Christ-Centered Ministries

31/03/2025

31/03/2025

SEED SOWING AND REAPING, WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

I really did not want to write about this subject based on certain personal reasons. But since Apst Kongnyu Elvis called my attention to it, I have decided to do that.

Reading through the Old Testament, regarding the subject of giving, I found out that Old Testament folks gave for the following reasons:

1. Worship (acknowledging God as the creator and giver of all).
2. Thanksgiving (gratitude)
3. Free will
4. Obedience to the law (tithe)
5. Helping the needy

It is so clear throughout the Old Testament that before the law, giving was based on gratitude (thanksgiving), free will and a means of worship. Even tithe then was based on free will.

When the law came, the only other basis of giving added composarily was tithing (a tax given to aid the running of the temple and to cater for the Levites).

Nowhere in the entire Old Testament do we see the concept of “sowing and reaping” taught and/or demonstrated implicitly or explicitly.

You may start thinking of the concept of tithing to receive a blessing as stated by Malachi and other Old Testament passages, but you must know that that’s a different concept all together.

You might think of Gen 26:12 Then Isaac SOWED in that land, and RECEIVED in the same year AN HUNDREDFOLD: and the LORD BLESSED him.

Remember again, this wasn’t sowing money or material things and reaping a blessing from God, it is talking about ACTUAL agricultural process of sowing, cultivating and reaping.

There is another passage referring to an agricultural process of sowing, cultivating, and reaping (harvesting).

Gen 8:22 While the earth remaineth, SEEDTIME and HARVEST, and COLD and HEAT, and SUMMER and WINTER, and DAY and NIGHT shall not cease.

This passage above is talking about seasons, in relation to agriculture not what most have always used this passage for.

Now, many will say “that’s true, but we can apply the principle in our contemporary world with money”.

That’s a very wrong principle there. If there be any principle we should draw from these thoughts communicated by these passages above and many others not mention here it is to teach believers to be hardworking, make use of the seasons and see God’s blessings come through by the works of our hands.

Now, let’s get to the New Testament.

In the New Testament we see the following reasons/types for giving:

1. Free Will
2. Gratitude (Thanksgiving)
3. Worship (acknowledging God as the provider)
4. Helping the needy

Notice that tithing is not mentioned here because it is not a New Testament teaching.

Matt 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay TITHE of mint and anise and cu**in, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

The above text is quoted by many to defend tithing as being valid in the New Testament, but did you consider that Jesus lived under the law?

Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.

I will not deal much with this subject of tithe because that is not my focus in this article. If you want to understand it scripturally and doctrinally explained, I recommend the book: FUNDING THE CHURCH by Dr Danie Reynecke

Now, let me get to the few scriptures raised by Pastor Kongnyu Elvis regarding this subject of “sowing and reaping”.

Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.

Reading through this passage from verse 25, the context tells us that Jesus is teaching that God is a provider. That God is all able to provide for his own.

That is why the analogy of God catering for birds and the flowers comes in to show that if God caters for these, how much more us his children.

Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

This is not a sowing and reaping concept, it is rather a counsel from Jesus that instead of bordering ourselves about our material needs, we should trust God who provides.

Now, let’s look at the second passage:

2Cor 9:6 But this [I say], He which SOWETH SPARINGLY shall REAP also SPARINGLY; and he which SOWETH BOUNTIFULLY shall REAP also BOUNTIFULLY.
7 Every man according as he PURPOSETH in his heart, [so let him give]; not GRUDGINGLY, or of NECESSITY: for God loveth a CHEERFUL GIVER.
8 And God [is] able to make ALL GRACE ABOUND toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 NOW HE THAT MINISTERETH SEED TO THE SOWER BOTH MINISTER BREAD FOR [YOUR] FOOD, AND MULTIPLY YOUR SEED SOWN, AND INCREASE THE FRUITS OF YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal distribution unto them, and unto all [men];
14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Paul spoke of the blessedness of giving, of how giving should be done in the church, and of the results of generous giving:

Rules for giving

1. Each individual must decide the amount he or she gives (9:7).

2. All giving should come from the heart (9:7).

Results of giving

1. God will meet the needs of the giver (9:8-11).

2. The giving will meet the real needs of others (9:12).

3. The recipients will praise God and pray for the giver (9:12-14).

Remember, in context, the believers were to do a contribution for a need. That’s important to note, and their giving were to be motivated by love.

