THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST

2022
BIBLE STUDY AND
HOME CELL GUIDE
(Volume 1)
ENGLISH

Compiled by
National Discipleship & Leadership Development Committee

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© 2022 Bible Study and Home Cell Guide
All Rights Reserved
The Church of Pentecost
The National Discipleship & Leadership Development Committee

Printed in Ghana by
Pentecost Press Limited
P. O. Box DC 803,
Dansoman-Accra
Tel: 024 491 6654 / 020 -302 3880

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword 4

Introduction and Acknowledgement 7

2022 Week by Week Tabular Bible Study Guide 11

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 FOREWORD

The Vision 2023 has the overarching theme, Possessing the

Nations: Equipping the Church to Tranform every Sphere
of Society with the Values and Principles of the Kingdom
of God. So far, we have considered the sub-themes - I Will
Build My Church (2019), A Glorious Church to Possess the
Nations (2020) and A Glorious Church, Revived to Possess
the Nations (2021). All these themes were meant to help
us understand the true nature of the church and to stir up
revival in the church. Having achieved that, despite the
challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic, I believe it is now time
to unleash the church into the world to bring the desired
effects in the various spheres of the society. Therefore, for
2022, we have chosen the sub-theme, Equipping the Church
as an Army to Possess the Nations (Heb. 13:20-21, Eph.
4:11-12, Eph. 6:10-11).
The church enters the world on two fronts – first as an army in
an enemy’s territory, which calls for putting on every available
defensive mechanism for battle. Then, the church enters the
world as an agent or ambassador of the Kingdom of God. As
an agent, the church, like salt, permeates every sphere of society
with the values and principles of the Kingdom. These include
principles such as the dignity of labour, service, respect for all,
honesty, kindness, love, faithfulness, truthfulness, forgiveness,
contentment, humility, integrity in word and deed and moral
uprightness to generate the desired transformation.
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Therefore, the theme for this year calls for vigorous and
intentional mobilization and equipping of the church, and
to get every member assume the posture of a soldier who
is ready to take the nations for the Lord. In doing this, the
members of The Church of Pentecost need to understand
from the lenses of Scripture, the social, political and spiritual
forces at work in the various spheres of society and to build
defences against their onslaught. The emphasis therefore
is on equipping the church with the armour of God,
rather than on spiritual warfare. This armour is forged and
furnished by God Himself (Heb. 13:20-21), and He invites
us to put them on (Eph. 6:13) at all times. As an Army of
God, we must never relax in our vigilance but, be concerned
with the sort of values and standards that rule our world or
determine their culture. Where these values and standards
contradict those of the Kingdom, we are obliged to contend
for godly values and principles with the view to transforming
society and thereby possess the nations for Christ.
The leadership of the National Discipleship and Leadership
Development Committee (NDLDC), deserve much
commendation for their painstaking and consistent efforts
to ensure the compilation and timely publication of this
study manual. The Bible Study materials have been carefully
developed to guide the entire church to be equipped through
the study of the theme for the year. This year, the Bible
study outlines are developed from the scripts presented
during the 2021 November Heads Meeting.
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The scripts have been simplified in an orderly yet
comprehensive way to equip members in order to unleash
them as an army of Christ. The Bible Study and Home
Cell Groups will continue to serve as the focal points for
effective engagement.
The inductive approach to the discussions is intended to
engage members for reflection and create an atmosphere
of lively discussions and mutual exchange of ideas. It is key
that no one sits on the fence. We are all encouraged to get
involved and share our thoughts guided by the word of God.
This manual provides an important avenue to be intentional
in equipping the members and leaders of the church to ‘take
captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ’ (2 Cor.
10:5). ‘“But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be
holy, and Jacob will possess his inheritance. Jacob will be a
fire and Joseph a flame; Esau will be stubble, and they will
set him on fire and destroy him. There will be no survivors
from Esau.” The Lord has spoken... Deliverers will go up
on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the
kingdom will be the Lord’s’ (Oba. 1:17-21. NIV)
It is my earnest prayer that as we engage in the Bible Study,
we shall be equipped and move as ‘Deliverers’ from Mount
Zion (the church) to transform and take captivity captive
in our bid to possess the nations.
God bless you.
Eric Nyamekye (Apostle)
Chairman, The Church of Pentecost Worldwide

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INTRODUCTION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The theme for 2022 as chosen by the Chairman and

the Executive Council of The Church of Pentecost is,
‘Equipping the Church as an Army to Possess the Nations’
(Heb. 13:20-21, Eph. 4:11-12, Eph. 6:10-11). In order to
ensure a consistent, comprehensive and in-depth discussion
on the theme in small relational groups, a systematic study
outline has been produced by the National Discipleship and
Leadership Development Committee (NDLDC).
This year, the manual is to be produced termly, spanning a period
of four months for each manual. This is a slight departure from
the previous years, but it is meant to make the material handy
as well as allow the committee to make critical inputs in the
subsequent versions as may be necessary. Therefore, this volume
is not exhaustive of the theme of the year; the other topics will
be handled in the next volumes.
In line with the theme for 2022, three key scripts have been
developed into this volume-The Church as an Equipping
Center in Carrying the Possessng the Nations Agenda,
Mobilising the Squads for Effective Impact in the World and
Equipping the Church with the Word of God as the Sword
of the Spirit. The topics gleaned from these scripts include:
Overview of 2022 Theme, The Church as an Army, The
Church as an Equipping Centre, Equipping the Church as
an Army, Equipping The Church Through The Teaching
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Ministry, and Equipping the Church Through New Converts
& New Members Class.
Other scripts are on Equipping the Church Through
the Home Cell Groups, Heed to the Macedonian Call,
Equipping the Church Through the Bible Study Groups,
The Kingdom Method of Evangelism, Mobilising the Army
of God, Squad Formation in the Army. The rest focus
on Equipping the Church Through Ministries, Individual
Responsibility in the Squad and Agent of Transformation-
Sow Seeds of Change in your Sphere.
As a committee, we are grateful to God for the opportunity
to serve. We are also indebted to the Chairman of The
Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye for his keen,
visionary and passionate leadership. The General Secretary,
Apostle A. N. Y. Kumi-Larbi, the International Missions
Director, Apostle Emmanuel Agyemang Bekoe and the
entire Executive Council Members are highly commended
for their various forms of support and direction.
The Script writers are greatly acknowledged for their
diligence and hard work in writing the study outlines.
They are; Apostle Seth Fianko-Larbi, Pastors Joseph
Owusu Boateng George Osei-Asiedu, Emmanuel Forster
Asamoah, Bernard Kwarteng, Emmanuel Awudi and Elder
David Darko Kwafo. The Editorial Team, which comprises
George Osei-Asiedu, Emmanuel Teye Sackitey, Margaret
Addai & Henry Sowah Ako-Nai are also appreciated
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for their scrupulous attention to details. Similarly, our
sincere gratitude is expressed to the Translation Teams
who translated the scripts from English to nine other
languages namely; Asante Twi (William Boachie-Ansah,
Alex Kieninger Anum & Bright A. Agyemang), Akuapem
Twi (Henry Adu Obuobi, Ernest Perbi-Asare & Samson
Kofi Ntoso), Dangme (Francis Owulah Tsatsu, Gordon
Ansah, Peter Narh & Manasseh Kwasi Apenkro), Fante
(Sylvia Acquah-Sampson, Ebenezer B. Ekuma & Lydia
Nanor), Konkomba (George Mpoamoh Yenabi, Simom
Sabak Nakojah & John Nlenkiba), Ewe (Caiphas K. Badzi
& Ernest Hodofe), Nzema (Stephen Ewusie-Ocran, Evans
Gyenny-Mensah, Racheal Andoh, Joseph Dumawie Ayebah
& Christina Arizie), Ga (Henry S. Ako-Nai, Ben Noye, Eric
Sackey & Maurice Sowah Nee-Okpey) and French (Jonas
Kabore & Veronica Awo Kabore).
The members of the National Discipleship and Leadership
Development Committee (NDLDC) are extremely
applauded for providing direction, inputs, and painstakingly
editing the final version of the scripts and ensuring their
production. They are:
Pastor Emmanuel Pasteeco Arthur - Secretary
Apostle William Boakye Agyarko - Member
Apostle John Budu K. Tawiah - Member
Ps. Samuel Edzii Davidson - Member

