“The seed that was sown and watered with much tears of prayer has borne fruits. The big question now is: Will the fruit remain?” – Rev. James McKeown
A prophetic declaration at a large Apostolic convention in England announced that a young couple was to go to West Africa as missionaries. Fifteen months passed before they finally accepted the call. What unfolded during that time? Was James grappling with his own sense of insignificance, paralysed by fear, or overwhelmed by doubt?
The life of Rev. James McKeown is a remarkable testimony to the power of obedience in answering a divine call. Who would have thought that the seed sown in Asamankese in the then Gold Coast (now Ghana) would grow and spread to the four corners of the world? McKeown’s acceptance of the call led to the birth of one of the fastest-growing Pentecostal organisations in the world—The Church of Pentecost, a leading global Pentecostal church, currently present in 190 nations.
In commemoration of the annual McKeown Missions Week of The Church of Pentecost (CoP), we take stock and celebrate Rev. James McKeown’s obedience to the call, which has ignited a rapidly expanding global missions enterprise.
McKeown’s Obedience: A Reflection of Jesus’ Obedience to God’s Will
“For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” — Romans 5:19
This parallel highlights the power of obedience. The submission and obedience of Jesus Christ to the will of God led to salvation for humanity, demonstrating that obedience to a divine calling carries generational and eternal consequences. The life and ministry of Rev. James and Sophia McKeown reflect this principle. Though it took him fifteen months to accept God’s call, through the encouragement of his dear wife, Sophia, his eventual obedience led to a lasting spiritual revival. His commitment to preaching the gospel of Christ resulted in the salvation of countless souls, and today, the fruits of his labour continue to flourish. This mirrors Jesus’ obedience, demonstrating that yielding to God’s call can bring generational and eternal blessings.
About James McKeown: God’s Vessel
Rev. James McKeown was born on 12th September 1900 in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, to his Irish parents, William John McKeown and Elizabeth Thompson. Raised in a Christian home, he knew the Bible well and was drawn to ministry from a young age. At nineteen, he converted to Christianity through the ministry of Rev. Robert Mercer. Rev. George Jeffreys of the Elim Foursquare Gospel Alliance in Ballymena later baptised both James and Sophia, who became his wife.
In March 1937, Rev. James McKeown arrived in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) as a missionary under the Apostolic Church, UK. However, in 1938, he was excommunicated due to doctrinal differences, particularly his belief in divine healing, after contracting malaria and seeking medical assistance. Rather than retreating, McKeown saw this as an opportunity to establish an indigenous Pentecostal movement, firmly rooted in biblical teachings and the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Birth of The Church of Pentecost
The opposition McKeown faced ultimately led to the official formation of the Gold Coast Apostolic Church in 1953, which later became The Church of Pentecost in 1962, following years of tensions. His vision was to build a self-sustaining church that empowered local indigenous leadership, grounded in deep spiritual commitment and focused on community evangelism. Unlike many foreign missionaries who retained control over their churches, McKeown prioritized training and mentoring indigenous leaders, ensuring that the movement was firmly rooted in African leadership and context. This model played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of The Church of Pentecost across Ghana and beyond.
McKeown’s Leadership Style and Its Influence on the CoP Today
Rev. James McKeown’s leadership style was characterised by discipline, spiritual devotion, and an unwavering commitment to biblical principles. His approach to leadership was firm yet visionary, blending humility with authority. He placed a strong emphasis on prayer, self-sustenance, and integrity, setting a precedent for how The Church of Pentecost would be governed in the years to come.
He was a man of great discipline and order. Though his leadership style reflected a “laissez-faire” approach by allowing Africans to lead, it had an autocratic bite that instilled godly reverence within the church. He did not tolerate laziness, dishonesty, or compromise among ministers and church officers. He held those in full-time pastoral ministry to rigorous standards, insisting on proper mentorship and preparation. Whenever he observed incompetence in a minister, he famously asked, “Who brought this man into ministry?”
His famous rebuke, “Stop preaching rats; preach Christ!” reflected his strong stance against irrelevant preaching.
McKeown’s disciplined leadership has left an indelible mark on The Church of Pentecost. Today, the church continues to uphold high standards, carefully vetting and training its officers and pastors to ensure that only those who demonstrate commitment, integrity, and sound doctrine are entrusted with leadership.
3 Lessons
- He Gladly Answered His Call
Initially hesitant to accept his calling due to his lack of formal education, McKeown eventually obeyed after persistent encouragement from his wife, Sophia. Despite challenges, he trusted God and moved forward with his call to the Gold Coast.
Lesson: God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Fear and self-doubt should not prevent anyone from stepping into their divine purpose, whether in the church or in the public sphere.
- James Was A Man of Prayer
“Prayer is the work, and the work is prayer.”
McKeown believed that prayer was the foundation of ministry, famously stating, “Prayer is the work, and the work is prayer.” His dedication to prayer and spiritual discipline teaches that true success in ministry and leadership comes from a deep relationship with God. He was a man who understood the practice of waiting on God through prayer and fasting.
Lesson: A thriving spiritual life is essential for effective leadership and lasting impact. Prayer should not be an afterthought but the driving force behind every decision and action as an unleashed person.
- He Did Not Live for Himself
Rev. James McKeown’s life was the very definition of selflessness, marked by deep humility. McKeown could have chosen a more comfortable life in the UK. Instead, he left and did not seek personal comfort or recognition but dedicated his entire life to fulfilling God’s mission and serving others. From his early years in ministry to his final days, his decisions and actions reflected a deep commitment to the people he served rather than his personal interests.
Fun Fact: According to veteran Apostle Rigwell Ato Addison (a Trustee and former General Secretary of CoP, third in succession), James McKeown’s will to the church helped fund the initial establishment of The Church of Pentecost in the United Kingdom.
His Impact and What We See Today
McKeown unknowingly set the foundation for what would later become the Possessing the Nations agenda—equipping and unleashing Christians to influence every sphere of society with the principles and values of the Kingdom of God. His vision for a church that would not depend on external support but rather equip its members to transform their communities continues to shape The Church of Pentecost’s vision: “To become a global Pentecostal church that is culturally relevant in vibrant evangelism, church planting, discipleship, and holistic ministry.”
Conclusion
Rev. James McKeown’s decision to accept the call to ministry was not just an act of obedience but a historic, defining moment that transformed Christianity in Ghana and beyond. Truly, he was a man unleashed by God, and the seed he sowed many years ago continues to bear fruit. His faith, perseverance, and strategic approach to evangelism sparked a movement that still spreads the good news of Jesus Christ today. His life serves as an inspiration to all who seek to fulfill God’s calling, proving that when one is truly unleashed for the gospel, the impact is limitless. Let us join hearts and drive the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda by living lives worthy of our calling, to the glory of God.
Written by Elder Moses Yeboah Mensah, Hope City Church, Milton Keynes Area, The CoP-UK
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