Newly-elected chairman of the Church of Pentecost Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye says his elevation as the next leader of the church has not come to him as a surprise.

In his acceptance speech shortly after an overwhelming endorsement, the new leader remarked;

"I cannot say that this day has taken me by surprise. I have known that a day like this may come in my life  20 years ago".

Photo: Apostle Eric Nyamekye is walked through the crowd by departing chair, Aps Opoku Onyinah

But the Apostle who was called into full-time ministry in 1991 said he had been struggling with the revelation for years.

"It disturbs my spirit"

"I dread the task of leading this church because I know that it is not an honour that anyone can take for himself", he talked of the church of more than three million and represented in 99 countries.

"I have prayed that this cup will pass over me" he said at the Pentecost Convention Center in Kasoa where more than 1,500 had gathered for the church's 43rd General Council Meeting.

But often after prayer, Apostle Nyamekye who is now the sixth chairman would get confirmation through diverse ways that 'this is my cup'.

L-R Newly-elected chairman Aps. Eric Nyamekye, former chairman Aps Dr. Michael Ntumy and immediate past chairman Aps. Opoku Onyinah

Confessing his inadequacies, the Koforidua Area Head said "I know that I am not sufficient for this task...who am I to say I will not drink from it?".

Watched by millions, Apostle Nyamekye said the leadership of the church is a divine calling otherwise its destruction is imminent.

"If the Lord does not call you, you will spoil the church," he said.

The man with 27 years in ministry was full of praise for the previous leaders of the church and paid tribute to Apostle Dr. Michael Ntumy.

Dropping hints of his vision for the church, Apostle Nyamekye said it is time for the church to possess nations.

"Now the foundations have been laid, the structures have been very very firm, the boundaries have been clearly set, maybe now with the numbers that we have, we need to stop thinking church let us think [about] possessing the nations".

The auditorium burst into excitement after the elections and opening remarks by the new chair. There was dancing and singing, hugs and praises after the high point of the General Council Meeting was reached.