Posts in category: Youth Ministry

Apostle Jude Hama, the Former National Director of Scripture Union (SU) Ghana, has underscored the imperative for the Church to focus on equipping and unleashing the youth as the largest mission field in Ghana in order to transform the nation.

With 70% of the population being young people, Apostle Hama urged the allocation of resources for their training, emphasising the pivotal role they play in transforming the nation for Christ.

Apostle Hama articulated a compelling vision for Ghana’s future, asserting that Christ and Christ-like individuals are the nation’s true hope.

He emphasised the need for holistic disciples who embody godliness and integrity, serving as salt and light in their communities.

The crux of Apostle Hama’s message centered on the intentional efforts required to disciple those won for Christ, particularly on university campuses.

He asserted that disciple-making is the primary task assigned to the Church by Jesus Christ, quoting C. S. Lewis: “The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men and women to Christ to make them ‘little Christs’.”

Highlighting the interconnectedness of evangelism and discipleship, Apostle Hama echoed Dr. Mark Dever’s sentiment that “Evangelism without discipleship is incomplete evangelism.”

He stressed the urgent need for effective discipleship within the Ghanaian Church, identifying a lack of intentional disciple-making focus as a significant challenge.

Addressing the issue, the former National Director of the Scripture Union of Ghana provided practical steps on how to follow up with new believers.

These steps include fostering a sense of immediate belonging to God’s family, imparting foundational Christian knowledge, ensuring basic assurances of salvation, facilitating Holy Spirit baptism, and instilling essential spiritual disciplines for Christian maturity.

Quoting Ephesians 4:15, Apostle Hama urged believers to hold fast to the truth and solid teachings of scripture, emphasizing the goal of continuous growth in Christ.

He emphasised that the formation of Christ-like disciples on campuses and in churches is crucial for Ghana’s future, asserting that without effective discipleship, numerical growth would be in vain.

Concluding his presentation, Apostle Hama defined a true Christlike disciple as one who has experienced life in Christ, is born again, committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, baptised with the Holy Spirit, practices basic Christian living and service, and possesses the capacity to train others to become disciples.

“As believers engage in effective discipleship, Ghana holds the promise of a brighter future grounded in resilient, matured Christ-like disciples”, he remarked.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The PENSA Ghana Coordinator, Elder Samuel Boahen, has stressed the urgent need for young people to step up as world transformers and change agents in society.

According to him, Christian youth have reached a pivotal moment where their energy, ideals, and potential are required to shape communities and nations.

Elder Boahen made this declaration in his opening address at the 2024 PENSA Ghana Conference, dubbed the “Transformers Conference.” The conference aims to spiritually equip young people to maximise their global impact.

Addressing the participants, the PENSA Ghana Coordinator said young people needed to avail themselves for a divine encounter, stressing that: “to transform others, you must be transformed.”

“Young people cannot ignite transformation in their schools, workplaces, churches, and governments unless they have been changed from within. That is why spaces like the PENSA conference that facilitate dynamic personal reflection and transformative spiritual experiences are so critical,” he stated.

He explained that when young hearts and minds encounter the life-giving message of the Gospel, they gain new perspective and direction to channel their energies, adding, “With the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, the youth can rise as “transformers for good” in their spheres of influence.

He, however, revealed that the world has already seen the beginning of youth-led movements tackling society’s most pressing issues, from climate change to racial reconciliation to mental health awareness. 

He revealed that God is unleashing a generation of young change-makers who will redeem and restore the broken aspects of society.

“As the Church, we must do our part to spiritually invest in young people, nurture their leadership gifts, and make space for them to lead. There are Esthers, Josephs, Ruths, Marys, and Timothys among us who will courageously take up the mantle to transform systems and structures by living out Kingdom values,” he said.

Ending his address, the PENSA Ghana Coordinator noted that it is time for radical obedience, sacrificial living, and bold faith from young people to see revival and renewal spread in our communities and nation.

“The future belongs to those transformers who, captivated by a transcendent vision, are willing to pay the cost to see their world changed. By God’s grace, may the youth arise from gatherings like PENSA Ghana glow with holy fire and hope,” he concluded.