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Ps. Eric K. Ansah - LLTS Organiser
Ps. Joseph Owusu Boateng - Member
Ps. Enock Tawiah Narh - Member
Our utmost prayer is that this study material will amply
create the desired thirst in us all, to avail ourselves to raise
an army of God, well equipped to possess the nations for
Christ. God bless you.
Samuel Kojo Gakpetor (Apostle)
Coordinator, NDLDC

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2022 WEEK BY WEEK TABULAR BIBLE STUDY GUIDE
WEEK DATE BIBLE STUDY/ ACTIVITY PAGE

JANUARY

1 2rd Lord’s Supper Sunday 13

2 9th The Overview of 2022 Theme 14

3 16th The Church as an Army of God 17

4 23rd The Church as an Equipping Centre 20

5 30th Equipping the Church as an Army 22

Home Cell – The Power of God’s Word 25

FEBRUARY

6 6th Lord’s Supper Sunday 27

7 13th Equipping The Church Through the Teaching Ministry 28

8 20th Equipping the Church Through New Converts & New Members 30
Classes
9 27th Gospel Sunday/ Home Cell Day/

Equipping the Church Through the Home Cell Groups 33

Home Cell – The Word of God as the Sword of the Spirit 36

MARCH

10 6th Lord’s Supper Sunday 38

11 13th Mckeown Missions Week – Heed to the Macedonian Call 39

12 20th Equipping the Church Through the Bible Study Groups 42

13 27th Gospel Sunday/ Home Cell Day/ 45

The Kingdom Method of Evangelism

Home Cell – The Purpose of the Sword of the Spirit 48

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WEEK DATE BIBLE STUDY/ ACTIVITY PAGE

APRIL
JANUARY

1
14 23rd Lord’s Supper Sunday 13
50

2
15 9thth
10 The Overview
Mobilizing theof 2022ofTheme
Army God 14
51

16
3 17th
16 Easter
The Sunday
Church as an Army of God 53
17

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4 24rd
23 th Gospel
The Sunday/
Church as anHome Cell Day
Equipping Centre 54
20
Squad Formation in the Army of God
5 30th Equipping the Church as an Army 22
Home Cell – The Mission of the Church 56
Home Cell – The Power of God’s Word 25
MAY
FEBRUARY
18 1st Lord’s Supper Sunday 58
6 6th Lord’s Supper Sunday 27
19 8th Women’s Ministry Week – Equipping the Church Through 59
Ministries
7 13th Equipping The Church Through the Teaching Ministry 28
20 15th Individual Responsibility in the Squad 62
8 20th Equipping the Church Through New Converts & New Members 30
21 22nd The Church as an Army Standing Together 65
Classes
9 27th Gospel Sunday/ Home Cell Day/
22 29th Gospel Sunday/PU-COPCEF Day/Agent of Transformation-Sow 67
Seeds of Change in your Sphere
Equipping
Home Cellthe Church Through
– Organizing the Home
the Army CellBeing
of God: GroupsUnder Control 33
69
Home Cell – The Word of God as the Sword of the Spirit 36

MARCH

10 6th Lord’s Supper Sunday 38

11 13th Mckeown Missions Week – Heed to the Macedonian Call 39

12 20th Equipping the Church Through the Bible Study Groups 42

13 27th Gospel Sunday/ Home Cell Day/ 45

The Kingdom Method of Evangelism

Home Cell – The Purpose of the Sword of the Spirit 48

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 WEEK 1
LORD’S SUPPER SUNDAY
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 WEEK 2
THE OVERVIEW OF 2022 THEME

Main Texts: Ephesians 4:11-12; 6:10-17; 2 Corinthians

10:3-6; Hebrews 13:20-21
Memory Verse: Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do
His work and build up the church, the body of Christ. – Ephesians
4:12 (NLT)
Introduction
The church’s theme for the year (2022) is ‘Equipping the
Church as an Army to Possess the Nations. In Matthew
16:18, Jesus states that ‘I will build My church, and the gates
of Hades shall not prevail against it’. Jesus’s statement is a
metaphorical view of the Church as an army whose enemies
cannot overcome it. The Church as an army, therefore,
will engage in battle with spiritual forces and will always
triumph. This is not a physical battle, but one in which we
contend with strongholds and belief systems that seek to
exalt themselves over the knowledge of God.
It also engages principalities and powers in heavenly places.
To remain victorious, the Church must be fully equipped
with divine weaponry to possess the nations for Christ. With
reference to apostle Paul’s writings in the main texts, we will
look at why the Church is likened to an army, the weapons
of the church for battle, the significance of equipping the
Church, and the focus of the Christian battle.
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Questions for Discussion
1. How is the Church likened to an army?
2. What is the battle the Church engages in? 2 Corinthians
10:4-5, Ephesians 6:12
3. Why must the Church be equipped as an army?
Ephesians 4:11-12
4. List the weapons the Church must be equipped with for
warfare. Ephesians 6:14-17
5. In what practical way must you work as a soldier to
please your Commander – Jesus Christ?
Conclusion
The Church is likened to an army, mainly because it
engages in battle. However, it is unlike other armies as they
are engaged mostly in physical warfare. The Church, on
the other hand, engages in spiritual warfare with spiritual
weapons to possess the nations for Christ. These weapons
are the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet
fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of
peace, the shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword
of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The Church must be equipped with these weapons so that
its members will be prepared to do every good work, which
is pleasing to God (Heb. 13:20-21). These weapons help the
Christian to demolish the strongholds of human reasoning
and false arguments, every proud obstacle that keeps people
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from knowing God, and to capture the rebellious thoughts
of humanity by teaching them to obey Christ. As soldiers
of Christ, we must work to please our commander – Jesus
Christ – by possessing nations for Him.

