A Comparative Study Of The Mission Histories Of The Assemblies Of God Church And The Church Of Pentecost In Ghana

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the mission histories of the Assemblies of God Church and the Church of Pentecost in Ghana. It focuses on the similarities and differences in their approaches to mission and their different theological orientations that have contributed to their different growth. The issue of mission is problematised because these Pentecostal Churches‟ different conceptions have led them to emphasize different aspects of mission. Methodologically, the study employed the historical and comparative approach in its investigation. The historical approach was used in recounting the history of both churches. The comparative approach was used to explain the necessary cause and outcome of the missionary activities of these Pentecostal Churches over time. The researcher made ample use of content analysis of documentary sources. Where necessary, information was gleaned from interviews to augment the documentary sources. The study found out that the Assemblies of God is a western Pentecostal mission whereas the Church of Pentecost is an African Initiated Church with a Pentecostal emphasis. These Pentecostal denominations were guided by different mission policies in performing their missionary activities in the country. The Assemblies of God Church started its mission with the policy of holistic mission. Thus, it combined soul winning and church planting with social services. The Church of Pentecost on the other hand, started its mission with the policy of soul winning and church planting almost completely devoid of any form of social service. However, this mission policy of the Church of Pentecost has been modified to respond to the changing circumstances. Thus, the Church of Pentecost has added social services to its mission policy. The study also found out that the effectiveness of these Pentecostal denominations on the Ghanaian society can be seen in terms of their soul winning, church planting and the provision of social and economic services. The study concludes that within the Ghanaian context, Pentecostal mission should combine proclamation of the Good News with social services as has been exemplified by the mainline churches.