PENSA-Ghana Conference, an annual conference championed by the Youth Ministry of The Church of Pentecost, is one of the biggest youth conferences in Ghana and the West African sub-region. Many youths who participated in previous editions have testified to life-changing encounters with God. Participants of the conferences are taken through rigorous spiritual exercises, among other activities that address their holistic development; as a result, they always leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a calling to go out and make positive change. 

Report by PENSA Ghana Media/Editorial Team

The Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, has indicated that members of the Church are key stakeholders of the second phase of the “Possessing the Nations” agenda (Vision 2028).

Apostle Hagan said this today during his sermon on Day 2 of the ongoing PENSA Ghana Conference at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, one of the three centres of the conference.

In his sermon, he explained that Vision 2028, which aims to unleash the Whole Church to transform their world with the values and principles of the kingdom of God, enjoins Church leaders to create a church environment where each member understands their role as the Salt and Light of the World by serving as catalysts for positive change in society.

Drawing inspiration from 2 Timothy 2, he stressed the need for a paradigm shift in order to change the mindset of church members to rise to their divine mandate.

The Youth Director further underscored the importance of countering societal norms that may act as influencing operating systems.

He, therefore, urged members, especially the youth, to align with the word of God to avoid deception, stating, “These systems work by way of one’s mind, and it is only prayer and God’s word that can change the mind (thoughts) of the people.”

Apostle Hagan noted that to build a proactive church, there is a need for members to be taught and equipped to be acutely aware of their role as agents of transformation in the present generation and beyond.

He further noted that every member of the Church acts as a bridge between the world and Vision 2028, adding: “One doesn’t need to be a scholar to become a witness and disciple of Christ Jesus; every member is required to undertake this divine task.”

Concluding his sermon, Apostle Hagan issued a rallying call to the youth of the Church to embrace Vision 2028 and avail themselves as active agents of change as they work collectively towards the realisation of the Church’s strategic vision.

Report by PENSA Ghana Media/Editorial Team

The highly anticipated PENSA Ghana Conference 2024 kicked off its opening session with a powerful message of empowerment and transformation for young people across the country and beyond by the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi.

The PENSA Ghana Conference is an annual national mega-gathering of all youth in the Church of Pentecost, Ghana and beyond.

This year’s edition, dubbed the Transformers Conference, began yesterday, January 2, 2023, and is expected to end on Friday, January 5, 2023, under the theme, “Young People Unleashed to Transform their World” (1 Peter 2:9; Acts 1:8).

The Transformers Conference has drawn a large number of youth in the Church eager to participate from three different centres: the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa Fetteh, KNUST in Kumasi, and UDS in Tamale.

In his opening address, the PENSA Ghana Coordinator, Elder Samuel Boahene, warmly welcomed the participants, ministers and distinguished guests.

Highlighting the significance of a PENSA Ghana Conference and its relevance in today’s context, he emphasised the importance of the Transformers Conference in achieving the vision of the second phase of the Possessing the Nations Agenda.

“There is a time when the youth need to arise and answer numerous questions. It is a time when the youth need to arise and make their presence felt. The time is now,” exclaimed Elder Boahene.

He further registered his sincerest appreciation to the Chairman of the Church and the leaders for their massive support and guidance in achieving this remarkable feat.

Take advantage of the unique opportunity to seek a personal encounter with the Lord. Draw strength and virtue, and share fellowship with participants drawn at the 3 locations in the country. Build a professional network. Leave this conference holistically empowered,” he advised.

The Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, revealed that the conference is at the heart of the Chairman and the leaders of the church.

“The leadership took 50% of the actual registration fees,” he revealed.

He extended appreciation to the Area Heads, District Pastors and Youth leaders for taking the initiative to support the youth.

The conference means a lot to the Lord, who is the owner of the church, and also to the Chairman, who is the vision-bearer. It is also happening when the church of Pentecost has decided to prioritise the ministry of young people. We intend to reach everyone for Jesus”, he noted.

As part of the initiatives for the Youth Ministry’s Vision 2028, “Grounded in Christ, Reaching Everyone and Taking Everywhere for Christ”, the Apostle Hagan noted that the Professional Guilds will be launched to train young people to win their various fields of profession and take them for Christ.

He then gave a Clarion call to every youth to rise to the task and be challenged to take everywhere for God. He finally acknowledged participants joining from Nigeria, Togo, and other countries.

The former Youth Patron, Apostle Samuel Osei Asante, also the Area Head for Kaneshie, gave his opening remarks.

