The Church of Pentecost cherishes the following values and practices:
Evangelism
It is the presentation of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit with the view that people will come and trust Jesus as Saviour and Lord and serve him in the fellowship of the Church. Evangelism is the responsibility of every Church member. It is the prime duty of every believer to share his/her faith after conversion. The scope of evangelism was initially Ghana, extending to Africa and to the whole world. Evangelism is missions-oriented; farmers, women, artisans, fishermen, intellectuals, etc. go out into other countries, preach Christ, open churches and call in ministers to pastor same. Besides, as was the practice of the founder, Pastor James McKeown, we respond to calls to missions as led by the Spirit of the Lord.
Discipleship
Discipleship is training believers to be like Christ. The emphasis is on holiness, righteousness, faithfulness, honesty, sincerity, humility, prayerfulness and the leading of disciplined and responsible lives. This is done at the level of individuals, where every member takes responsibility to discipline their new coverts, as well as through church/corporate based systematic teaching, and on-the-job training. Teaching emphasises the four-square gospel, which is Christ-centred: i.e. Jesus the Saviour, Healer, Baptiser and Soon Coming King; the Tenets of the Church; Bible reading/study and scripture memorisation and application of the word to life situations.
Ministry Excellence
We seek to honour God who gave His best (the Saviour) by maintaining a high standard of excellence in all our ministries and activities (Col. 3:23-24)
Core Practices
Some of the normal practices are regular prayer for the Holy Spirit baptism with initial evidence of speaking in tongues. Emphasis is placed on the fruit and gifts of the Spirit in the life of the believer. Prayers are said for healing and deliverance for the afflicted as part of the initial exercises for salvation. Services are marked as truly Pentecostal with praise and worship, teaching, exercise of gifts, prayer, testimony, etc.
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the presence of the person of the Holy Spirit and that the Christian life can be led only with His grace. The new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit, and then the baptism of the Holy Spirit for power to serve and the gifts of the Spirit for building the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit helps the individual to develop a Christ-like character, manifest through bearing the fruit of the Spirit. The leading of the Holy Spirit in all spheres of activity in the Church is paramount. Administrative structures and all other church distinctiveness have been by the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Church, through her leadership at all levels, co-operates in obedience.
Leadership
Leadership development is based on the apostolic foundation. Appointments and callings into leadership positions are based on character and charisma, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Leadership development is from the shop floor, grass root level with members maturing to lead sub-groups, movements, assemblies, districts and areas. Team spirit with talent development shapes team work. Ministry is by both clergy and laity.
Church Culture
The following distinctive attributes help identify The Church of Pentecost:
- Self-supporting attitude
- Faithfulness and integrity
- Distinctiveness in prayer
- Church discipline without fear or favour irrespective of position, race or colour of members
- Place of worship based on Spirit and Truth and not necessarily the Temple
- Fellowship and liberality
- Respect for authority
- Mutual respect and sense of belonging for all members without discrimination based on tribalism, racism or nationality
- Sacrificial service to the Church without expecting pecuniary reward
- Total abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and other hard drugs.
- Encourage church planting
- Monogamous marriage is enforced as well as chastity before marriage
Tithes & Offering
Faithfulness in giving offerings and paying tithes to enhance ministry of the Church is emphasised. Periodic teaching on this subject is regarded as very important. The Church and members depend solely on God as the source of financial supply. Borrowing is not encouraged. Usury amongst members is also not encouraged.
Social Activities
The Church believes in communal living with members supporting one another, and participating in communal work. The Church may also help the entire community by providing social needs such as health services, schools, agriculture as well as donating to the needy in society.
Holiness of Members & Officers
The church upholds holiness of members Unto the Lord in all their endeavours (Rom. 12:1; Heb. 12:14).
Church Discipline
2Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 12:7-11 Respect for and obedience to authority. Submission to corrective measures/policies of the Church Regular fellowship of saints – (Acts 2:42-47; Heb 10:25).
Consistent Bible Teaching
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer – Acts 2:42.
Prayer of all types
Worship (Adoration); Supplication; Intercession (Eph. 6:18-19; 1 Tim. 2:1-2).
