Church returns to its roots

Jul 30 2007 By Nick McCarthy, Birmingham Mail

THOUSANDS of worshippers gathered in Birmingham as Britain's oldest black pentecostal church returned to its Midland roots.

The New Testament Church of God drew the huge crowd to the National Indoor Arena for a three-day convention which featured American preacher Bishop TD Jakes.

The church, which now has 120 congregations, was founded in Wolverhampton in 1953 by Jamaican immigrant, the Rev Oliver Lyseight.

The church's national overseer, Bishop Eric Brown, said: "We were very excited about hosting the convention at the NIA as it made us feel we were returning to our roots.

"We were also thrilled to host Bishop TD Jakes, as it was the first time he had addressed one of our conventions here in Britain.

"He delivered a message of hope, empowerment and faith."

Bishop Jakes is founder and senior pastor of the Potters House at Dallas, Texas. In 2001, Time magazine called him America's best preacher and featured him on its cover.

Other guest speakers at the convention included Redeemed Christian Church of God leader, the Rev Agu Irukwu, and the first assistant general overseer of the International Church of God Dr Raymond Culpepper.

The visit of Bishop Jakes was hailed by the new testament church's Handsworth official, the Rev Dr Derek Webley. "It was important for the people of Birmingham to hear a message of hope from a religious figure like Bishop Jakes," he said.

"He is well-known for lifting the aspirations of African-Americans.

"He reminded people that having faith in God and living according to Christian principles can affect lives for the better."