The Central Charismatic Baptist Church (CCBC) at Atonsu-Gyinyase in Kumasi, Ghana, has marked its 30th anniversary with a thanksgiving service and a call for a review of the law restricting preaching on public transport. The celebration, which climaxed 30 days of prayer and fasting under the theme “Open Doors”, brought together past and present members, clergy, traditional leaders, government officials, and other well-wishers. The anniversary service featured praise and worship, choral performances, and a drama depicting the church's beginnings, challenges, and growth over the past 30 years.
The Founder and Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr Steve Owusu Ampomah Paintsil, expressed gratitude to God, the church's founding members, past and present leaders, and the congregation for their commitment. He said the church's 30-year journey was not just about a building or numbers, but about lives saved, families restored, and hope given to the hopeless. Rev. Dr Paintsil revealed that the church would, in its next phase, intensify its missions, youth mentorship, educational support, and community development initiatives.
The anniversary comes amid the enforcement of a new regulation restricting preaching and hawking in public service vehicles while they are in motion. Rev. Dr Paintsil acknowledged concerns about noise, nuisance, and passenger safety but argued that an outright ban and custodial punishment could undermine grassroots evangelism. He revealed that his born-again journey started with a preaching he heard on a bus and called for the regulation to be reviewed and for clear guidelines to be introduced to allow evangelism without disturbing passengers.
Rev. Dr Paintsil urged Parliament, the Ministry of Transport, and city authorities to engage the clergy on a balanced approach that protects public order while respecting religious liberty. He suggested that instead of criminalizing evangelism with prison terms and fines, the authorities should regulate it with clear guidelines on how to preach respectfully without disturbing or harassing passengers. The Senior Pastor's comments reflect the concerns of many clergy and Christians who see the new regulation as an attempt to gag the church.
The church's Senior Deacon, Dr Kwasi Osei Agyemang, said the anniversary marked a new phase rather than an end point. He spoke on behalf of the Board of Deacons, saying the church's vision for the next 30 years was to win more souls, expand its missions, plant more branches, and increase its investment in youth development, education, skills training, and community projects. Dr Agyemang called on members to remain committed and united to help achieve the vision.
The Central Charismatic Baptist Church's 30th anniversary celebration was attended by dignitaries, including the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, and the Asokwa Municipal Chief Executive, Amoh Kamel. The event ended with prayers for the church, the nation, and the next generation, followed by the cutting of the anniversary cake and fellowship. The church's growth and impact over the past 30 years have been remarkable, and its vision for the next 30 years is ambitious and inspiring.
The CCBC's call for a review of the law restricting preaching on buses is likely to spark further debate and discussions on the balance between public order and religious liberty. As the church looks to the future, it is clear that its commitment to evangelism, community development, and youth empowerment will continue to be a significant part of its mission and ministry. The church's 30th anniversary celebration was a testament to its enduring legacy and its determination to make a positive impact in the lives of people in Ghana and beyond.
Key points
- The Central Charismatic Baptist Church in Kumasi, Ghana, has marked its 30th anniversary and called for a review of the law restricting preaching on public transport.
- The church's Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr Steve Owusu Ampomah Paintsil, argued that an outright ban on preaching on buses could undermine grassroots evangelism.
- The church's vision for the next 30 years includes winning more souls, expanding its missions, and increasing its investment in youth development, education, and community projects.