Remember Paul's statement in the book of Acts?

Acts 20:35 In every way I’ve shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary to help the weak and to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, for He said, ‘IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE.’ ”

Proverbs has something in this light to say:

Prov 11:24 One person is GENEROUS and yet GROWS more wealthy, but another WITHHOLDS more than he should and COMES to poverty.

There is something we must note here which is what the preachers of “sowing and reaping” miss or don’t care about. That thing is MOTIVE.

In words of Andrew Wommack, let us look at how God sees our motives or what our motives mean to God.

« Motive is everything! According to God’s Word, your motive is actually more important than your action. « Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity [God’s kind of love], it profiteth me nothing. » 1 Corinthians 13:3. Holy acts – in this case giving to the poor or even laying down your life for another – profit you nothing unless they’re done motivated by God’s kind of love. If your motivation for living holy – giving finances, or sacrificing your life for someone else, for example – is debt, obligation, or trying to earn something, then your motive is wrong. You aren’t doing it out of a love response for what the Lord has done, but you’re doing it to try to gain a positive response from God. You believe that God is responding to you, instead of you responding to Him. If that’s your motive, it profits you nothing! This is exactly why so many people aren’t healed, delivered, and prospered. They’re doing the right things – studying the Word, paying their tithes, among others – but they are putting their faith in what they are doing. They’re thinking, God, is it enough? Now will You move in my life? Wrong motivation gets wrong results. That’s not true Bible faith. True Bible faith must be in what God has done for us, not in what we are doing for God! »

Now, to the next passage of scripture Apst Kongnyu mentioned;

Phil 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning GIVING and RECEIVING, but ye only.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17 NOT BECAUSE I DESIRE A GIFT: BUT I DESIRE FRUIT THAT MAY ABOUND TO YOUR ACCOUNT.
18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19 BUT MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS.
20 Now unto God and our Father [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

We must be careful in interpreting this passage, especially verses 15, 17, and 19.

In verse 15, Paul talks of “GIVING and RECEIVING” which simply means that the Philippian Christians reached out to him with material assistance (possibly financial assistance too).

In verse 17, Message Translation puts it like this: “Not that I'm looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.”

Paul’s intentions were for them “to experience the blessing that issues from generosity”, that is why he took the gifts.

Then followed his declaration on them in verse 19 after having received their gift; MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS.

To end, contrary the “sowing and reaping” gospel where a believer is supposed to get a seed (material or monetary), tag an expectation (often with prayers and declarations) to it and then, give it expecting that particular return to it, what Paul teaches here through the passages we have examined is that giving from the basis of LOVE (motive) either to meet needs, or worship or thanksgiving or free will has a reward.

The reward here isn’t stated what exactly it is, but God surely does not forget such labour of love. It is therefore safe to say, what kind of blessings an individual receives as a result of generous giving is determined by God.

Latly, God is not in the business of multiply money for those who sow financial seeds!

As a believer, GIVE! And Generously so!

Give to your church, to your pastor, to those in need.

Give for missions, for church projects, for all other church needs.

Do not massage your stinginess with “sowing and reaping is not biblical”. That’s true, it’s not biblical and should not be an excuse why you DO NOT GIVE, and GENEROUSLY SO!

Hope this is clear!

Let me know!


www.trusnyowikeh.org

Jesus reigns! We reign!
Pastor Trus Nyowikeh Snr

19/12/2024

Why Go to Seminary?

The question: Why go to seminary is a legitimate one. As with any significant investment of your time and resources, it’s worth considering.

