✦ New Release
When the Church Was Alive
What the First Christians Knew That We Forgot
A prophetic warning. A call for reformation.
“The Holy Spirit is looking for Davids, not Eliabs.”
Seeking Traditional Publishing Partnership (+233541585807)
Why This Book Matters
A passionate call to return to the biblical foundations that made the early Church powerful.
When the Church Was Alive is a passionate call for believers to return to the biblical foundations that made the early Church powerful. Drawing from Scripture and the Book of Acts, Duodu Henry Appiah-Korang examines how today's Church has drifted from Christ's original pattern and offers practical steps toward spiritual renewal, holiness, authentic fellowship, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
This is not a book of condemnation—it is a loving awakening, a trumpet call for the Church to rise and reclaim its first love.
Biblical Truth
Holy Spirit
Genuine Fellowship
Church Leadership
Revival
Evangelism
What Church Leaders Are Saying
Endorsements from a few pastors, bishops, and ministry leaders across the body of Christ (More endorsements will be added soon).
“
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to read When the Church Was Alive by Duodu Henry Appiah-Korang. This book is a powerful and timely reminder of what the Church is meant to be in the eyes of God. In a time when many people focus more on church buildings, popularity, numbers, and outward success, this book lovingly calls us back to the true foundations of the Christian faith—holiness, prayer, sound doctrine, genuine love, and the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit.
As I read through the pages, I could feel the author’s deep passion for Christ and his burden for the Body of Christ. With strong biblical teachings and practical reflections, he challenges believers and church leaders to return to the simplicity, unity, sacrifice, and spiritual fire that marked the early Church in the book of Acts. This is not just a book that points out problems in the Church; it is a sincere call to repentance, revival, and spiritual restoration.
What touched me most was the honesty and conviction with which the author writes. His words are bold, scriptural, and deeply thought-provoking, yet they also carry hope and a desire to see the Church rise again in truth and purity. Every pastor, leader, worker, and believer who truly longs to see the glory of Christ revealed in the Church will find this book inspiring and spiritually refreshing.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who desires to grow deeper in their walk with Christ Jesus and see the Church return to biblical truth, spiritual power, and authentic fellowship.
Pastor Gideon Nimoh
Pastor
★★★★★
As a pastor who also teaches, I’ve read many books that diagnose the church’s problems. But this one feels different. When the Church Was Alive is not a harsh critique—it’s a shepherd’s plea.
…
Duodu Henry Appiah‑Korang writes with the heart of a pastor who has wept over the flock and longs to see us return to the simple, powerful, loving community of Acts 2 and 4. I commend this book to every pastor, elder, and believer who hungers for something more than programs and buildings. Let it lead you back to what truly matters.
Pastor Moses Bingin
Pastor
★★★★★
“When the Church Was Alive” is more than a book; it is a heartfelt call to rediscover the spirit, purity, and burden of the early Church.
…
The author carefully reminds us that God has always been more concerned with the state of the heart than the size of structures, systems, or outward appearances. Just as Samuel almost anointed Eliab because of stature and appearance until God redirected him toward David, the Church today must be careful not to mistake external success for spiritual vitality.
Yet, this is not a book of condemnation against today’s Church. Rather, it is a loving awakening — a trumpet call reminding us that beyond the beauty of buildings, organization, and modern expressions, God still seeks hearts that burn for Him in sincerity, holiness, love, and power.
As one called into the mandate of awakening, this book deeply resonates with truths I have carried for years, even reflected in an article I once wrote titled “The First and the 21st Century Church in Comparison.” The cry has always been the same: not to destroy the present Church, but to see her return to the fire, simplicity, devotion, and spiritual life that once made the early Church a force upon the earth.
Interestingly, this message also resonates deeply with a revelation the Holy Spirit once gave me concerning kingdom success. There was a season when the growing pressure surrounding external definitions of “success” in ministry almost became burdensome, until the Holy Spirit began to show me what Heaven truly defines as success in the Kingdom. That encounter eventually gave birth to my book, “Commanding Success — A Kingdom Perspective,” where I emphasized that God measures success far beyond visible applause, numbers, structures, and public perception.
This is why this book is both timely and necessary. It does not merely criticize what the Church has become; it lovingly points us back to what the Church can become again when Christ truly remains at the center.
Yet, this is not a book of condemnation against today’s Church. Rather, it is a loving awakening — a trumpet call reminding us that beyond the beauty of buildings, organization, and modern expressions, God still seeks hearts that burn for Him in sincerity, holiness, love, and power.