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 WEEK 3
THE CHURCH AS AN ARMY OF GOD

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

Memory Verse: The weapons we fight with are not the weapons
of the world. On the contrary they have divine power to demolish
strongholds. – 2 Corinthians 10:4
Introduction
An army can be defined as a group of people selected and
equipped to advance the cause of a nation or kingdom.
Thus, to liken the church to an army depicts the church as
God’s primary instrument of combat against systems of the
world which militate against the reign of godly principles and
values. Like an army, the Church exists for both defensive
and offensive operations. The offensive operation does not
suggest violence, but underscores the constant and needful
warfare the church must wage to ‘take captive every thought
to make it obedient to Christ’ (2 Cor. 10:5). Our discussion
today will help us appreciate the necessity of this imagery
as we seek to possess the nations with Kingdom principles
and values.
Questions for Discussion
1. Why is the Church described as an army of God?
2. Discuss the meaning of the statement ‘we do not wage
war as the world does’. Verse 3
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3. Identify characteristics of the Christian’s weapon for
warfare. Verse 4
4. What are some of the arguments against the knowledge
of God in contemporary times?
5. How can you, as a soldier, or the Church, as an army,
pull down the strongholds of this age?
Conclusion
To see the Church as an army of God is crucial in these
times. It projects the primary mission of the Church and
appeals to the battle sense of the Church Militant. It is a
wake-up call to the reality of the continuous battle against
powers of this dark world, spirit of deception and spiritual
forces of evil that cause humanity to rebel against God.
Some arguments and philosophies which cause humans
to rebel against God include moral relativism (i.e. what is
morally right or wrong depends on individuals, and there
is no absolute), self-existentialism (exploring the human
existence through thinking, feeling and acting), hedonism
(the pursuit of pleasure or self-indulgence) and religious
pluralism (the belief that all religions are salvific and all
religions are good and are of equal value).

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The army of God must not panic and throw her hands in
despair at the mention and expression of such beliefs and
perceptions. Rather, the Church must mobilise her troops
and equip them to sufficiently engage their spheres and take
them captive through the power of the Holy Spirit. For this
mission, the Church as an army is calling on all members
to make themselves available to be equipped and unleashed
into their respective territories to influence them for Christ.

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 WEEK 4
THE CHURCH AS AN EQUIPPING CENTRE

Main Text: Hebrews 12:18-24

Memory Verse: Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern
the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the LORD’s. –
Obadiah 1:21
Introduction
Every army has a training ground, where the soldiers
are trained for battle. The army of God (the Church) is
no different. The Church is an equipping centre where
members are equipped as ‘deliverers and saviours’ (Obadiah
1:21) of their spheres of influence. In the Old Testament,
God revealed himself on Mount Sinai in fearful ways, and
the Israelites could not approach Him. However, in the
New Testament, God reveals himself on Mount Zion (the
Church). According to the main text, the Church is now
where God dwells, making it a seat of power. In the Church,
God equips His people and releases them as ‘deliverers and
saviours’ to possess and transform ungodly societies (likened
to Mount Esau) for Christ. In this lesson, we aim to explore
this theme in the light of Hebrews 12:22-24.
Questions for Discussion
1. How does the passage contrast Mount Sinai and Mount
Zion?

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2. What are the features of Mount Zion that make it a seat
of power? Verse 22-24
3. In what ways can the Church fulfil the mandate of
equipping the saints?
4. How do you understand the memory verse? Obadiah 1:21
5. How does your knowledge of the Church as the dwelling
place of God affect your conduct in church?
Conclusion
Hebrews 12:22-24 reveals that the church gathering (Mount
Zion) is the city of the Living God – the heavenly Jerusalem;
innumerable angels in joyful assembly; the firstborns whose
names are in heaven; the presence of God – the judge of
all the earth; the spirits of the righteous made perfect; Jesus
– the Mediator of the new covenant; the sprinkled blood
that speaks better things than Abel’s blood.
The Church is different from other human gatherings
because it is a gathering unto God and Christ where the
saints are equipped to deliver the world. The local church
must be a place of reverence and solemnity before God
where teachings, prayer and discipling are geared towards
making people ‘deliverers’ and ‘saviours’ to reach out to
Mount Esau (the ungodly world). Since the Church is the
seat of power and epicentre for equipping ‘deliverers and
saviours’ with ‘the better word’, we must come to church
with yearning hearts to receive and become effective salt of
the earth and the light the world.
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 WEEK 5
EQUIPPING THE CHURCH AS AN ARMY

Main Text: Ephesians 4:10-14

Memory Verse: We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
– Ephesians 2:10
Introduction
Equipping is a fundamental requirement for battle. It covers
the totality of doctrine, principles, values and physical
resources necessary for combat against opposing forces. An
equipped soldier is confident of success on the battlefield.
This confidence stems from knowledge and faith in the
resources they have been endowed with to confront the
enemy effectively.
Against this backdrop, the Church as an institution is a
rallying point and equipping centre where people are made
ready for service through purposive teaching and sharing
of experience. God has made provisions for the Church to
fulfil the equipping mandate. He has endowed her with gifts
to equip members with giftings of believers known as the
ascension gifts (Eph. 4:11-12). Our discussion today will
help us identify and make optimal use of the resources at
our disposal for the equipping mandate.

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Questions for Discussion
1. What is the purpose of the ascension gifts? Verses 11
and 12
2. Discuss what it means to prepare God’s people for the
works of service. Verse 12
3. How important is the task of equipping in relation to
the Vision 2023 agenda?
4. What are the marks of an equipped church? Verses 13
and 14
5. What systems and structures can be put in place to
ensure members are equipped in the local church?
Conclusion
To equip is to make a person adequate, ready, fit or sufficient
for a task. Thus, equipping the body of Christ is certainly
linked with God’s intention of filling the universe with His
knowledge and rule. Therefore, preparing believers for the
works of service implies helping them to mature in faith.
This then brings them to the point where they are fully aware
of their responsibilities and are empowered to fulfil them.
When the Church is equipped, we attain unity of faith, gain
knowledge of the Son of God, and are no longer tossed
about by any wind of doctrine. For this reason, all structures
and activities of the Church (teachings, liturgy, programmes,

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seminars, songs, etc.) must feed into this overarching agenda
of equipping the saints to be functional in their various
spheres of influence. The foregoing activities should not
serve their own ends, but be co-ordinated purposively in
ensuring that every member is armed with the knowledge
and will of God concerning their spheres of influence.
Pastors, officers, ministry leaders and other leaders who
constitute the main resources for this combat must each play
their unique roles to prepare God’s army (the members) for
victory in all territories.

