Members of The Church of Pentecost in Ashaiman and its environs and loved ones from across the nation and beyond converged at the Ashaiman Bethlehem Central assembly auditorium of the church to bid farewell to Pastor Johanes Koku Agoba and his wife, Mrs Grace Evelyn Agoba, who have meritoriously served in the full-time pastoral ministry for 35 years.
The retirement service, held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, was officiated by the immediate past General Secretary of the church, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, who also serves as the Ashaiman Area Head and Chairman of the Prisons Council of the Republic of Ghana.
Supporting him were Apostle Dr Christian Tsekpoe (Head of Ministerial Formation, Pentecost School of Theology and Missions – PSTML), and Apostle Professor Agyapong Kodua (Vice-Chancellor, Pentecost University), among others.
Also present were the Ashaiman Area Pastorate, retired ministers of the church, and many others who had been blessed by Pastor Agoba’s ministry.
Sermon
Delivering a stirring sermon titled, ‘Crossing the Finishing Line,’ Apostle Kumi-Larbi admonished believers to pursue endurance and discipline in their Christian walk.
Quoting from 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 and Hebrews 12:1–3, he likened the Christian journey to a demanding marathon that requires focus and perseverance. He emphasised that while starting is easy, finishing well is the real challenge, referencing Ecclesiastes 7:8.
He encouraged believers to surrender their personal rights in love, steer clear of spiritual disqualification, and rely on God’s grace to remain steadfast through trials.
Life of Pastor Agoba
Born on June 8, 1960, Pastor Johanes Koku Agoba began his full-time ministry in 1990 after an earlier career as a teacher. His 35-year ministerial journey took him through 12 different stations, including The Gambia, where he pioneered the Pentecost School in Banjul and led a team that planted The Church of Pentecost in Guinea-Bissau. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the church’s presence in Egypt.
A seasoned theologian and administrator, Pastor Agoba served as a lecturer and later Registrar at the Pentecost Theological Seminary (PTS). He was instrumental in the training of Francophone ministers and contributed to the upgrade of the Ministers’ Wives’ Course into a Certificate in Christian Ministry programme.
During the service, multiple testimonies were read in his honour. He was praised for his integrity, discipline, humility, and strict adherence to church policies. His leadership was described as visionary, structured, and impactful.
Equally celebrated was Mrs Grace Evelyn Agoba, who was hailed for her quiet strength, deep compassion, and support of her husband’s ministry. She was a mother figure to many and ministered to women, youth, and children with love, grace, and generosity.
Together, the Agobas have raised a godly home, with all four of their children actively serving the Lord in various capacities.
The General Council of the church, the Ashaiman Area Pastorate, the Bethlehem District Presbytery and the Women’s Ministry all commended the couple for their exemplary service and lasting impact on the church.
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