The Youth Ministry Director of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Ebenezer Hagan, has advised Christian youth to have a heart fully committed to Jesus, where He [Jesus] holds the highest place in one’s life.
According to him, a person with such devotion is always ready to follow whatever Jesus asks of them.
He said this at the East Legon Worship Centre on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 during the second day of the weeklong National Youth Ministry Week Celebration.
Delivering a message titled “Sharing in the Passion of Christ”, Apostle Hagan highlighted the dedication of past leaders like Pastor James McKeown and Apostle F. S. Safo.
He recounted how Pastor McKeown, while in Asamankese, played a significant role in spreading the message of Christ.
“To draw the attention of the townspeople to the saving grace of Jesus, he and his wife, Mrs. Sophia McKeown, used instruments to attract crowds.
During one of his evangelistic efforts, a statement he made, “Joseph, Where Art Thou!”, caught the attention of a young, inebriated teacher named Joseph. This encounter led to Joseph’s transformation and eventual rise to become the first General Secretary of The Church Of Pentecost, Apostle Joseph Egyir Paintsil”, he revealed.
Continuing his message, Apostle Hagan spoke about Jesus’ dedication to preaching the Gospel and winning souls for the Kingdom of God. Despite being tired at times, Jesus never relented in His mission. He even borrowed boats from fishermen to preach to the people.
Referencing John 4, he shared how Jesus prioritized His mission over physical needs, saying, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.”
The Youth Director also addressed the modern-day challenges many young people face in balancing their spiritual and professional lives.
He noted that some use their jobs as excuses for not fully engaging in church activities or soul-winning.
He stressed that true love for Christ is not complete until we care deeply for lost souls and make soul-winning a priority in our lives.
He further stated, “Your love is not complete yet until you weep over people who are lost. Your love is not complete yet until what passes through Jesus passes through you. Your love is not complete yet until you take care of what matters to Jesus.”
Apostle Hagan highlighted that lifestyle evangelism—living a life that reflects Christ’s teachings—speaks more powerfully to others than words alone.
He therefore urged believers to make soul-winning a lifestyle, stating that Heaven celebrates over every soul that repents, as reflected in Luke 15:7 and 10.
To support the church’s efforts in soul-winning, Apostle Hagan introduced the Reachout Strategy of the Youth Ministry, consisting of four steps:
- Target a soul and pray for them.
- Preach to the souls. Once you are praying for them, go out and preach the Word—Acts 8:26-39, John 4:28-29,39, and John 1:40-42.
- Follow up with them – Matthew 23:15.
- Discipleship. Disciple the soul and bring them to church, connecting them with a dedicated, Spirit-filled member who can mentor them.
“This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that new believers are nurtured and integrated into the church community, fulfilling the Great Commission and sharing in the passion of Christ”, he noted.
Report by Youth Ministry Media Team
