The Full Gospel Church International (FGCI) like any other denomination had a humble beginning from House No. 1/J 94, Site 21, Community 1, Tema. Emmanuel Ashong Mensah and wife, Mama Catherine Mensah and their two children at that time, Samuel Norye Mensah and Edmund Adumoah Mensah, who were 6 and 4 years respectively. The President having been converted in Accra came to Tema on transfer with the State Transport Corporation. The fire of the Holy Spirit burning in him led him to begin a prayer meeting in his hall with one Mrs. Adelaide Budu Dawson also of Site 21. The meeting increased in number, which forced them to use a playground in front of their residence at Site 21. Before this, the name “Prayer Group and Evangelistic Association (PGEA) was adopted. The PGEA was involved in series of evangelistic activities on regular basis within Greater Accra. This move became a threat to the Presbyterian Church at Community 1, where our then President, Very Rev. E.A. Mensah was a Presbyter and Lay Preacher at that time. Constant persecution from the various Pastors who assumed Pastoral responsibilities forced him to take a decision against his will. Being routed in the Presbyterian Church, he delayed the decision to leave the Church, but due to intense persecution, he finally took the decision by leaving the Presbyterian Church. This turn of events gave birth to Full Gospel Evangelistic Ministry on 2nd February, 1978. Little did he know that such persecution worked together for the purpose of God to be achieved in his life. Most of the youth in those days became converted and today most of them are full time Ministers of the Gospel within this Church and outside the Church. Our President and Founder, was ordained on the same day of 2nd February, 1978 and became the first Pastor and President of Full Gospel Evangelistic Ministry. As an Apostle with evangelistic drive in him, he led the mother church, which was the main branch now Central Church, to plant several other churches among others are: Tema New Town, former Community Eight Assembly, Ashaiman, Ada Foah, Koforidua, Hohoe, Teshie, La and Abossey Okai. Through his leadership, most of the churches were able to acquire lands for church building. After many years the National Executive Council under the Chairmanship of Very Rev. Mensah considered the possibility of changing the name “Full Gospel Evangelistic Ministry”. It was realized that the word “Ministry” often gives the impression of a “Fellowship” which lacks permanency and not a denomination, as should be the case. Secondly, the urgent need for the church to reach out beyond the shores of Ghana has also reinforced the consideration for the change of name. Consequently, on 13th July, 2002, at an emergency session of the General Council of the Ministry, the name “Full Gospel Church International” was adopted to replace the name “Full Gospel Evangelistic Ministry”.