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 HOME CELL –
THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD

Main Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Memory Verse: Above all, you must understand that no prophecy
of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For
prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from
God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. – 2 Peter 1:20, 21
Introduction
The phrase, ‘the Word of God’ is used in different ways. It
refers to any word that God has inspired. It is also used for
the actual spoken words of God. In the New Testament,
logos and rhema are two primary Greek words meaning the
written word and the spoken word, respectively. Both refer
to the word of God. The phrase ‘the word of God’ is also
used to refer to God’s written word, the Holy Scriptures. As
we are being ‘equipped as a church to transform every sphere
of society with values and principles of the Kingdom of
God’, it brings to the fore the importance of the knowledge
and understanding of the word of God.
Questions for Discussion
1. What did Timothy know from his infancy? Verse 15
2. What makes the word of God unique? Verse 16a
3. Describe how the word of God was received by men.
2 Peter 1:20-21

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4. Discuss the usefulness of the word of God.
5. In what ways can you engage the word of God to equip
yourself and your family for every good work?
Conclusion
It is important to understand that the ‘Word of God’ is
the Bible in various forms – print and electronic. It is a
collection of God’s inspired words spoken or written by
human authors as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. In
His dealings with humanity, God made His character, mind,
will, purposes and expectations known and captured in the
Bible. Failing to catch the revelation of the divine inspiration
of the Bible renders it an ordinary book written by human
beings with many authors.
However, the Bible is not just a history book; it is the
word of God; it reveals God’s intents and purposes for
humankind. The Bible is accredited by God for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. It is
the manual of life for the believer since it contains all that
a person needs for their life’s journey (both spiritual and
physical). As a manual then, one needs to interact with it
by disciplines such as daily reading, studying, meditating,
praying, memorising, reciting and practically living by it.
Also, we must teach it to our children as well as those who
do not know God’s mind.

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 WEEK 6
LORD’S SUPPER SUNDAY
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 WEEK 7
EQUIPPING THE CHURCH THROUGH
THE TEACHING MINISTRY

Main Text: Isaiah 2:2-4

Memory Verse: If I am delayed, you will know how people ought
to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the
living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. – 1 Timothy 3:15
Introduction
People are enlisted in the army of Jesus Christ from
different backgrounds. They come with different ideologies
and beliefs. In order for them to serve well in this new
environment, they have to be taught the doctrine of the
army of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the teaching ministry of
the CoP is critical to equipping the Church as an army. In
order to transform their spheres, members must be taught
the values and principles of the Kingdom of God, which
are contrary to the values which the world has inculcated
in them.
Questions for Discussion
1. What can the mountain of the LORD’s temple (in the
Old Testament) be compared to in the New Testament?
Verse 2
2. What qualities did Isaiah the prophet give to the
mountain of the LORD’s temple? Verse 2

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3. Why would many people go to the mountain of the
LORD? Verse 3
4. What does it mean to say, ‘The law will go out from
Zion’? Verse 3
5. How can we effectively make use of the various teaching
avenues (Bible Study, Home Cells, preaching from
pulpits, retreats, seminars, etc.) in the church to equip
members to maturity?
Conclusion
The mountain of the LORD’s temple can be likened to
the church in the New Testament. Zion, at one time in
history (in the Old Testament), meant a physical dwelling.
In the New Testament, it is likened to the Church. Isaiah
mentioned that the mountain of the LORD’s temple (the
church as an institution) will be the most important place
where people will stream to worship. They will be taught
His ways so that they may walk in His paths. The Church
(Zion) is the pillar and foundation of the truth. That is why
the law will go out from the Church (Zion). Jesus, the head
of the Church, is the truth (Jn. 14:6), and His word is truth
(Jn. 17:17). This should inform those who teach at various
levels in the church to prayerfully prepare adequately so that
members of the Church can be equipped.

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 WEEK 8
EQUIPPING THE CHURCH THROUGH NEW
CONVERTS’ AND NEW MEMBERS’ CLASSES

Main Texts: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 9:26-29

Memory Verse: But Barnabas took him and brought him to the
apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord
and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had
preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. – Acts 9:27
Introduction
The major focus of Vision 2023 is premised on the
understanding that the local church is the focal point
for most of the church’s spiritual life and developmental
activities. Thus, it serves as a training centre for Christians
who are discipled to project Christ to the world. Jesus
commanded us to go, preach, baptise and to teach the new
converts: this is the main source of enlisting people into the
Church (army of God).
Another form of enlistment is through holding the new
members’ class. This is for members who join the church
from other denominations or from other locals or districts
of CoP. How such members are handled from the outset
is very crucial to equipping them as a military squad (small
group) in possessing the nations. Our text in Acts reveals
how Paul, who could be likened to a new member, was
rightly assigned to a squad of disciples in Jerusalem.

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Questions for Discussion
1. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what qualifies one to
be considered a new convert?
2. Why did Paul find it difficult to join the disciples in
Jerusalem? Acts 9:26.
3. How was Paul integrated into the ‘squad’ of the disciples
in Jerusalem? Acts 9:27
4. Why do you think the New Converts’ and New
Members’ Classes are important in the local church?
5. How can the New Converts’ and New Members’ Classes
be made more effective as equipping centres?
Conclusion
As part of the Church’s Intentional Discipleship mandate,
it is expected that ministers and local officers give special
care to new converts and new members. When a person
accepts Christ and is baptised, they are enlisted into the
army of God (the church). New Converts’ Classes should
therefore be encouraged and organised in all assemblies to
equip new converts with the word of God. Paul, as a new
member, found it difficult to join the disciples because
they were afraid of him due to his past life. Through the
efforts of Barnabas, he was helped to join a small group
(squad) of disciples in Jerusalem. The role Barnabas played
in introducing Paul is important in integrating new converts
and members into the local church.

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New Members’ and New Converts’ Classes help to ground
members in the faith. In these classes, there are manuals
for teaching, to help members understand their new-found
faith and the fundamental tenets of the church. The New
Converts’ Class is for those who have accepted Christ and
have been baptised (or are being prepared for baptism).
The New Members’ Class is for those who are already
Christians but wish to join the local church through marriage,
change of church, place of residence, etc. Like Barnabas,
district ministers, all officers and mature Christians must pay
close attention to and organise classes for the new converts
and members who join the local church. In addition to this,
church leaders must run retreats for them and spend time
with them in prayer, teaching and counselling for effective
assimilation.

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 WEEK 9
EQUIPPING THE CHURCH THROUGH
THE HOME CELL GROUPS

Main Text: Acts 20:18-21

Memory Verse: Day after day, in the temple courts and from house
to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news
that Jesus is the Christ. – Acts 5:42
Introduction
In the army, fellowship is crucial for building morale,
ensuring discipline, unity and loyalty. It is the binding force
of teams and squad formation. The body of Christ also
thrives on fellowship which is at the heart of what the body
of Christ does. The early Church believed in this concept,
thus, to deepen it, they structured their meetings to include
meeting in the homes of members.
This system enhanced their level of intimacy (Rom. 16:3-
16): they identified needs, worked towards meeting them
(Galatians 2:9, 10), and also engaged in some community
development initiatives (Acts 9:36-39). In the CoP context,
our Home Cells are to serve as avenues for such intimate
fellowship that will let everyone feel that they belonged and
unearth potentials, meet needs and undertake communal
activities and initiatives. To discourage participation or
downplay its importance is to deny the church a vital training
ground for equipping the saints for mission.

