The Church of Pentecost
Christian Pentecostal denomination from Ghana
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Church of Pentecost is a Pentecostal denomination that originates from Ghana. The Church currently has a presence in 198 countries globally. Its current Chairman, who happens to be its highest officer worldwide, is Apostle Eric Nyamekye.
| The Church of Pentecost | |
|---|---|
| |
| Classification | Evangelical Christianity |
| Theology | Pentecostal |
| Governance | Presbytery |
| Chairman | Apostle Eric Nyamekye |
| Region | Worldwide |
| Headquarters | Accra |
| Founder | Ps. James McKeown |
| Origin | 21 May 1953 Asamankese, Ghana |
| Congregations | Over 20,000 |
| Members | Over 4,000,000 |
| Official website | thecophq |
History
The church has its origins in a British mission of Rev. James McKeown in Ghana in 1937.[1] In 1953, The Church was founded as Gold Coast Apostolistic Church. Upon the country's attainment of independence in 1957, the name changed to the Ghana Apostolic Church. In resolution of a conflict with the Apostolic Church, Ghana, the then President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah ruled that the church adopted a new name, thus, in August 1962, the name Church of Pentecost came into being.[2] Through foreign missionary work and establishing relationships with other Pentecostal churches, the Church of Pentecost expanded into a worldwide movement. The Church of Pentecost operated in 151 Nations headed by Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists and Senior Pastors throughout the world and about 21,802 local assemblies in 2,898 districts. In 2022, global membership of the Church stood at 4,203,077,[3] with children constituting about 1,307,157. The Church of Pentecost had 137,862 church officers and 2,492 ordained ministers in 101 nations.[4] The Church saw an increase of 7.9% with regards to the total membership of the church and now operate in 170 nations across the globe.[5]
Church leadership
Chairmen of the Church of Pentecost
- Pastor James McKeown 1953–1982
- Apostle Fred Stephen Safo 1982–1987
- Prophet Martinson Kwadwo Yeboah 1988–1998
- Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy 1998–2008
- Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah 2008–2018
- Apostle Eric Nyamekye 2018–present[6][7]
The Church of Pentecost re-elected Nyamekye as chairman of the church during an election held on May 4, 2023 at the Pentecost Convention Center at Gomoa Fetteh as part of the 46th General Council Meeting.[8]
Past General Secretaries
The Church of Pentecost has had several General Secretaries since 1962.
| Apostle Joseph Egyir Paintsil | 1962–1982 |
|---|---|
| Apostle Daniel K. Arnan | 1982–1988 |
| Apostle Rigwell Ato Addison | 1988–1993 |
| Apostle Albert Amoah | 1993–2003 |
| Apostle Dr. Alfred Koduah Ntumy | 2003–2013 |
| Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi | 2013–2023 |
| Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi | 2023–Present |
Past International Mission Director
| Apostle Opoku Onyinah | 1992-1996 |
|---|---|
| Apostle Benjamin Kofi Arthur | 1996-2001 |
| Apostle Dr. Stephen Kofi Baidoo | 2001-2011 |
| Apostle Emmanuel Gyesi-Addo | 2011-2021 |
| Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe | 2021-Present |