The Koforidua Area Head of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has charged district Pastors and Elders of the Church to be magnanimous with the youth when they backslide.
According to Apostle Nyamekye, even though Pastors and Elders of the Church must suspend and excommunicate youth found culpable in accordance with the rules of the church, it must be done a way which will not throw the culprit into despondency and depression which leads abortion and even suicide .
He advised that leadership of the Church at local levels must instead counsel the youth with the word of God whenever they backslide rather than naming and shaming, which mostly compel members to quit the Church.
“When young lady who is not married gets pregnant ,she becomes fearful and depressed especially when she is a member of the Pentecost Church; for fear of being suspended and disgraced, this creates huge depression for such people, so I will urge the Pastors and Elders to be magnanimous with such persons,” he said.
The Comment by the Area head attracted deafening applause from the youth present at the convention. The Church of Pentecost has been criticized over the years for the way the Church treats members who commit sin particularly fornication.
Some members of the Church have left for being scolded and excommunicated before congregations.
Ministering to climax the Easter Convention of Koforidua area of the Church of Pentecost on Sunday , Apostle Nyamekye said the Church must find a way to counsel such persons instead of rebuking them in public
His sermon was centered on depression and suicide .
According to the Area Head, Christians are also vulnerable to depression citing sexual harassment, unplanned pregnancies, marital challenges and financial difficulties as some of the challenges which could cause depression among Christians and lead to suicide .
He however charged pastors and Elders to adopt measures to establish good relationship with members of the Church to easily identify those going through depression for biblical counselling which will make the individual resilient enough to bounce back .
He expressed worry over the high spate of suicide cases recorded this year. He advised the youth to realize that regardless of any difficulties they may go through, there is hope in God . He added members to be content with their lives and not compare themselves with others.
The four days convention was attended by 9,680 members of the Church while several souls were won .