Some of the most common objections to attending seminary I’ve come across are:

1. It’s more affordable and good enough to learn on the job or from the abundant Christian resources (books, online articles, podcasts, conferences, etc.) and other training programs.

2. Seminary is a waste of time and money. They only teach obscure academic topics that don’t interest the average churchgoer.

3. You don’t need seminary training because the Holy Spirit will teach you.

These objections have elements of truth in them, but in my view, there are significant reasons why those called to serve God and the church should seriously consider a seminary education.

Here are Six (6) Reasons to Go to Seminary

1. Scope and Rigor of the Call

Answering God’s call to ministry is one of the most difficult and courageous decisions you can make. Whether it’s pastoring, church planting, chaplaincy, formation, Christian thought leadership, justice or missions work, ministry is not a romantic romp of Bible preaching, creating exciting events and programs, and comforting hurting souls.

It’s a job that engages the principalities and powers of darkness. It’s a role with few financial or social rewards. It will always take you to the end of yourself. There are few compliments and many conflicts. The responsibilities bleed into every area of your life, even weekends, family time, evenings, vacations, and personal downtime. You constantly disappoint people whose expectations you can rarely meet. For this elite, tough work, you must prepare yourself for the importance and challenge of the call.

2. Requirement for Preparation

If you were going into battle as a soldier, you would want to be fully trained and prepared for every eventuality. If you were a surgeon, pilot, or social worker, you would want to know your craft and have practiced it until you feel confident to serve others in that role. So why would the highest calling of serving a church or a mission require less?

Jesus himself intentionally trained his disciples for two years. The early church had a rigorous training process for its elders and ministers. Throughout history, Christian leaders have always taken seriously the need to prepare those called to ministry for the spiritual, mental and human challenges before them.

3. Knowledge of the Bible, Church History and Theology

The fundamentals of understanding Christian faith are the disciplines of the church: Old and New Testament studies, church history and theology. Engaging in these vast, ancient fields requires a commitment to study, think critically, engage with experts, and discern with the Holy Spirit.

Grades, exams, essays and discussions are all part of serious and responsible learning. It matters that we have rooted in our minds the best thinking about Scripture and theology. It matters that we are not casual about our faith or arrogant enough to think that our frail minds can hold all the wonder and truth of God. We need the “great cloud of witnesses” to help guide and form us.

4. Complexity of Required Skills

To lead and serve in ministry requires a complex set of skills that engage the mind, will, heart and soul. One needs to be able to think critically and respond professionally. You have to be self-aware, deeply rooted in Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, and relationally and culturally astute.

Communication skills, conflict-management skills, change-management skills, leadership and administration skills, preaching, teaching, counseling, forming, listening and community engagement are necessary. These skills are learned and developed. Even with natural gifts, the bucket can quickly run dry without a well to return to.

5. Formation and Companionship

In seminary, the education journey is not only about acquiring knowledge and skills, but also about the formation of oneself to be like Christ. Ideas are not enough.

Many faithful people become complacent with their faith and spiritual disciplines. Seminary provides a steady focus on becoming like Christ over a period of time, with accountability and companionship. This is critical for developing leaders who can endure the tests and temptations of ministry and thrive in their calling over the long haul. By integrating this intentional formational focus into the curriculum, seminary leads to the best outcomes for growth and the best outcomes for a healthy minister in the long run.

6. Opportunities

A seminary master’s or doctoral degree can open doors for a variety of ministries, such as chaplaincy (military, hospital, hospice, prison, business, etc.), soul care, missions, leadership positions in nonprofits, and teaching in schools and universities.

To name a few examples:

The master of divinity (MDiv) is required for ordination in some denominations, as well as for military, prison, and hospital chaplaincy programs.

To do doctoral work in theological education, a master’s degree or MDiv is necessary.

If you want to be a spiritual director, getting a masters in spiritual formation brings an additional level of accountability and training oversight.

A seminary graduate education comes with the opportunity for better-paying positions and more options.

