The New Testament Church of God (NTCG), Britain’s largest black Pentecostal denomination, is preparing for its annual National Big Move Convention, taking place at Brighton Conference Centre, from 11-13 August.

|TOP|Over 5000 delegates from across the UK are expected to attend the event under the theme ‘Proclaiming the Power of Pentecost’.

During the course of three days, attendees will discuss how Christianity should affect individuals spiritually and impact communities socially.

Guest speakers at this year’s NTCG convention include Bishop Tim Hill, the General Secretary of the Church of God International, Bishop John Francis, leader of Ruach Ministries and recipient of the Minister of the Year accolade at the recent Oasis Awards, Dr. R. David Muir, Public Policy Director of the Evangelical Alliance, Rev Mark Shelton, who was a social activist in his native US before relocating to pastor a church in London, and Beverley Thomas who is a lay minister, and works as a consultant and lecturer.

Guest musicians include Roger and Sam Grandison.

|QUOTE|The Big Move Convention will be hosted by Bishop Eric Brown, Administrative Bishop of the NTCG and his wife Mrs Millicent Brown.

Bishop Brown commented, “This year is the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Pentecostal and Charismatic church movement, which began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the historic Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles. To commemorate this, the NTCG have adopted the theme ‘Proclaiming the Power of Pentecost’ for this year’s convention.

“Key reasons for the success of the Azusa Street revival was the intense desire people had for God, prayer and bible study and to make a difference in their world. We are hoping to instil the passion of that revival in our own members so that they can be catalysts for spiritual and social change.”

In addition to preaching sessions, there will be seminars that will encourage delegates to engage politically; demonstrate how people can set up community initiatives, empower men and women to utilise their God-given abilities and equip Christians with the skills needed to share the gospel and a message of hope in their communities. |AD|

Convention Chairman, Dr. Derek Webley stated, “Our planning team have worked tirelessly to put on a convention that empowers delegates to engage with the wider community. With powerful speakers, dynamic musicians, worship leaders and a children/youth event, there are inspiring sessions for people of all age groups. I believe Christians will leave this convention excited about their faith and desirous to combat social problems in order to make their communities a better place to live for everyone.”

The NTCG currently has 120 congregations situated throughout the UK, serving over 30,000 adherents, working predominantly with the black community, and other ethnic minorities including the Tamil Community.

In July, the church moved closer to forming a joint working partnership with sister denomination the Church of God of Prophecy, to jointly tackle moral and social issues that affect the black community.

Bishop Wilton Powell, National Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy, will also lend his support by attending this Big Move Convention with members of his organisation.