The School of Theology, Mission and Leadership (STML) of Pentecost University has held a matriculation ceremony to officially admit 127 newly called ministers of The Church of Pentecost to undertake their four-year ministerial training and formation at the university.
One hundred and fourteen (114) of the students are Ghanaians, while 13 of them are international students drawn from various parts of Africa.
The special event took place at the STML Campus at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa Fetteh, on September 30, 2022.
Addressing the students, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Apostle Professor Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, said that the event marked the beginning of a life-long learning experience and the beginning of a great journey in the life of the students.
He charged them to take the matriculation oath seriously and endeavour to live in accordance with the rules and regulations of the University while pursuing their programme.
Touching on the importance of university education to society, Apostle Prof. Agyapong-Kodua indicated that universities have contributed significantly to the spiritual dimensions of life, shaped the socio-economic landscape, influenced political and environmental discussions, and ultimately provided the human resource for enterprise.
“Today, you have joined a vibrant university, the University A+ Institution. We have identified ourselves as University A+ in that we identify all other universities as University A, doing extremely well, but we do not want to become just like any of them,” he stated.
According to the VC, the University A+ agenda of the Pentecost University seeks to provide a new educational model that bridges the spiritual and intellectual gap to produce a fresh generation of morally, ethically and intellectually outstanding graduates who solve problems.
He, therefore, urged them to take intellectuality seriously as much as their spirituality. He stressed that by creating an exceptional balance between these two, they will become truly spiritual, intellectually outstanding and recognised problem solvers; ministers replicating Christ in his fullness, and will be able to possess every sphere of life and truly reclaim the world for Christ.
“Intellectually, we have positioned ourselves as front runners in the educational system winning the African International award of merit for our innovation in education, digitisation, projects, research initiatives, social and community impact and the creation of student job opportunities on campus,” he disclosed.
The Special Guest of Honour, Apostle Samuel Osei Asante, who stood in for the Chancellor of the University, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, congratulated the students on their selection to serve in the full-time ministry of the church.
“Being a minister in The Church of Pentecost demands hard work. You must make yourself always available so that God will equip you to do what he wants to be done in his church,” he stated.
Speaking on the topic, “The Seminary: A Place of Refreshment to Become a Better Minister,” he entreated the newly called ministers to endeavour to encounter God in a special way as they begin ministry.
Apostle Asante asked the students to see their time at the seminary as an incubation period and allow themselves to go through rigorous training for God to work on them so that they would go to the field as better ministers.
Citing the calls of several persons in the Bible such as Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, he revealed that they went through some period of incubation to prepare them for the task God had for them.
He advised them to use the period to reflect on the call of God, where they were and where God has brought them to, and how they can become better Christians.
He further admonished them to use their training period to develop their spiritual gifts, seek and know God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and also understand the work of ministry.
Present at the ceremony were key officers of the university such as Deans and Directors, Heads of Department, Faculty and Staff.
Among the top management members present were the Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Kwesi Anim, and the Registrar, Mr Foster Kobina Amoani.
Pentecost News.