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Vinny Max Bani | |
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![]() Vinny Max Bani ministering at the Grace Advocacy Summit, KNUST-Kumasi. | |
Nationality | Ghanaian |
Other names | AVMB |
Occupation(s) | Minister, Pastor, Author |
Years active | 2009 |
Website | https://www.avmbministries.com |
Vinny Max Bani (also Apostle Vinny Max Bani), is a versatile and charismatic Man of God. He is the founder and General Overseer of Christ Symbolic Union International (CSU) and Divinity Empire Campus Ministry (DECAM).[1] With an ever growing following especially in Ghana, AVMB is steadily rising as one of the most influential voices among the youth of Africa.[2][3]
Early life
AVMB recounts in several of his sermons that he became born-again while he was a young boy. He claims that he was inspired by the Holy Spirit and the testimonies of great preachers such as Arch-Bishop Benson Idahosa, Bishop Oyedepo, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Ph.D) among others to take a deep dive into the Bible. In it, he discovered meaning and purpose which has been the driving force behind his work as a minister. His knack for leadership was evident in his endeavours as a young boy in primary school; he was a student leader and was more active with the day-to-day running of the Church he attended.[1] All this was before He discovered His calling as an Apostle. Once He did, He abandoned his dream to become an architect and began his work as a full-time minister of the Gospel.[4]
Beliefs
Personal Beliefs
AVMB believes that Jesus, who according to the Bible, came to die on a cross in order to bring salvation to mankind, is God. He believes Jesus Christ resurrected and ascended to heaven after His death. He also believes in the Holy Spirit and in Spiritual gifts. These are the foundation of his teachings and Ministry.[2]
Teachings
AVMB teaches about prosperity and divine health being major components of salvation. He also believes Christianity is a practical solution to very real problems in society and encourages his followers to devote themselves to the spread of the gospel.[2]
Preaching Style
AVMB’s sermons have been described as enthusiastic and entertaining. He is praised for his ability to hold the attention of young people for hours on end as he routinely holds back-to-back sermons for 8 hours or more. He often employs props, inculcating short sketches and even choreographed dance routines as part of his sermon.[2]
Ministry
Christ Symbolic Union
On 10th October 2008, AVMB started Christ Symbolic Union (CSU) under a mango tree at St. Andrews Junior Secondary School in Madina. As the members grew and spread to different high schools in the country, they carried the training and teachings of AVMB along with them; raising fellow students and promoting the gospel in schools such as Presbyterian Boys' Senior High School-Legon, Krobo Girls Senior High School, Aburi Girls' Senior High School, Achimota School, Mfantsipim School, St. Roses School and Ghana National College. CSU also ran an extensive vacation program to train new converts and equip them with knowledge and skills for Kingdom work.[5][6]
Appointed Ministers College
The Appointed Ministers College (AMC) is a school under the auspices of Founder and Chancellor, Vinny Max Bani. AMC seeks to train prospective ministers in their callings to become well equipped for the work of ministry. Since the instigation of the school in the year 2011, the school has stuck to achieving its motto: Pistis (Faith), Agape (Love) and Phronesis (Wisdom) in the lives of students. The first congregation and graduation were held in August 2017. The college offers full time courses for Pastors, Teachers, Prophets and Evangelists and short courses in pastoral counselling, church planting, youth ministry, children’s ministry, business and music ministry. AMC is currently available only to members of His denomination.[1]
Divinity Empire Campus Ministry
In 2013, Divinity Empire Campus Ministry (DECAM) was established. While CSU focused on building the foundation in knowledge and wisdom for the believer to enjoy more fruitful relationship with the Holy Spirit and with other believers, DECAM focused on building capacity and right character in both secular and kingdom work. By 2018, DECAM had branches in 15 University campuses across the country.[6]
Kids Outreach Movement and Wisdom Diaries
AVMB also set up the Kids Outreach Movement (KOM) to reach out solely to infants and preteens. In September, 2017, AVMB launched His YouTube Channel, AVMB Wisdom Diaries. It features short videos of him addressing various topics in the Bible such as tithing, anthropology and the concept of sin.[7]
Talents and Business Development
Music Band, X4G
In 2012, AVMB took on management of the Music Band, X4G. During this time as manager, the band put out two Albums; ‘I’m 4 GOD’ and ‘UNLABELLED’.[8] They performed on several platforms including the National Theatre for On-Point 2013 and held two concerts of their own.[9]
Gold Dust Music
In 2018, he formed the worship band and record label, Gold Dust Music. The Label boasts of promising ministers who minister gospel songs of various genre.[10][1]
Humble Lion Media Concepts
He has also starred, directed and produced movies since 2016. He owns the movie production house, Humble Lion Media Concepts (HLMC). HLMC explores 'taboo' topics such as sex in relationship and marriage. In 2019, the HLMC movie, ‘A Day In The Light’ was shown across various university campuses in Ghana and garnered positive reviews from viewers.[11]
Philanthropy
AVMB has been known to support several students through a private scholarship scheme. He also facilitated a blood donation exercise in 2017 for His congregation. He routinely organizes funfairs and parties for children during festive seasons. In 2019, He financed the building of a recording studio for the promotion of young talents, a studio which He gifted to music label Gold Dust Music.[10][1]
AVMB Folio of Honour (AFOH)
The AVMB Folio of Honour is an annual award ceremony where outstanding individuals in AVMB Ministries are honoured. The first ceremony was organized in December 2017.[12] There are many categories under which members are appreciated at the AFOH. These include leadership, ministry, business, music, sports, art, academia and loyalty. The grandest award category is called the ‘Abrempon’. Those who find themselves in this category are recognized as the most outstanding members (males and females) within the entire AVMB Ministries.[13] The number one ranked male and female are crowned ‘Son of the Year’ and ‘Miss Bimbo’ (after Pastor Bimbo Odukoya of blessed memory) respectively. For a period of one year until the next award ceremony, the duo act as icons of the vision of AVMB Ministries.