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Questions for Discussion
1. Describe how Paul lived with the saints in Asia. Verse 18
2. How open was Paul’s life before the people? Verse 19
3. How did Paul use the Home Cell in Asia to equip the
saints? Verse 20
4. Why is it necessary to develop interest and participate
in Home Cell meetings?
5. How will you make Home Cell meetings more involving,
participatory and engaging for all members in your
community?
Conclusion
The Vision 2023 of The Church of Pentecost states, “Home
Cell system shall be a platform for impacting communities. In view of
this, our home cells will be made community-friendly”. We can take
initiatives that will impact the communities. For instance,
issues to be discussed or topics to be treated should be
relevant to the community. When Paul arrived in Asia, he
mingled with the people and lived among them. He opened
up his weaknesses and strengths to them to the extent that
they knew of his humility as well as threats. In order to
ensure that the church in Asia was well equipped for mission,
Paul did not only teach them in the churches, but also from
house to house (Home Cell).

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In the CoP context, members of the Home Cell are to
meet monthly, and we are to ensure that it works. We
must all become campaigners of the Home Cell concept
by reminding one another, inviting friends and making
the meetings more beneficial to all members and the
community at large.

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 HOME CELL –
THE WORD OF GOD AS THE
SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

Main Text: Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12

Memory Verse: Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of
the Spirit, which is the word of God. – Ephesians 6:17
Introduction
Various images have been used to describe the Bible, one
of which is the ‘sword’. The sixth piece of armour that Paul
discusses in Ephesians 6 is the sword of the Spirit, which also
represents the Word of God. In both the Ancient Near
East and the Greco-Roman world, the ‘sword’ was the
most important weapon for warfare. It was used as both
a defensive and an offensive weapon. It was double-edged
with a sharpened point to make it pierce an armour for
deeper penetration. The word of God, however, is not just
a sword; it is the ‘sword of the Spirit’. The Spirit of God is
the author of the word of God, and He also uses it for the
transformation of humanity. Our discussion today focuses
on the word of God as the sword of the Spirit.
Questions for Discussion
1. Which weapon of war was the Bible likened to? Verse 17
2. Why do you think the Bible is described as the ‘sword
of the Spirit’?

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3. What is the nature of the Bible as the sword of the
Spirit? Heb. 4:12a
4. How does the Holy Spirit use the word of God as a
sword? Heb. 4:12b.
5. In what ways can you make use of the Bible as the sword
of the Spirit?
Conclusion
The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, is part of
the Christian’s armoury in the fight against evil. The writer
of Hebrews made it clear that the word of God is sharper
than any double-edged sword. The sword of the Spirit speaks
of its source and owner. It belongs to the Holy Spirit and
is given by Him. The Holy Spirit makes the Word divinely
powerful and effective, making it alive and giving it a cutting
and piercing edge.
It is the sword of the Spirit because it is of God. The
word of God has been likened to sword because of its
ability to pierce even to the dividing of the soul, spirit
and human heart and the physical body (joints and
marrow). It is so potent that as it enters into a person,
it brings about transformation. It also has devastating
effect on Satan and his cohorts. To effectively use the
word of God as the sword of the Spirit, we must study,
memorise and declare it in battle.

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 WEEK 10
LORD’S SUPPER SUNDAY
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 WEEK 11
MCKEOWN MISSIONS DAY –
HEED THE MACEDONIAN CALL

Main Text: Acts 16:5-15

Memory Verse: During the night Paul had a vision of a man of
Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and
help us.’ – Acts 16:9
Introduction
The missionary enterprise of The Church of Pentecost
has witnessed remarkable progress in the past decades.
Currently, the church is operating in 109 nations of all seven
continents of the world. Despite this enviable feat, there
are more grounds to cover in the nations where the church
is operating. More so, there are fallow grounds of nations,
cities and people groups ready for the seed of the gospel.
According to the Ghana Evangelism Committee, there are
19 people groups in Ghana who have not been reached
with the gospel. Some are the Kantosi, Fofoo, Djula and
Challa. Thus, the church, as an army, must stop at nothing
but a complete takeover of all nations, bringing them under
the rule of Christ. For this mission, the call is being made
to everyone to come on board through prayer, personal
evangelism and financial support, just as Paul was called to
Macedonia.

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Question for Discussion
1. How did Paul and his team respond to the vision of the
man of Macedonia? Verse 8-10
2. Discuss the significance of the leadings of the Holy
Spirit in missions. Acts 13:2-3; 16:5-7
3. What was the outcome of Paul’s obedience to the
Macedonian call? Acts14,15; 17:4
4. Identify specific people groups in your area who are
unreached with the gospel.
5. How can we support the church’s vision to reach all
nations and people groups with the gospel?
Conclusion
The Apostle Paul started his second missionary journey
with the aim of visiting churches established in Southern
Asia Minor. However, a vision of a man of Macedonia
calling for help redirected his route from Asia Minor to
Macedonia in Europe. Heeding to this call, Paul and his
team of workers treaded unfamiliar grounds, planting
churches in the Macedonian cities of Philippi (Acts 16:40),
Thessalonica (Acts 17:4) and Corinth (Acts 18:1-11). These
churches later contributed immensely to the growth of the
church (2 Cor. 8:1-10).
In our time, the Macedonian call could be likened to the
cry of the lost, the call on friends of missions to support
missionary work, and for prayers to be lifted for missions on

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Missions Prayer Day (every Wednesday after Communion
Sunday), and reaching unreached nations and neglected
people groups. It is a divine charge for the army of God
to venture into unfamiliar terrains with the gospel. It is a
commission to avoid complacency and push hard till the
nations, cities and people groups bow to the reign of Christ
Jesus. No place is too dark for the light of the gospel to
penetrate. The army of God (the church) must, through faith
and obedience to the leadings of the Holy Spirit, conquer
territories through Prayer, Evangelism and Sacrificial Giving.

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 WEEK 12
EQUIPPING THE CHURCH THROUGH
THE BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

Main Text: Exodus 18:13-24

Memory Verse: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and
to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. – Acts 2:42
Introduction
Armed Forces are well structured to ensure effective
command, control and mission accomplishment. As soon as
soldiers pass out from training, they are grouped into a body
system, comprising ten or fifteen people known as the squad.
In like manner, the church groups members into a body
system made up of people not more than fifteen at the local
level known as the Bible Study groups. These are discipleship
groups where members are intentionally equipped with the
values and principles of the Kingdom through a systematic
study of the Bible, mentoring, visitations, prayers, among
others. Today, we shall discuss how we can effectively and
efficiently use Bible Study group as an equipping body to
unleash members to possess the nations.
Questions for Discussion
1. What was the problem with the way Moses was handling
the people? Verse 13-16
2. What was Jethro’s advice to Moses? Verse 20-22

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3. When implemented, how would Jethro’s advice help
Moses and the Israelites?
4. How does Jethro’s advice relate to Bible Study groups
in your Local?
5. How can the Bible Study Group be made effective in
equipping the members?
Conclusion
Jethro observed that Moses alone stood to judge the people
and to help them deal with their various problems. The
elders did not seem to play a role, and all the people were
just standing around the whole day waiting on Moses to
guide them.
As a result, most of the needs of the people were not met,
and everyone, including Moses was worn out. Jethro advised
Moses to divide the people into smaller groups and appoint
trustworthy men with good character to judge the people.
Similarly, in the local church, organising the members into
Bible Study Groups becomes a necessity for discipleship.
The group is not just a place for learning scripture but a
centre for transformation through activities such as teaching,
fellowship, life-on-life relationships, modelling of Christ-
likeness, accountability, and leadership development. The
Bible Studies are preferably held on every Sunday (excluding
the Communion Sunday) after worship. As much as possible,
it must be made compulsory for all church members,
officers, leaders, ministers and their wives.
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The studies must be properly arranged, controlled,
supervised, monitored and managed as directed. Through
the preparatory classes, Bible Study leaders must be prepared
adequately to handle the lessons to have the needed impact.
The Bible Study leaders must also provide pastoral care to
all members in their groups.

