Owning the Church: Embracing God’s Plan for Us
By Elder Mawunyo Doe Worgbah, Local Minister, PIWC Hemel Hempstead
Dear Beloved Members of PIWC Hemel Hempstead,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we journey together in faith, I want to share a heartfelt message about the importance of owning the church as God’s divine plan for us. The church is not just a building or a gathering of people; it is God’s covenant community, chosen and established to fulfill His purposes on earth.
God’s Plan for the Church
From the beginning, God has desired a people who would worship Him, walk in His ways, and manifest His glory to the world. This desire is evident throughout Scripture:
- In the Old Testament, God declared, “I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God” (Exodus 6:7).
- In the New Testament, Jesus Christ established the church as His body on earth, promising, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18).
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 1:22-23 that the church is “the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.” This means that God’s plan to reveal His glory and transform the world is inextricably linked to the church. We are His instruments of grace, love, and truth in every generation.
The Covenant Story of The Church of Pentecost
The Church of Pentecost (CoP), to which we belong, is a living testimony of God’s covenant faithfulness. It began humbly in 1937, when Rev. James McKeown, a missionary from the Apostolic Church in the UK, came to Ghana to preach the Gospel. Despite initial challenges, including sickness and opposition, God used his faithfulness to ignite a movement of the Holy Spirit that would grow into what we now know as The Church of Pentecost.
Through prayer, dedication, and unwavering commitment to God’s Word, the church expanded rapidly. Today, CoP is in over 135 nations, with millions of members around the world. This growth is not by human strength but by God’s covenant promise: “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18).
PIWC Hemel Hempstead is part of this divine heritage. We are a local expression of a global movement, called to continue the legacy of faith, mission, and transformation.
Why Owning the Church Matters
Owning the church means recognizing it as God’s plan for your life and actively participating in its mission. It means seeing yourself as part of the body of Christ and taking responsibility for its growth and impact.
- God Has Placed You Here for a Purpose:
Acts 17:26-27 tells us that God determines the times and places where we should live so that we might seek Him. Your presence in PIWC Hemel Hempstead is not by accident. God has placed you here to grow spiritually, serve faithfully, and contribute to His Kingdom work. - The Church is a Family:
The Bible calls us “fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household” (Ephesians 2:19). As a family, we share in each other’s joys and burdens, supporting one another in love. Owning the church means committing to this family and working together to fulfill our vision. - The Church Needs Your Gifts:
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:27 that “you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Every member has unique gifts and talents that are essential for the church’s mission. Whether through prayer, teaching, hospitality, giving, or evangelism, your contribution matters.
How to Own PIWC Hemel Hempstead as Your Church
- Commit to Prayer:
The early church grew because of its devotion to prayer (Acts 2:42). Let us pray for our church’s leadership, members, and mission. Pray for God’s guidance, provision, and power to manifest in all we do. - Serve Faithfully:
Find ways to serve within the church. Whether it’s joining a ministry team, mentoring the youth, or supporting community outreach, your service strengthens the body of Christ. - Give Generously:
In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul encourages us to give cheerfully. Your tithes and offerings enable the church to fulfill its vision and reach more lives with the Gospel. - Participate Actively:
Attend services, small groups, and church events regularly. Your presence and engagement encourage others and build a sense of community. - Share the Vision:
As PIWC Hemel Hempstead, our vision is to “Make And Deploy Mature And Equipped Christians Who Are Intentional, Transformational And Supernatural, And To Stimulate An Appetite For Missions That Creates Culture-Shaping Disciples In Every Sphere Of Influence.” Share this vision with others and invite them to be part of what God is doing in our midst.
Encouragement for the Journey
Owning the church is both a privilege and a responsibility. It aligns us with God’s eternal purposes and allows us to participate in His transformative work on earth. Remember, the church is not a human institution but a divine covenant. As we dedicate ourselves to its growth, God promises to bless and sustain us.
Let us take inspiration from the words of Joshua 24:15: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” May this be our collective declaration as PIWC Hemel Hempstead. Let us serve God with passion, unity, and faith, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Thank you for your commitment to God’s church. Together, we will fulfill His vision and leave a lasting legacy of faith and transformation in Hemel Hempstead and beyond.
In His service,
Elder Mawunyo Doe Worgbah
Local Minister, PIWC Hemel Hempstead
