The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost (COP), Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has advised Christians to actively participate in church services as it is a way of showing honour and respect to God.
“When we come to church, we should do everything that will honour God, this will show we respect and want to subject to His authority,” he added.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi said this today, March 11, 2023, when he delivered a presentation titled: “Deepening The CoP Brand,” at the ongoing Global Elders’ Retreat at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC), Gomoa-Fetteh.
According to him, chatting on WhatsApp, disrespecting ushers and conversing with others while church service is ongoing are attitudes that dishonour the Lord.
“When we come to Church there are three things we are expected to do; enter reverently, pray fervently and listen attentively,” he added. Reading from Isaiah 56:7, the General Secretary advised Church members to participate fully in all church activities.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi further noted that the forebears of the Church took pains to build The CoP’s unique brand, therefore, this generation must be intentional about deepening the Church’s brand.
Quoting ‘Item G’ of The CoP’s Rules of Conduct, the General Secretary said: “During casual conversations at home or at work, do not speak disrespectfully or disparagingly about the Church and God’s servants. Make your concerns and grievances known to the appropriate authority for explanation or redress.”
Explaining the Apostle Kumi-Larbi observed that there will be challenges, grievances or concerns among members, however, it behoves on leaders to open up and engage.
“Quoting Apostle Eric Nyamekye, “Leadership is to solve tough questions”, we have to create avenues as elders to solve concerns from the youth, if you can’t solve it, pass it on to people of higher authority.
Despite the fact that we may have challenges, The General Secretary said that members may not always agree with the leaders of the Church, but they should be careful not to speak ill of them.
“In 3 John 1:9, Diotrephes unjustly accused the leadership, used wicked words and maligned leaders and prevented people from joining the Church; he also excommunicated others. So, the lesson here is remember to imitate what is good and not evil,” he advised.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi ended his presentation by reiterating the need for members to respect people placed in leadership positions over them, saying; “The Apostles and Pastors are working together and there must be respect to all authorities at all levels. Let us be careful of the way we speak about others’ leadership style. If you speak against the leader, you speak against God. God gave them to us. Leaders may not always be right.”
PENTECOST NEWS