The Central Charismatic Baptist Church (C.C.B.C.) at Atonsu-Gyinyase in Kumasi, Ghana, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with a colourful thanksgiving service at its Open Heavens Cathedral. The milestone marked three decades of worship, growth, and community impact. The celebration brought together past and present members, ministers of the gospel, traditional leaders, friends, and well-wishers to reflect on 30 years of God's faithfulness.
The anniversary service was attended by dignitaries, including the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Asokwa, Amoh Kamel. The event featured vibrant praise and worship, soul-stirring choral performances, and drama that chronicled the church's humble beginnings, challenges, and triumphs over the last 30 years. The celebration was led by the founder and Senior Pastor of the church, Rev. Dr. Steve Owusu Ampomah Paintsil.
In his keynote address, Rev. Dr. Steve traced the history of the church, recalling the sacrifices, prayers, and perseverance that birthed the ministry 30 years ago. He expressed gratitude to God, the founding members, past and present leadership, and the entire congregation for their loyalty and commitment to the vision. Rev. Dr. Steve emphasized that the church's growth and impact are a testament to God's faithfulness.
The celebration coincides with a new law that prohibits preaching and hawking in public service vehicles while they are in motion. The regulation classifies the practice as a nuisance and a threat to passenger safety and comfort. Under the new regulation, anyone found preaching in public service vehicles faces up to eight months imprisonment, a fine of up to $52 (£39), or both. Rev. Dr. Paintsil reacted to the law, arguing that an outright ban with custodial sentence is too harsh and could cripple grassroots evangelism.
Rev. Dr. Paintsil called on Parliament, the Ministry of Transport, and city authorities to open dialogue with the clergy and consider a more balanced approach that preserves both public order and religious liberty. He suggested that instead of criminalizing evangelism with prison terms and fines, the authorities should regulate it. Rev. Dr. Paintsil emphasized that preaching on buses remains one of the most effective soul-winning strategies that has transformed countless lives over the decades.
The Senior Pastor also devoted a significant part of his message to the youth, urging them to be conscious of the choices they make in these critical times. He expressed concern over the rising trend of drug abuse, tramadol and substance misuse, alcoholism, sexual immorality, and other indecent behaviours among Ghanaian youth. Rev. Dr. Paintsil charged young people to dissociate themselves from such destructive lifestyles and focus on their education, skills training, and personal development.
Senior Deacon of the church, Dr. Kwasi Osei Agyemang, outlined the church's bold vision for the next three decades. He stated that the church's overarching vision in the next 30 years is to win more souls for Christ and grow into one of the mega churches in the Ashanti Region. The church intends to intensify its evangelism drive, expand its missions outreach, plant more branches, invest heavily in youth development, education, and skills training, and undertake more community impact projects.
Key points
- The Central Charismatic Baptist Church calls for a review of the law banning preaching on public transport.
- The church marks 30 years of worship, growth, and community impact.
- The church outlines a bold vision for the next three decades, including winning more souls for Christ and growing into a mega church.