In his address, he made a profound statement that “For the youth to transform their world, they must be transformed first, hence, the need for the Transformers Conference.

“It is a conference for people who are transformers – a people ready for a change. You are to change society. It is possible. As young people, we are being unleashed to transform our world, and that is the burden on our hearts. If you can go out and transform others, you will be transformed. Take a decision. Be transformed”, he stressed.

The main speaker for the day, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, delivered an insightful exposition on the theme.

Drawing references from the theme scriptures, he spoke about the critical role of Christians in the Great Commission, calling for active engagement and commitment.

He emphasised that the Church is a container of the power of God, which is immeasurable, unlimited and surpassing; as such, the world must experience that power.

The opening session also featured uplifting ministrations from the PENSA Ghana Choir, adding a vibrant dimension to the event.

The PENSA Ghana Conference 2024 promises to be a landmark event, setting the stage for a transformative journey for young Pentecostals.

With a lineup of influential speakers, engaging sessions, and spiritual activities, the conference is poised to significantly impact the lives of many young people, empowering them to transform their world.

Report by Pensa Ghana Secretariat Team.

The Youth Ministry of the Nazareth Assembly in the Chemunaa District of The Church of Pentecost marked this year’s Boxing Day with the inmates at the Mamprobi Police Station in Accra.

Elder Emmanuel Bortsie, the Nazareth Assembly Youth Ministry Leader, along with Deacons Daniel Affum, his assistant, and Emmanuel Adu-Poku, the Assistant Evangelism Ministry Leader of the Assembly, led the Youth Ministry delegation to the police station.

The purpose of the visit was to share God’s love with the inmates and the police officers at the station, which is in fulfillment of Jesus’ command in Matthew 25:36-40.

Exhorting the inmates and officials present at the event, Deacon Emmanuel Adu Poku emphasised that the greatest gift is demonstrating love towards one another.

Deacon Poku highlighted the profound love of God in giving us His only begotten Son.

Expounding further, he referenced Romans 5:8, stating: “We were once in a state of despair and deprivation, but God sent His Son into the world so that through Him, our condition and status could be transformed.”

He further stated that God is ever-present to rescue humanity from any situation.

Drawing inspiration from Apostle Peter’s story in the Bible, he mentioned how Peter, too, faced challenges but was delivered through the church’s prayers.

Highlighting the contrasting intentions of the devil and Christ, he noted” “While the devil seeks to kill, steal, and destroy, Christ came to seek and save the lost. By surrendering your lives to God through His Son, you can embrace eternal life.”

Concluding the message, he reminded everyone of the true essence of Boxing Day: a time not for physical altercations but for expressing love and compassion.

An altar call by Elder Emmanuel Bortsie saw six inmates surrendering their lives to Christ.

As part of the visit  the team donated toilet rolls, gallons of liquid soap, bottled water, soft drinks, sachets of water and packaged food to the Station Commander in charge. 

The Mamprobi Police District Commander, Chief Yeeboah, received the relief items on behalf of the inmates and commended the church for their show of love. He also encouraged them to continue this act of benevolence.

 Report by Lawrence Nana Kwame Asiamah

The leadership of Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA), Ghana, led by its Coordinator, Elder Samuel Boahen, on December 2, 2023, donated musical instruments to the Akropong School for the Blind.

Elder Samuel Boahen presented the items, which included a brand new high-performance Yamaha keyboard, a keyboard combo, and a set of microphones, to the School authorities on behalf of the team.

According to him, the purpose of the visit was to fraternise with the PENSA group on campus and to provide them with free training in handicrafts.

The PENSA-Ghana Coordinator also remarked that this action was taken in their quest to fulfill the holistic mandate of PENSA Ghana and the Youth ministry’s vision of holistic empowerment of all persons.

He emphasised that not only will these instruments help boost their worship sessions, thus helping engender spiritual deepening, but it will also help nurture the abundance of inherent musical talents PWDs are known for.

“As we seek to harness their spiritual development for the salvation of their souls, we complement it with the needed skills to economically empower them even outside the domain of white-collar jobs,” he said.

The chairperson for the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Committee of PENSA-Ghana, Deaconess Mabel Akutey, took participants through the training in bead making, hair fascinator, bridal fan, and key holder using ubiquitous everyday items.