As one called into the mandate of awakening, this book deeply resonates with truths I have carried for years, even reflected in an article I once wrote titled “The First and the 21st Century Church in Comparison.” The cry has always been the same: not to destroy the present Church, but to see her return to the fire, simplicity, devotion, and spiritual life that once made the early Church a force upon the earth.
Interestingly, this message also resonates deeply with a revelation the Holy Spirit once gave me concerning kingdom success. There was a season when the growing pressure surrounding external definitions of “success” in ministry almost became burdensome, until the Holy Spirit began to show me what Heaven truly defines as success in the Kingdom. That encounter eventually gave birth to my book, “Commanding Success — A Kingdom Perspective,” where I emphasized that God measures success far beyond visible applause, numbers, structures, and public perception.
This is why this book is both timely and necessary. It does not merely criticize what the Church has become; it lovingly points us back to what the Church can become again when Christ truly remains at the center.
Pastor Timothy K. Na’adzenga
Visionary, The Awakening Ministries Int’l; Lead Pastor, The Meadows Spring Church
★★★★★
When the church was Alive is an outstanding book about the reality of the church of God today! Anyone in any walk of life, particularly believers, can benefit from the message of this book. …
My prayer is that God will restore the church to its divine purpose of making Christ known to the world and bringing people to God.
Pastor Daro Sunday
Endtime Christ Apostolic Church International
★★★★★
It is with great joy and a deep sense of responsibility that I recommend this timely book, When the Church Was Alive: What the First Christians Knew That We Forgot, written by Pastor Duodu Henry Appiah-Korang.
…
We live in a generation where the Church has access to unprecedented resources, technology, knowledge, and influence. Yet, in many places, there is an increasing concern that while the outward structure of the Church appears stronger, the inward spiritual life is becoming weaker. This reality compels every sincere believer to ask an important question: Are we still walking according to the pattern established by Christ and His Apostles?
The strength of the Church has never been found in buildings, numbers, wealth, popularity, or human systems. The true life of the Church has always flowed from obedience to the Word of God and submission to the Holy Spirit. Whenever God's people have returned to the Scriptures, revival has followed. Whenever the Scriptures have been neglected, spiritual decline has inevitably set in.
One of my deepest convictions is that the believer's walk with God must be directed by Scripture. Human opinions change. Cultural trends come and go. Personal experiences may inspire us, but they cannot become our final authority. The Holy Bible remains God's infallible revelation and the standard by which every doctrine, prophecy, vision, practice, and spiritual experience must be tested. The Psalmist declared, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). The Church will never lose its way when it follows the light of God's Word.
The author passionately challenges the modern Church to examine itself in the mirror of Scripture. He addresses issues such as the loss of spiritual fervency, the rise of false doctrines, weak leadership, the pursuit of miracles without genuine repentance, declining evangelism, and the growing influence of worldly systems within the Church. Whether one agrees with every observation or not, the questions raised in these pages deserve serious and prayerful consideration.
Particularly commendable is the author's consistent appeal to the Scriptures as the basis for reform. Throughout church history, every genuine awakening has been preceded by a return to God's Word. The Church does not need a new gospel, a new revelation, or a new foundation. What we need is a renewed commitment to the timeless truths already delivered to the saints.
As you read this book, I encourage you not merely to evaluate the condition of others but also to examine your own walk with God. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak through the Scriptures. Let this book inspire a deeper love for Christ, a greater devotion to His Word, and a stronger commitment to His Church.
My prayer is that this work will provoke thoughtful reflection, sincere repentance where necessary, renewed passion for holiness, and a fresh hunger for biblical Christianity. May it remind us that the Church is most alive when Christ remains its center, the Holy Spirit its power, and the Scriptures its supreme guide.
May the Lord use this book to strengthen His people and call many back to the ancient paths where true life is found.
The strength of the Church has never been found in buildings, numbers, wealth, popularity, or human systems. The true life of the Church has always flowed from obedience to the Word of God and submission to the Holy Spirit. Whenever God's people have returned to the Scriptures, revival has followed. Whenever the Scriptures have been neglected, spiritual decline has inevitably set in.
One of my deepest convictions is that the believer's walk with God must be directed by Scripture. Human opinions change. Cultural trends come and go. Personal experiences may inspire us, but they cannot become our final authority. The Holy Bible remains God's infallible revelation and the standard by which every doctrine, prophecy, vision, practice, and spiritual experience must be tested. The Psalmist declared, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). The Church will never lose its way when it follows the light of God's Word.
