A People of God, Possessing the Nations
What began as a small gathering of believers in West Africa has become a worldwide family that now calls Australia home. This is the story of God's faithfulness — and an open invitation to belong.
Rooted in faith, growing across the world
The Church of Pentecost is a global Pentecostal denomination with its roots in Ghana, West Africa. Our story is one of quiet faith, patient obedience, and the steady, surprising goodness of God — a movement that grew from a handful of believers into a family of millions.
From the very beginning, the heart of the church has been simple: to know Jesus Christ, to make Him known, and to raise everyday people as agents of transformation in their homes, their workplaces, and their nations.
Our Motto
“Possessing the Nations”
Milestones in our story
Eight decades of God's faithfulness, told one season at a time.
- 1937
A seed is planted
On 4 March 1937, an Irish missionary, Pastor James McKeown, was sent by the Apostolic Church of Bradford (UK) to the then Gold Coast to support a small group of faith-filled believers. From this humble beginning, a great story began.
- 1939
A season of testing
After a disagreement over the doctrine of divine healing, the group divided in 1939. Yet under Pastor McKeown's faithful, patient leadership, the work did not falter — it quietly grew, season after season.
- 1953
A church takes shape
The Gold Coast Apostolic Church was formally established at Asamankese — a settled home for a community that had grown steadily through prayer, evangelism, and devoted discipleship.
- 1957
A new name for a new nation
When Ghana gained independence in 1957, the church was renamed the Ghana Apostolic Church, walking in step with the hopes of a young and free nation.
- 1962
The Church of Pentecost
On 1 August 1962, at the encouragement of Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the church adopted the name it still carries with joy today: The Church of Pentecost.
- Today
A worldwide family
From those small beginnings the church has become a global movement — present in around 170 to 190 nations, with more than 20,000 local assemblies and over four million members, led from its international headquarters in Accra, Ghana.
From humble beginnings to the ends of the earth
Today the church is led by its Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, from the international headquarters in Accra, Ghana.
170+
Nations reached
20,000+
Local assemblies
4M+
Members worldwide
1937
Where it all began
Gathering across the nation
Our work in Australia is organised into local districts and assemblies across the major cities, where members worship, grow as disciples, and serve their communities together.
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Perth
- Adelaide
- Canberra
- Tasmania
The same vision, brought home to Australia
The Church of Pentecost Australia is one of the church's many missions around the world. It carries the same vision and values to Australian soil, gathering believers from Ghanaian, African, and many other backgrounds into a warm, Spirit-filled family.
Here, you will find a community that prays together, learns together, and reaches out together — a place where every person is welcomed, every story matters, and everyone is invited to discover their God-given purpose.
Whether you are exploring faith for the first time or looking for a church to call home, there is a place for you among us.