Controversies
In the early stages of his ministry, AVMB was accused of being an occult. Even though there was no substance to these claims, the rumors caught on and several schools such as Presbyterian Boys' Senior High School-Legon, Aburi Girls' Senior High School, Achimota School, and Wesley Girls' Senior High School placed a ban on CSU activities within the schools. In 2016, the Ghana Education Service ordered the removal of AVMB’s book, ‘The Ministry of Angels and How to Activate Them’ from all schools.[14] This was following nationwide media coverage of disciplinary action taken by Authorities of Wesley Girls’ SHS who forcibly took copies of the book from students. According to the PRO of GES, Mr. Jonathan Bettey, even though the students were not practising occultism, the book contained occult doctrines.[15] The Board chairman of the school however denied such claims. The weeks that followed saw many publications publish their own reviews about the book several of which refuted claims of occult doctrine made by the GES. There were no press charges against GES for defamation but a press release signed by King Onesimus, PRO of CSU.[16][17]
Discography
Singles
- Reigning[18]
- Thank you ABBA (with Audrey & HK)[19]
- Hakkudadem (with Mimi Elsa, Reggie & ELi)[20]
- Gavivina (with Gyidi)[21]
- Okurayen (with Benedicta Asare)[22]
- Onyame Se Ayeyi (with Abby Kay)[23]
- Pull him Down (PhD) (with Gyidi)[24]
Filmography
Films
Year | Title | Role | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
2016 | Never Again | Director/Executive Producer | [11] |
2019 | A Day In the Light |
Writings
Vinny Max Bani has authored many books, his first book; 1111 Divinely Inspired Sayings is now available in Portable Document Format. Other writing include:
Book's name | Year of publication | ISBN |
---|---|---|
Dunamis Hagah | 2010 | 978-2704-40-3 |
Can One Lose His Salvation? | 2010 | 978-9988-2-2649-7 |
Dunamis Hagah (Reloaded) | 2011 | 978-2704-40-3 |
Ministry of Angels and How to Activate Them | 2012 | 978-9988-2-1840-9 |
Anointing for increase | 2012 | 978-9988-2-0031-2 |
100 Secrets of GOD | 2013 | 978-2704-40-4 |
Divine Exchange | 2014 | 978-9988-2-0673-4 |
Biblical Qualities of a Wife | 2015 | 978-9988-1-9084-2 |
How to catch GOD's Attention | 2016 | 978-9988-2-1840-9 |
The Man to Marry (Biblical Qualities of a Husband) | 2017 | 978-9988-2-5933-4 |
Faith Made Easy | 2018 | 978-9988-2-8617-0 |
References
- ^ a b c d e Onesimus, King (July 4, 2019). "A Life Worth Celebrating". Daily Graphic. No. 28. Graphic Communications Group Ltd.
- ^ a b c d Zormelo, Kelvin Cornelius. "Africa meets AVMB: An exposé on AVMB'S impact on the story of Africa [Article]". Radio Universe. Universe Room. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ "AVMB Ministries break silence on mischief by dismissed member". Radio Universe. Universe Room. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ "APOSTLE VINNY MAX BANI". Christ Symbolic Union Int. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ "Who We Are: 10 Years of Absolute Dependence on GOD". Christ Symbolic Union. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ a b Kubi, Dyza. "The Reign Of CSU; Hear More From The Director On KubiLiveChat". Kubi Live. Kubi Live. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
- ^ "AVMB Wisdom Diaries". Youtube. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ "Music: X4G (eXcellence for God)". Gospel Centric. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ Sagoe, Margaret. "Try Something New! Take A Look At This Wavy Artiste: Gyidi". Kuul Peeps. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ a b Onesimus, King (6 May 2019). "Man of GOD Gifts New Studio". Today Ghana.
- ^ a b "A 'Day In The Light' sold out in KNUST. Here's why:". Radio Universe. Universe Room. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ "Gyidi wins highest honour at AFOH Awards". Airnews Online. Airnews Online. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ "Gyidi wins double at AFOH Awards". GhanaWeb. GhanaWeb. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ "Books seized at Wesley Girls are occultic – GES". GhanaWeb. GhanaWeb. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ Powers, Austin Brako. "GES directs removal of "occultic" book from 'educational system'". Joy Online. Joy Online. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ Larnyoh, Magdalene Teiko. "A peek into the supposed Wey Gey Hey 'occult book'". Citi Online. Citi Online. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ Doe, Esther Eyra. "Author of alleged occult book used in Wesley girls react to media reports Read more: https://yen.com.gh/45313-author-alleged-occultist-book-react-media-reports.html". Yen. Yen. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
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- ^ "Reigning by AVMB". SoundCloud. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
- ^ "AMAZING NEW HIT SONG: "THANK YOU ABBA"". Voice of DECAM. DECAM Communications. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
- ^ "AVMB ft. Mimi Elsa, Eli and Reggie Hakkudadem [Stand Up]". Audiomack. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
- ^ "Song Title : Gavivina". Aftown. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
- ^ "Okurayen (Live Worship) by GoldDust Music". SoundCloud. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
- ^ "Onyame Se Ayeyi". Youtube. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
- ^ "PhD-GYIDI(X4G) FT. AVMB_DANCE VIDEO BY KDMC SELEXION 2016". Voice of DECAM. Retrieved 25 September 2019.