a certain kind of spiritual atmosphere during services. This was not limited to Sundays or weekly services but also during weddings, funerals, and other gatherings. CoP members usually feel uncomfortable when such an atmosphere is absent in non-CoP gatherings.

This is another aspect of the CoP brand (related to Pentecostal worship) that the leadership is strategically handing over to the youth as a legacy. They do this through prayer, mentoring, and teaching. I refer to it as the “Spiritual Atmosphere Brand” of the CoP.

THE UNIQUE PENTECOSTAL WORSHIP EXPERIENCE

Our spirituality influences our worship just as our worship affects our spirituality. We cannot separate our spirituality from our worship because they are interdependent. Spirituality is expressed in worship, and worship is determined by spirituality. Our spirituality and worship are outward expressions of our belief in a creator God who is greater than us in every way.

One important aspect of worship we cannot ignore is the experience of being satisfied with God in Christ. This experience speaks of His greatness. Apart from being an expression of gratitude, worship is also a means of grace, whereby those who are spiritually hungry are fed.

In the CoP worship setting, we believe that God approaches human beings at the level they can meet or experience Him. Just as the leadership encourages personal pre-service preparation (before congregational worship), which the Puritans called heart-work, church leaders are responsible for creating an enabling environment for people to worship God with their hearts, mind, soul, and strength.

This means creating an environment where people can personally and closely connect with God to glorify, honour, and bless Him – and the CoP holds this in high esteem. This is why we are sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit at every point in the service.

The distinctive spiritual atmosphere can be felt during CoP services. I describe it as “The Grace of a Holy Spirit-Charged Atmosphere.” Most leaders in the CoP are blessed with the ability to create and maintain such an enabling spiritual atmosphere. They know when to allow songs to continue, when to disallow, when to pray, when to end, when to dance, and when to stop. The result of this is always evident through:

• Joyous celebrations in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17)
• People’s eagerness to return to the church for another encounter with the Lord.
• Worshippers having a strong sense of God’s presence.
• Individuals willingly repenting and surrendering their lives to God.

Indeed, there is always an indescribable move and order during these gatherings. This is also a special brand—a unique aspect of CoP!  As a result, spontaneous Holy Ghost-impacted worship is always present. There is always joy in the Holy Spirit during CoP services and meetings. Superficial worship leads to spiritual decline, and I thank God that this is usually not the case in the CoP setting.

OUR PART AS YOUTH

The CoP is a distinctive, God-given, and a firebrand – which is why I am a proud Brand Ambassador of this great Church.

Indeed, the CoP brand is a great heritage for us. As youth, let us strive to remain at the feet of our fathers to receive this grace. Let us not imitate outsiders and so-called “deep preachers.” Instead, thank God for The Church of Pentecost and do everything we can to safeguard, project and pass it on to ensuing generations.

Hey brother! Be grounded!

Hey sister! Be grounded!

Be grounded!

May God bless us all.

Written by Elder Martinson Twum Asamoah (Aworowa District Youth Ministry Leader, Techiman Area)