The author passionately challenges the modern Church to examine itself in the mirror of Scripture. He addresses issues such as the loss of spiritual fervency, the rise of false doctrines, weak leadership, the pursuit of miracles without genuine repentance, declining evangelism, and the growing influence of worldly systems within the Church. Whether one agrees with every observation or not, the questions raised in these pages deserve serious and prayerful consideration.
Particularly commendable is the author's consistent appeal to the Scriptures as the basis for reform. Throughout church history, every genuine awakening has been preceded by a return to God's Word. The Church does not need a new gospel, a new revelation, or a new foundation. What we need is a renewed commitment to the timeless truths already delivered to the saints.
As you read this book, I encourage you not merely to evaluate the condition of others but also to examine your own walk with God. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak through the Scriptures. Let this book inspire a deeper love for Christ, a greater devotion to His Word, and a stronger commitment to His Church.
My prayer is that this work will provoke thoughtful reflection, sincere repentance where necessary, renewed passion for holiness, and a fresh hunger for biblical Christianity. May it remind us that the Church is most alive when Christ remains its center, the Holy Spirit its power, and the Scriptures its supreme guide.
May the Lord use this book to strengthen His people and call many back to the ancient paths where true life is found.
Amb. Bishop Nathaniel Nii Odoi Rudolph
Chairman, College of Bishops and Dean's; Head Pastor, Throne of God Missions
★★★★★
In When the Church Was Alive: What the First Christians Knew That We Forgot, Duodu Henry Appiah-Korang offers a timely and inspiring call for the modern Church to return to the simplicity, purity, and power of authentic Christianity.
…
Drawing lessons from the faith, prayer life, devotion, and Spirit-led living of the early believers, he challenges us to rediscover the foundational truths that once made the Church a powerful force for transformation. This book is both insightful and practical, encouraging believers and church leaders to pursue spiritual renewal, unity, holiness, and a deeper commitment to Christ’s mission. I wholeheartedly recommend it to pastors, ministry leaders, church members, students of Scripture, and all who desire to see the Church of Jesus Christ walk once again in the power and purpose of the New Testament believers.
May this book inspire a fresh hunger for God and a renewed commitment to living out the Gospel with conviction, courage, and compassion.
May this book inspire a fresh hunger for God and a renewed commitment to living out the Gospel with conviction, courage, and compassion.
Pastor Joshua Gbaryea
Author, Teacher, and Christian Leader; Christ Divine Church International
★★★★★
The early church understood true fellowship. Fellowship comes with commitment, love, discipline, and simplicity of heart.
…
True fellowship precedes power and attracts great grace as mentioned in Acts 4:33 and brings growth to the church. I recommend this book to both old and new church, pastors, church leaders, and members as a reminder of what the church stands for, our purpose, and the way forward.
Rev. Thomas A. Ofori
Missionary, Bahrain
★★★★★
Thank you again for sharing your book, When the Church Was Alive. I’ve spent time going through the chapters, and I want to share my reflections with you.
…
Overall, the book carries a clear prophetic burden and a strong call for the church to return to biblical foundations. Your emphasis on the early church’s unity, generosity, and spiritual power comes through very clearly. For example, your use of Acts 2 and Acts 4 - “they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine… and had all things common” - sets a strong tone for the message you’re communicating.
I also appreciated how consistently you anchor your points in Scripture. Throughout the chapters, you highlight issues such as false doctrines, weak leadership, and the loss of genuine love in the church. Your section on false doctrines is especially direct, and you illustrate it with real examples of how wrong teaching can shape people’s lives - “once the mind accepts something to be true, it’s very hard to convince the mind to reject it.”
A few strengths that stood out to me: Strong biblical foundation - nearly every point is supported with Scripture, which keeps the message grounded. Clear pastoral concern - your heart for holiness, discipleship, and spiritual maturity is evident throughout. Practical warnings - chapters like The Rise of False Doctrines and Why the Church Is Breaking address issues many believers see but rarely articulate. Call to action - the final chapters offer concrete steps for revival, such as restoring love, strengthening leadership, and returning to evangelism.
If I may offer a gentle suggestion: the book is very rich in content, and at times the intensity of the warnings can feel heavy. You might consider balancing some sections with more stories, testimonies, or examples of churches or believers who are getting it right. This could help readers feel both challenged and encouraged.
But overall, the message is clear: you are calling the church back to spiritual authenticity, biblical doctrine, and the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s a timely and needed reminder.
Thank you for trusting me with the manuscript. May God continue to use your voice to strengthen the Body of Christ.
