One of the unique and spiritually significant practices in The Church of Pentecost is the periodic transfer of ministers from one station to another.
From its inception, The Church of Pentecost has understood ministry as a mission-driven calling, not confined to a single location or context. The Church’s early missionaries, like Pastor James McKeown (the founder), did not settle in comfort but responded to the Holy Spirit’s leading—planting churches, discipling new believers, and establishing strong foundations across regions.
This legacy continues today. Every minister in The Church of Pentecost is not just called to preach but is appointed and assigned to serve in various parts of the body wherever they are sent.
Transfers are spiritually discerned, prayerfully considered, and strategically implemented under the authority of the Executive Council, which acts under divine guidance that reflects God’s will and the Church’s vision for growth, revival, and leadership development.
The practice allows the Church to refresh leadership, strengthen weaker stations, balance ministerial exposure, and mobilise resources and gifts where they are needed most.
KEY FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE TRANSFERS
- Prayer and Divine Direction
The leadership (Executive Council) seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all transfers.
- Tenure in Station
Ministers are typically transferred after serving for a period.
- Gifts and Calling
A minister may be transferred to a place where their specific gifts, strengths, or experiences are needed.
- Health, Family, or Personal Factors
Sometimes transfers are made to accommodate a minister’s health, family needs, or personal circumstances, with the guidance of the leadership.
- Performance and Leadership Impact
While not the main determinant, a minister’s faithfulness, effectiveness, administrative ability, and fruitfulness may influence where they are assigned next. However, transfers are not treated as a reward or penalty system.
- Church Growth and Strategic Need
Transfers are often done to strengthen growing churches, revive challenged assemblies, plant new assemblies, and create new districts.
The Church emphasises that transfers are part of the call, and every minister must be willing to serve wherever and whenever the Church deems fit.
ATTITUDE TOWARD TRANSFERS
- Faith and Trust in God’s Plan: “All things work together for good” (Romans 8:28).
- Servanthood: “Christ emptied Himself and obeyed unto death” (Philippians 2:5–7).
- Joyful Obedience: Like Abraham—ready to go without full details (Genesis 12:1–4).
TO MINISTERS:
Your calling is bigger than your current station. Wherever and whenever God places you next, go in faith, build with love, and serve with excellence. You are not being moved—you are being sent, so be open to where God leads through the Church.
TO MEMBERS:
Support your outgoing and incoming ministers. Pray for them, honour them, and work with them. Remember, you are not just receiving a man—you are welcoming God’s assignment and gift.
TO OFFICERS:
Be co-labourers, not critics. Transfers don’t end the mission—they extend it. “One plants, another waters, but God gives the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:6–9)
CONCLUSION
In a generation that craves comfort and permanence, the calling to ministry in The Church of Pentecost remains countercultural: it is a calling to go where God sends, serve with joy, and move without murmuring. Every duty post belongs to God, and every minister is a steward—not a settler.
Ultimately, we are reminded that in God’s Kingdom, no minister is self-appointed, no station belongs to a person, and no assignment is final. The harvest is the Lord’s, the labourers are His, and the call is to be faithful wherever we are sent.
The work is God’s, and we are just servants in His field. Our attitudes should be “Here I am, Lord, send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
Ministers are encouraged to see every transfer as part of God’s unfolding plan for both their calling and the Church’s mission.
Written by Pastor Ebenezer Yeboah (Sindaa District, Sawla Area)
