Brookdale Christian Center | Pastor Zinna and Kweku Abedu-Bentsi
As December comes into full swing, the Minnesota District takes this time to highlight churches and ministries within multi-ethnic churches. This year, Brookdale Christian Center stands out as a church where a spirit of community and multi-ethnic outreach continues to make an incredible impact in the heart of Brooklyn Center.
Pastor Zinna Abedu-Bentsi and her husband, Kweku (KA), were born in Liberia. At a young age, Zinna encountered Jesus through Child Evangelism Fellowship, an outreach ministry that nurtured her spiritual foundation. Over time, she served as youth choir director and women’s ministry leader in an Assemblies of God church plant. KA, raised in the church, followed a similar path of service, eventually becoming a youth director. During this time, Zinna and KA met during a ministry event. They have been married for over 30 years and have been blessed with four beautiful children: Ignatius, Mirael, Arzinda, and Joshua.
Their journey took a dramatic turn in 1989 when the civil war in Liberia forced them to flee to Minnesota. Adjusting to a new culture and climate, they found a church home at Brookdale Christian Center, where they began volunteering. KA led the youth department and took on administrative roles, while Zinna worked in children’s ministry—a role that grew into a full-time position.
In 2022, Pastor Bernard Bouissieres of Brookdale asked Zinna to step into the lead pastor role. Zinna recalls the Lord providing her with a feeling of certainty about this calling. She reflects that a life of volunteer leadership in the church prepared her to take the role.
Under Zinna and KA’s leadership, Brookdale Christian Center focuses on renewal and growth through building renovation, creating programs for families and youth, and increasing fellowship. The couple also feels a strong call to cross-cultural ministry, particularly to immigrants like themselves who have come from different countries and need a church home.
The Lord has used Pastor Zinna and KA’s life journey to minister to a new, cross-cultural generation. While cultural barriers can be challenging to overcome, Pastor Zinna encourages other pastors in similar situations: “I think it’s key for multi-ethnic churches to know it’s about God, and it’s not about what I look like or what they look like. I don’t see the difference. I see us as children of God.”
Zinna and KA envision a future of community outreach, spiritual development, and a lasting legacy of faith for future generations. Their story serves as a powerful reminder to trust God’s guidance, embrace your unique calling, and serve humbly.