I also appreciated how consistently you anchor your points in Scripture. Throughout the chapters, you highlight issues such as false doctrines, weak leadership, and the loss of genuine love in the church. Your section on false doctrines is especially direct, and you illustrate it with real examples of how wrong teaching can shape people’s lives - “once the mind accepts something to be true, it’s very hard to convince the mind to reject it.”
A few strengths that stood out to me: Strong biblical foundation - nearly every point is supported with Scripture, which keeps the message grounded. Clear pastoral concern - your heart for holiness, discipleship, and spiritual maturity is evident throughout. Practical warnings - chapters like The Rise of False Doctrines and Why the Church Is Breaking address issues many believers see but rarely articulate. Call to action - the final chapters offer concrete steps for revival, such as restoring love, strengthening leadership, and returning to evangelism.
If I may offer a gentle suggestion: the book is very rich in content, and at times the intensity of the warnings can feel heavy. You might consider balancing some sections with more stories, testimonies, or examples of churches or believers who are getting it right. This could help readers feel both challenged and encouraged.
But overall, the message is clear: you are calling the church back to spiritual authenticity, biblical doctrine, and the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s a timely and needed reminder.
Thank you for trusting me with the manuscript. May God continue to use your voice to strengthen the Body of Christ.
Pastor Antonio Lelo
Pastor
★★★★★
When the Church Was Alive is a powerful and thought‑provoking work that journeys from the vitality of the early church to the challenges facing today’s.
…
Through reflections on true discipleship, the dangers of misplaced priorities, the rise of false doctrines, weak leaders, and the hunger for miracles without repentance, the book calls readers back to building the inner temple and embracing authentic leadership. Its insights on technology’s impact and the causes of institutional decline resonate far beyond the church, offering lessons for how the church and societies can revive values, vision, and collective responsibility. By pointing to renewal through God’s power and genuine community engagement, it provides inspiration not only for faith communities but also for policymakers and practitioners seeking sustainable transformation and growth.
Apostle A. A. Michael
Lead Clergy: Lovefold Chapel International; Theologian, Leadership and Development Expert
★★★★★
The book is so inspiring. Full of wisdom and excellence.
…
Pastor Brighton Chatambudza
Pastor
★★★★★
This is a timeless piece needed for our times. The church has been in a state of compromise and indecisiveness for some time.
…
God is raising an army of believers who will not compromise their virtues in order to fit in. In this book, when the church was alive, pastor Duodu Henry Appiah-Korang brings us to the realization that we need to wake up as a body of Christ. He also reveals how far we have fallen. Like the rebuke the Ephesian church in the book of Revelation received from the Lord, God is calling us back to our first love.
It is a wake-up call to a deeper understanding of how the church is supposed to be—using the early church as an example. If we must make the impact the early church had, we might as well look into what they did and who they were. Otherwise, most of what we do now is mere religion and, at best, counter-productive to what the Lord desires to accomplish in these last days.
We have replaced the Holy Spirit with man’s programs, hence the powerlessness and lack of lasting impact.
It is my prayer that as you read this masterpiece, your life will be transformed and you will see where we need to improve as individual Christians and as a church, and also, you will be inspired to become everything God wants you to be so that you can represent Him well.
This material can be studied as a group, a church and can be used even in bible schools as it provides practical guidance on how to bring back the lost flame in the church.
It is a wake-up call to a deeper understanding of how the church is supposed to be—using the early church as an example. If we must make the impact the early church had, we might as well look into what they did and who they were. Otherwise, most of what we do now is mere religion and, at best, counter-productive to what the Lord desires to accomplish in these last days.
We have replaced the Holy Spirit with man’s programs, hence the powerlessness and lack of lasting impact.
It is my prayer that as you read this masterpiece, your life will be transformed and you will see where we need to improve as individual Christians and as a church, and also, you will be inspired to become everything God wants you to be so that you can represent Him well.
This material can be studied as a group, a church and can be used even in bible schools as it provides practical guidance on how to bring back the lost flame in the church.
Pastor Clement Mutale
Senior Pastor and Founder; Divine Visitations Ministries, Lusaka, Zambia
★★★★★
Duodu Henry Appiah-Korang has written a bold and challenging book that calls the Church back to its biblical foundations.
…
With deep conviction and a clear passion for God's Kingdom, he reminds believers that true church growth is measured not merely by numbers, buildings, or programs, but by holiness, discipleship, prayer, love, and obedience to Christ. This book serves as both a wake-up call and a guide for those who long to see the Church walk again in the power and purity of the early Christian community. I commend this work to every believer seeking spiritual renewal and a deeper understanding of God's purpose for His Church.
Pastor Benjamin Arthur
Pastor
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