It was such a beautiful scene seeing the excitement on the faces of participants, with strong determination and eagerness to learn these skills.

The authorities of the school, as well as the students, filled with joy, expressed their gratitude to the PENSA Ghana leadership for donating musical instruments and also providing free practical training to their students.

The students reaffirmed their belief that the training would go a long way to help them generate a source of livelihood for themselves.

Report by PENSA Ghana Media Team

In a nerve-racking, five-hour series of contests at the PIWC-Asokwa auditorium, 16 Areas, seeded into three contesting groups, had their last dance in determining who comes on top in the various contests with their accompanying categories.

The Junior Category of the Bible Bee Contest saw Goaso, Agormanya, Achimota and Kwadaso areas, unleashing the verses of scriptures they had committed to memory.

The 1st and 2nd Semi-Final encounters saw Goaso and Kwadaso Areas, sailing through to the Grand Finale with Agormanya gaining a late ticket after the winning the playoff over Achimota.

Surprisingly, an overwhelming display of courage and determination saw the defending champions amass 144.25 points in the 3rd round known as the ‘home stretch’ to set the win it and become the 1st Area to win and successfully defend their trophy in the Junior Category-Bible Bee Contest.

Kwadaso and Goaso areas followed suit in 2nd and 3rd place with 302 points and 289.85 points respectively.

The Senior Category of the Bible Bee Contest on the other hand saw Ho Area gliding past Kwadaso and Tarkwa in the Grand Finale to lift the trophy.

The Ho Area led by Andrews Helegbe couldn’t make it to the Grand Finale of the 2022 edition held last year. Unperturbed by the defeat, he prepared-in-wait and kept knocking at the door of opportunity sailed through this time round, accumulating 421.5 points to lift the trophy.

Tarkwa Area emerged 1st runner-up earning 399 points while Kwadaso Area finished 3rd with 380.25 points.

The Junior Category of the Questions and Answers Contest on the other hand saw Goaso Area etching their names in the quiz hall of fame for the first time after seeing off Dansoman and Suame Areas with a whooping 35.5 points, maintaining a 12.5 point-gap advantage over Dansoman Area who bounced back from an initial defeat and play-off amassing 23 points.

Suame Area saw the tide turned against them as they came behind Dansoman Area with 21.5 points, whom they defeated in the Semis.

The last contest that saw a charged euphoria and effervescent cheers and applause, was the Senior Category – Questions and Answers Contest with Wa, Kaneshie and Bompata Areas battling for glory. Kaneshie and Bompata Areas entered the contest as favourites to win the ultimate with Wa Area coming through the back door as underdogs.

Nevertheless, they left no stone unturned, capitalising upon every bonus question that went abegging. In all three rounds, before the Problem of the Day Round, Wa laid behind Kaneshie in 2nd place with 37 points, only a 1.5 gap separating them.

It was soon to be discovered that the Problem of the Day was going to be the decider of the fates of these three contesting.

The outcome of the Problem of the Day Round saw Wa Area overtaking Kaneshie Area in 1st place with 41.5 points. Kaneshie who could only earn a point from the last round couldn’t help but fall to 2nd place with Bompata Area coming third.

That was indeed a record-making feat achieved in the history of the quiz. The first ever northern side to lift a trophy in the history of the National Youth Quiz Competition since its inception.

Report by NYQC Editorial Team

The Youth Ministry of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) in the Dunkwa Area of The Church of Pentecost has donated various items to inmates at the Obuasi Local Prison.

The donated items, comprising rice, soap, toothpaste, brushes, sachet water, shaving sticks, and assorted drinks, were presented on Friday, December 1, 2023. This benevolent act is part of the Church’s outreach initiative, aimed at sharing the gospel message and providing support to the inmates.

Led by the Resident Minister, Pastor Barnabas Kwabena Nortsu, the church delegation engaged with the inmates and prayed with them. Pastor Nortsu took the opportunity to encourage them with the word of God.

Expressing gratitude for the generous donation, the prison commander, Superintendent Esther Ako-Nunoo, deemed the visit timely.

She acknowledged the positive impact such visits have on the welfare and morale of the inmates, and, therefore, called for more of such visits in the future.

Report by Elder Simon Awuku (PIWC-Dunkwa Youth Ministry Leader)