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 WEEK 13
THE KINGDOM METHOD OF EVANGELISM

Main Text: Matthew 13:24-29, 37-40

Memory Verse: As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of
heaven is near.’ – Matthew 10:7
Introduction
Every army has a strategy for enlisting people. Regarding the
Kingdom, the Church undertakes evangelism as the method
of enlisting people. Evangelism is the spreading of the Good
News to the world. It is announcing that Jesus Christ is the
only Son of God who gave His life as a sacrifice for the sins
of humanity. Evangelism is very important, for it leads to the
fulfilment of the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20). Thus,
it helps the church to win more souls into the Kingdom
of God, enlisting them as soldiers in God’s army. On how
evangelism should be carried out in God’s Kingdom, Jesus
uses the parable of the wheat and weeds as a metaphor to
describe it. Our focus for today’s study is on the evangelism
strategy of the Kingdom as described by Jesus.
Questions for Discussion
1. How did Jesus refer to these in the narrative: Son of
Man, the field, the good seed, the weeds, and the enemy?
Verses 37-39
2. Why did the enemy sow the weeds among the wheat?
Verse 28
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3. Why did the master stop his servants from uprooting
the weeds? Verse 29
4. How is the good seed among the weeds related to
evangelism?
5. In what ways can our members – ‘planted’ in every
sphere – be equipped to win their peers and transform
their spheres?
Conclusion
Jesus’ parable on the wheat and weeds gives a description
of the method of evangelism in the Kingdom of God.
Jesus referred to the Son of Man as the farmer who plants
the good seed, and the field as the world (the spheres of
life). He also referred to the good seed (or wheat) as the
people of the Kingdom (believers) sown into the world by
the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) to transform and advance it.
Further, Jesus referred to the weeds as unbelievers, and the
enemy as the devil. The devil sowed the weeds to possibly
gain control of the world.
The master, however, prevented his servants from uprooting
the weeds to forestall injuring the good seed (believers)
and disturb the earth (world). As believers, we have been
strategically ‘planted’ in the world to transform its systems
with Kingdom principles and lifestyles such as the principle
of work and the dignity of labour, service, respect for
all, honesty, kindness, love, faithfulness, truthfulness,

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forgiveness, contentment, humility, integrity and moral
uprightness that identify us as a people belonging to God.
The church (sending agency) must therefore equip her
members to achieve this task.

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 HOME CELL –
THE PURPOSE OF THE SWORD
OF THE SPIRIT

Main Text: Matthew 4:1-11

Memory Verse: The weapons we fight with are not the weapons
of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish
strongholds. – 2 Corinthians 10:4.
Introduction
The sword of the Spirit is an important part of the armour
of God, intended to be used both offensively and defensively
by Christians. In ancient Rome, the soldier used the sword
as an offensive weapon against enemies and as a defensive
weapon to deflect attacks by an opponent. So also is the
word of God valuable in fighting spiritual foes and quelling
spiritual attacks. With reference to Jesus’ encounter with
the devil in the wilderness, He was tempted in three areas
but emerged victorious with the word of God. Jesus was
tempted to turn a stone into bread (lust of the flesh), bow to
Satan and be given the whole world (possession and power)
and to throw himself down from the highest pinnacle to
demonstrate He is the Son of God (pride). In today’s study,
we will discuss how we can demolish strongholds with the
sword of the Spirit as Jesus did.

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Questions for Discussion
1. With what three things was Jesus tempted by the devil?
Verse 2-3, 5-6, 8-9
2. In these three temptations, how did the word of God
as the sword of the Spirit serve as a defensive weapon?
3. How did Jesus overcome the devil’s temptations?
Verse 4, 7, 10
4. How potent is the sword of the Spirit in our battle?
2 Corinthians 10:4
5. Share how you can effectively wield the sword as an
offensive tool.
Conclusion
The devil’s temptations focused on three crucial areas:
physical needs and desire, pride of life and possession and
power. Jesus was able to resist all because He did not only
know Scripture, but also applied it rightly. As a defensive
weapon, the Word gives us strength and courage to face
any situation we are confronted with in order to overcome.
The word of God helps us to know the character of the
enemy and how he operates. It also helps us to know
and understand the ground on which we stand, and the
protection and privileges at our disposal. As a result, the
Christian sees through the devil’s tricks, and with the sword
of the Spirit, strikes when the need arises.

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 WEEK 14
LORD’S SUPPER SUNDAY
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 WEEK 15
MOBILISING THE ARMY OF GOD

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 12:1-3, 21-22

Memory Verse: Day after day men came to help David, until he
had a great army, like the army of God. – 1 Chronicles 12:22
Introduction
In the military, mobilisation is the act of assembling reserve
forces for active duty in times of war or national emergency.
Members of the reserve force are valued extremely for their
role in safeguarding the security of the state and helping with
the maintenance of essential government or private utilities.
This is a clear pictorial view of the divine mission of God
for the Church, which is to mobilise forces that would work
to redeem the souls of sinners from eternal damnation.
Thus, as God’s army, the Church should mobilise members
from the grassroots (the local church) to reinforce urgency
of the mission to possess the nations. There should be no
room for idling around; every member must be mobilised.
Questions for Discussion
1. Which group of forces joined David’s army and how
skilful were they? Verses 2, 8, 16, 19, 21
2. How did the forces from the tribe of Manasseh help
David on the mission? Verse 21

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3. What strategy did David use to mobilise the group of
reserve forces into his army for mission? Verse 17, 22
4. Practically, how can the Church mobilise more forces
(Christians) into the army of God for mission?
5. What special role can you play in the ‘possessing the
nations’ agenda?
Conclusion
The expert archers from the tribe of Benjamin and brave
warriors from the tribe of Judah and Gad assisted David to
ascend the throne as king (1 Sam. 30:1, 9, 18). Also, warriors
from the tribe of Manasseh constituted the group of forces
which joined David’s army to recover everything that the
Amalekites had taken. To have a stronger force for battle,
David ensured a daily mobilisation of forces into his army till
it became like the army of God. He did this by going out to
meet them, speaking kindly and striking alliances with them.
In like manner, the Church must bring all members on
board on a daily basis for mission. In addition, members
must daily engage in evangelism to win more souls who
will be discipled and mobilised into the army of God for
mission. Just as every force has a special ability in their line
of duty, every Christian has to identify their special skill in
ministry and put them to use to help the Church possess
the nations for Christ.

