“Can you feel the spirit move?” That’s a question often asked within the walls of The Church of Pentecost Adabaka. We are standing before a beacon of faith. The Church of Pentecost Adabaka is more than just a building. It is a vibrant community. It is a testament to the enduring power of Pentecostal Christianity in Accra and beyond.
The Church of Pentecost has a fascinating history. Its roots trace back to 1937. Rev. James McKeown, an Irish missionary, arrived in Ghana. He was sent by the Apostolic Church from the United Kingdom. His mission was to support a group of believers led by Rev. Peter Newman in Asamankese.
Doctrinal differences arose in 1939. These differences concerned divine healing. The group split into two. One became the Christ Apostolic Church. The other was the Apostolic Church, Gold Coast. The latter experienced significant growth under McKeown’s leadership.
A constitutional crisis in 1953 led to another split. This resulted in the founding of the Gold Coast Apostolic Church, led by James McKeown. In 1957, the Gold Coast gained independence and became Ghana. The church was renamed the Ghana Apostolic Church.
Conflicts persisted. Ghana’s President Kwame Nkrumah intervened. He advised the church to adopt a new name to promote peace. So, in August 1962, The Church of Pentecost was born. It legally replaced the Ghana Apostolic Church.
From its humble beginnings, The Church of Pentecost has grown into a global movement. It operates in over 151 countries. The Church of Pentecost has over 20000 local assemblies in almost 3000 districts.
As of 2022, the church boasted a global membership of over 4.2 million. This includes over 1.3 million children. The Church of Pentecost had almost 140000 church officers and almost 2500 ordained ministers. These ministers served in 101 nations. The church experienced significant growth. It saw a 7.9% increase in total membership and now operates in 170 nations.
The Church of Pentecost is led by dedicated individuals. Pastor James McKeown led from 1953 to 1982. Apostle Fred Stephen Safo followed from 1982 to 1987. Prophet Martinson Kwadwo Yeboah led from 1988 to 1998. Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy served from 1998 to 2008. Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah was in charge from 2008 to 2018. The current Chairman is Apostle Eric Nyamekye. He was re-elected in 2023.
The Church of Pentecost Adabaka stands as a local expression of this global faith. Here, in Adabaka, the community gathers. They worship. They find solace. They contribute to the rich tapestry of Accra’s religious life. The Church of Pentecost Adabaka embodies the spirit of Pentecostalism. It continues to grow. It is a testament to faith.