Imagine a spiritual awakening rippling through the Gold Coast. This awakening birthed the Holy Apostolic Reformed Church.
The Holy Apostolic Reformed Church emerged from the yearning hearts of Ghanaians seeking deeper spiritual truths. It all began with correspondence. Letters carrying literature from Christian missions abroad found their way to a prayer group in Asamankese.
This group experienced the Holy Spirit’s baptism. They sought guidance and instruction. The Apostolic Church-UK connected with them. Under Apostle Peter Newman Anim’s leadership, they embraced the Apostolic Church’s tenets. Thus, in 1935, the Apostolic Church Gold Coast now Ghana was officially born.
But the path wasn’t without its trials. In 1937, Pastor James McKeown arrived from the UK as the first resident missionary. A controversy erupted over his medical treatment. This led to a split. Pastor Anim led a breakaway group to form the Christ Apostolic Church.
Despite the division, Pastor McKeown and dedicated members persevered. They evangelized. They witnessed the Lord confirming His word. The church flourished. Darkness couldn’t overcome it. Yet, administrative disagreements in 1953 caused another split. Pastor James McKeown formed the Gold Coast Apostolic Church.
After Ghana’s independence, McKeown’s faction became the Ghana Apostolic Church. The original church remained The Apostolic Church Ghana. In 1962, President Kwame Nkrumah directed the Ghana Apostolic Church to change its name. It became the Church of Pentecost.
Many other churches trace their origins to The Apostolic Church Ghana. These include the Divine Healers Church, the Apostolic Reformed Church, and the New Covenant Apostolic Church. The church has spread its influence beyond Ghana. It has established missions in Togo, La Cote D’Ivoire, Liberia, Gambia, South Africa, Europe, and North America.
In 1985, The Apostolic Church Ghana celebrated its Golden Jubilee. It gained autonomy from the UK parent church. Apostle Austin Ofori-Addo became the first Ghanaian President.
Leaders who followed Apostle Austin Ofori-Addo include Apostle Peter Attah Antwi. Apostle Joseph Anim, Apostle John Annan Adotey. Apostle Ebenezer Nsesah Abebrese, Apostle Peter Okoe Mankralo and Apostle Aaron Nartey Ami-Narh.
Currently, Apostle Aaron Nartey Ami-Narh leads the church. The church is undergoing a strategic transformation. It calls this transformation the Shift Agenda. This agenda aims to position the church for greater impact. The church believes God is shifting it to a place of cutting-edge influence.
However, the Holy Apostolic Reformed Church faced challenges. In 2023, three pastors formerly of the church were jailed for contempt of court. They defied court orders not to interfere with church activities.
Today the Holy Apostolic Reformed Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a story of resilience, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel. It reminds us that even amidst trials, the spirit of faith can endure and transform lives.