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 WEEK 16
EASTER SUNDAY
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 WEEK 17
SQUAD FORMATION IN THE ARMY OF GOD

Main Text: Mark 6:6-13

Memory Verse: Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them
out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. – Mark 6:7
Introduction
A squad is a soldier’s most intimate group of personnel
constituted as soon as they pass out from training. They
are made up of ten or fifteen soldiers in two to three teams
with team leaders. Each team in the squad is given a task
to accomplish and the Team Leader accounts on their
behalf to the Squad Leader. This affords team members
the opportunity to learn from one another and also build
their skills as they get to know more from their immediate
supervisors. This is similar to what Jesus did in sending the
Twelve in groups of two. Today, we shall discuss how the
local church can form squads of believers for battle using
Jesus’ model.
Questions for Discussion
1. How did Jesus choose His disciples (squad)? Verse 6
and 7
2. What specific assignment was given the squad? Verse 7
3. How effective were the teams Jesus formed from His
squad of disciples? Verses 12 and 13

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4. How is Jesus’ model of teams and squad formation
being applied in the local church?
5. How can we make the Home Cell the training and
fellowship centre to impact the community?
Conclusion
In forming His ‘squad’ of disciples (or soldiers), Jesus
went about from village to village, teaching the people, and
through that he called the Twelve. He paired the disciples
in teams and sent them out for mission. The teams were
so effective in carrying out the task they were assigned. In
addition to casting out evil spirits, the disciples preached
to every soul they met, healed the sick, and anointed them.
In our church today, Jesus’ model of squad and team
formation can be found in our New Converts’ and New
Members’ classes – which should be the first point of call
to becoming a member of CoP. These ministries enable the
interest of members to be identified. They are then assigned
to those ministries (squad) with a mature person in charge
as the leader as is done for the Bible Study and Home Cell
groups in CoP.

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 HOME CELL –
THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH

Main Text: Matthew 28:16-20

Memory Verse: He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach
the gospel to all creation’. – Mark 16:15
Introduction
Every agency has a mission for their establishment. Their
mission statements give the reasons for their existence. The
Church, instituted by Christ, also has a mission which flows
directly from the mission of God. The mission of God
(Missio Dei) is to redeem His creation through Jesus Christ
so that His glory will fill the whole world. Thus, the Church
exists as an agency of God to mobilise an army to fulfil
this mission. After His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ,
the Commander of God’s army (the Church), charged the
followers to disciple the nations with His values, principles
and teachings (becoming His disciples). They were to do
this until every sphere of society or nation submitted to
His authority as Lord. In this study, we will focus on how
the mission of the church in these contemporary times can
be pursued.
Questions for Discussion
1. What is the mission of the Church? Verses 19-20

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2. How can the Church fulfil the mission of God (Missio
Dei)? Verses 19-20
3. How can the CoP local Assembly pursue the mission
of God?
4. What are some of the challenges that keep the Church
from pursuing the Missio Dei?
5. In what ways can you or the church fulfil the mission
of God?
Conclusion
The Church’s mission is the Great Commission. It is making
all nations disciples of Christ through evangelising, baptising
and teaching. By so doing, the Church as an army is fulfilling
God’s mission to redeem His creation through Jesus Christ.
In this way, the glory of Jesus Christ will fill the whole world.
The Church must engage in discipleship through all forms
of evangelism, teaching, mentorship, etc. to effectively
make all the nations disciples of Christ. Though we face
challenges which at times keep us from obeying the charge
of our Commander, we must intentionally make every effort
to overcome them.

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 WEEK 18
LORD’S SUPPER SUNDAY
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 WEEK 19
WOMEN’S MINISTRY WEEK –
EQUIPPING THE CHURCH THROUGH
MINISTRIES

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 12:14-26

Memory Verse: Now the body is not made up of one part but of
many. – 1 Corinthians 12:14
Introduction
As in the army, The Church of Pentecost has gender-based
and age-related ministries to equip the members on specific
issues that relate to the group. One of the ways of equipping
the Church is by getting each member actively involved in
ministry activities. The more involved a person becomes in
the ministry work, the more important the Church becomes
in their life. A church which offers people opportunities to
be involved in ministry activities would be more successful
in winning and retaining converts than those which do not.
If the church does not effectively use her members, she will
lose them.
In this vein, there are diverse interdependent ministries in the
church. There is no place for independence among members
of the body of Christ. Since there should be diversity of
function in the body of Christ, there are different ministries/
groups in the Church for the equipping of the saints.

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Questions for Discussion
1. How many parts are the body made of ? 1 Corinthians
12:14
2. How does the various body parts help in equipping the
entire body?
3. What is the usefulness of having diverse ministries in
The Church of Pentecost and how do they help advance
God’s work? Verse 17-19.
4. What are the effects of considering one ministry in the
church as more important than another? Verses 22 and 23
5. How can ministry meeting be made more effective to
equip the members?
Conclusion
Paul likened the church to the human body which has many
parts. The various human parts complement the work of
one another. To survive, a body must have diversity. There
must also be diversity of functions in the body of Christ.
God has appointed several functions in the Church for
the equipping of the saints. Each function is crucial to the
operation of the body of Christ.
Currently, the CoP works through the Children’s Ministry,
Evangelism Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Pentecost Men’s
Ministry (PEMEM) and the Youth Ministry. Others are
the ministry interventions introduced in the Vision 2023,
which include the Home and Urban Missions (HUM),

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Chieftaincy, Schools Outreach and Ministry to Persons with
Disabilities (MPWDs). Ministry meetings should not just be
activity-based but intentional towards equipping members
into maturity.
Finally, we should develop the positive attitude of considering
all ministries as equally important in our collective efforts to
possess nations for Christ. To do otherwise is to engender
the tendency to bring division among the body of Christ.
We must be guided by the fact that the success or failure of
one ministry impacts all others.

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 WEEK 20
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY
IN THE SQUAD

Main Text: 2 Samuel 10:9-14

Memory Verse: Now you are the body of Christ, and each one
of you is a part of it. – 1 Corinthians 12:27
Introduction
The soldiers in battle do not fight for themselves but for
a kingdom, and the desire is to return home in one piece.
This is the driving force of the individual soldier. The army
stands as one body but it is made up of individuals. Thus,
apart from the collective responsibilities, the individual has
roles to play. These include, readiness for battle in terms of
fitness, preparedness for role play, personal development
and commitment to the cause of the army.
When the battle against Israel became fierce, Joab, the
commander of the army of Israel counted on the individuals
who were best fit for specific tasks and assigned special roles
to them. In doing this, he was performing an individual
mandate himself. It takes individual responsibilities as
members of a squad to achieve the overarching mission of
the army of God.

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Questions for Discussion
1. How did Joab select the individuals he put in battle
against Syria? Verse 9
2. Who was put in charge of the unit that faced Ammon
and what was his responsibility? Verses 10 and 11
3. Why were the individuals given these responsibilities?
Verse 12
4. What are some responsibilities you can take up as an
individual in your local Assembly?
5. What strategy will you employ in implementing your
individual responsibility?
Conclusion
Taking up individual responsibilities is key in ensuring the
collective victory of a squad. Joab knew this and tasked the
best individuals in Israel’s army to face Syria. The others were
positioned under Abishai and given responsibility to fight
Ammon. Joab tasked Abishai not only to do battle but also
to look out for Joab’s safety as he faced the other enemy.
He asked Abishai to come to their aid if they encountered
trouble and pledged to support Abishai’s troop if they
also needed help. This shows collaborative efforts even as
individuals attend to their own responsibilities.
The spirit of working together shows individuals’
commitment to the group instead of pursuing their selfish
interests. The individuals were given specific responsibilities
because in doing so they would be fighting not for themselves
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but the people of God and His Kingdom. There are many
individual responsibilities we can take up in our Assemblies
such as, Follow-up activities, joining the Prayer Warriors,
being part of Friends of Missions, Ushering and Protocol
assignments, volunteering for Community Development,
Adult Education facilitation, among others. We must set
time to undertake the individual responsibilities, and be
determined and committed to achieving them.

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 WEEK 21
THE CHURCH AS AN ARMY
STANDING TOGETHER

Main Text: 2 Samuel 11:8-17

Memory Verse: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you
will fulfil the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
Introduction
The army is always considered a single unit; it is programmed
to work together as one co-ordinated body. Immediately
a person is enlisted into the army, they are given partners.
This is what forms the squad. The squad is made up of
about ten to fifteen people. Partners are to stand arm in arm
watching and protecting one another even at the peril of
their lives. The army never leaves a wounded soldier to bleed
in an enemy’s territory. Even the dead are carried home and
buried in dignity. To withdraw from a member of the army
is to abandon them to the enemy. In our lesson today, we
will consider the benefits of standing together as an army.
Questions for Discussion
1. How did Uriah demonstrate commitment to the army?
Verse 8-11
2. What caused the death of Uriah? Verse 15-17
3. Why was Uriah left to stand alone in battle? Verse 15

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4. In the church, how do some treat fellow members like
the army treated Uriah?
5. Mention five (5) practical ways your assembly can stand
together as an army.
Conclusion
It is said that the victory of any army is measured in its
minimal casualty levels as well as defeat of the enemy. A true
soldier does not only fight for their lives only but also those
of their colleagues. Uriah was not happy to abandon his
colleagues at the battlefield only to get himself gratified. He
preferred to endure sleeping in the cold, like his colleagues,
than the comfort of his room.
Unfortunately, his colleagues did not reciprocate this
commitment when he needed them most. He was pushed to
enemy lines and abandoned to his fate at the command of
the king. He was murdered because his colleagues withdrew.
Playing out David’s evil intentions meant that the timeless
principle of standing together as an army was discarded.
Divisions, factions and lack of sincere fellowship can be
likened to withdrawal from the frontline of battle where our
brethren are positioned. We can demonstrate togetherness as
an army when we intercede for one another, share burdens
and support one another. When the Church stands together
as an army, victory becomes her reward.

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 WEEK 22
AGENT OF TRANSFORMATION –
SOW SEEDS OF CHANGE IN YOUR SPHERE

Main Text: Nehemiah 5:1-18

Memory Verse: You are the Salt of the Earth. – Mathew 5:13a
Introduction
Christians are not only heralds of Kingdom values but active
agents in bringing these Kingdom values and principles
to bear in their spheres of influence. Nehemiah became a
leader at the time his people were bedevilled with so many
maltreatments and injustices. They complained about debts,
mortgages and bondage which overwhelmed them. The
presence of Nehemiah brought freedom to the people. In
like manner, Christians must see themselves as good seeds
planted in every sphere of society to transform it. Today,
we shall discuss Nehemiah as a model of how Christians
can initiate change and bring about transformation in their
domain of influence.
Questions for Discussion
1. What was the situation of the people prior to Nehemiah’s
arrival? Verse 1-5
2. What steps did Nehemiah take to improve the situation
of the people? Verse 6-12
3. With Nehemiah as an example, discuss qualities expected
of an agent of change. Verse 14-17
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4. How can we initiate change in our families, churches,
workplaces and nations?
5. List some kinds of seed you can sow in your sphere to
aid the ‘possessing the nations’ agenda.
Conclusion
Our task, as good seeds, is to bring God’s reign to bear
wherever we find ourselves. The regime of extortion prior
to Nehemiah’s arrival catered for the luxury of the nobles
but left the masses impoverished. The leaders observed with
no concern as the poor mortgaged their lands and sold their
children for subsistence and payment of taxes. However,
Nehemiah started a reformation that would end the exaction
of usury and extortion of property from the poor.
First, he called a meeting and appealed to the consciences
of the nobles using the word of God. He then ordered the
nobles to give back property they had confiscated from
the poor and return what they had taken from them with
interest. Significantly, Nehemiah was a good example of
the change he desired to effect among the ruling class. He
forfeited emoluments and exercised restraint in acquiring
properties due to the circumstances of the people. The
high moral standards expected of a change agent demands
sacrifice of comfort, benefits, fame and sometimes friends.
Change is possible when change agents are themselves
examples of the change they desire to effect. Let us sow the
seed of change in our spheres however small it may seem.

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 HOME CELL –
ORGANISING THE ARMY OF GOD:
BEING UNDER CONTROL
Main Text: 2 Samuel 18:1-16
Memory Verse: For I myself am a man under authority, with
soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go’, and he goes; and that one,
‘Come’, and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this’, and he does
it. – Matthew 8:9
Introduction
The military thrives on hierarchy, command and control.
This requires that armies are arranged hierarchically to
ensure troops know the chain of command. In our study
today, we will consider the several levels of church hierarchy
as it relates to the army, and the need to obey leadership
and submit to their control. The army that triumphs is one
that respects hierarchy, obeys commands and appreciates
controls.
Questions for Discussion
1. How did David ensure a hierarchy in his army? Verse 1
and 2
2. What was the command David gave to his troops? Verse 5
3. What was the reply the soldier gave to Joab on the fate
of Absalom? Verses 12 and 13
4. Why is it necessary to have structures and controls as
an army?
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5. State four benefits of having command and control
levels in the church.
Conclusion
The army operates at various levels of strategy and tactics-
Grand Strategic, Operational and Tactical levels. In the
church, the grand strategic level relates to the Sovereign
Godhead, who is the Head of the Church. The Operational
level is the highest level of leadership which provides
Vision direction, this lies with The Executive Council. The
tactical levels is at the Heads who ensure practical missions
are undertaken at every operational levels of the District,
Assembly and Cell (Bible Study, Home Cells, ministries, etc).
David ensured hierarchy by placing captains over thousands
and hundreds, and three major commanders. He issued very
clear directives on sparing the life of his son, Absalom. A
loyal soldier referred his immediate commander, Joab, to the
command from the Strategic level and will not go contrary
to the highest level of leadership.
When a church has clear hierarchy, it allows tasks to be clearly
assigned, which results in operational effectiveness and
large impact at various levels at the same time. Command
and controls ensure that people do not do things on their
own, that monitoring and evaluation take place, which
make people accountable. We must note that in organising
the army, the grassroot becomes the implementing agency.
Failure at the District, Assembly and the cell level in
particular eventually affects the entire Church (army).
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