The difference between getting information from a conference and going on a seminary journey is the difference between shopping in a grocery store and training as a chef. Jesus calls us to prepare tables for anyone lost or hungry, which requires thought and care.

How Do I Consider and Prepare for Seminary

First, pray for guidance. Talk with trusted mentors and advisors. Listen to the Holy Spirit to discern if you are truly being called to get a graduate seminary education. If you are, it will be clear to you. When the Lord calls, the Lord makes a way, even when it might seem crazy or impossible to you.

Also, get your family and friends on board. Discuss together and plan for when regular study and reflection times might occur. Education and formation isn’t something you can just add on to an already busy life. If you are serious about a seminary education, make room for it.

After you’ve made your decision, there are several things you can do. Search online. Ask trusted friends and spiritual mentors for recommendations. Choose three or four seminaries and then vet them thoroughly. You will know the right one for you, and it might be a surprise. Christ-Centered Theological School Of Missions is always a place to consider in this journey.

What should I look for when choosing a seminary?

One of the keys to a successful seminary education is selecting a school that will serve you well. One of the reasons people don’t go to seminary is because they have talked to graduates who didn’t get out of it what they hoped for. So what should you look for in a seminary?

Mission: A seminary should have a clear mission to serve the church. Such a mission is reflected in programs and courses that offer a balance of academic, practical, and formational courses.

Student-Centered: The delivery of seminary education should be flexible enough to fit your lifestyle. Does the schedule fit the life of working adults with families and responsibilities? Does the seminary respond promptly, answer your questions, guide you, make it clear that they are there to support you on your journey? Are all requirements and costs clear and upfront?

Community & Diversity: The best seminaries have practices for creating community, either through cohorts or regular opportunities to study and grow together. An individual journey does not prepare you well for the church. Additionally, the faculty and students you study with should represent the diversity of the Christian church. Check the seminary’s faculty page and see if there are both women and men, as well as people from a variety of denominational and ethnic backgrounds serving on the faculty.

Quality of Education: Are the faculty recognized in their fields and engaged with professional and denominational organizations? Do they publish and speak on platforms that serve ministers, chaplains or formation guides? Are they the ones who actually teach required courses (not adjuncts), and how are the courses taught? Is there a faculty member who regularly engages with your learning and formation?

Commitment to Formation: Formation of students is a fundamental part of seminary education. If you graduate without loving Christ more and knowing yourself better, the seminary hasn’t succeeded. Formation must be a part of the culture of the seminary and not just in a few courses. From admissions through graduation there should be an observable culture of formation.

How do I pay for seminary?

There are several ways to pay for a seminary education:

Scholarships: Most seminaries have scholarship funds for students. Always apply. Always ask.

Sponsorships: Explore sponsorship options with your church, denomination, family and friends. Don’t be afraid to ask, and if they contribute, report regularly to them costs and outcomes. This is an investment in you for the sake of God’s work in the world.

Take it slow: If you go slower – not rushing through – it will cost less each term because you’re taking fewer credit hours. The best seminary education is the one in which you go slow enough to learn, reflect and incorporate ideas and habits into your life. There’s no hurry. The best education is one that shapes you and helps you grow.

Edited and Adapted by Pastor Trus Nyowikeh Snr.

Article written by MaryKate Morse, former Executive Dean of Portland Seminary

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www.ctsm1.com

19/12/2024

What Is a Master of Divinity (MDiv) Degree?
And Why Do I Need One?

For those of you who argue why it's necessary to obtain theological education and why to advance into the Masters program is one already has a Bachelor's degree, this article will help you.

Read carefully...

In an era marked by shifts in religious practices and an evolving spiritual landscape, the Master Of Divinity degree remains a cornerstone of Christian theological education.

Its significance transcends traditional ministry roles, extending its reach to address the pressing needs of a diverse and rapidly changing world.

In this article, we will explore the degree, who can benefit from it, and why it remains a vital choice in addressing the challenges of modern society.

What Is a Master of Divinity Degree?

First, let’s clarify what an MDiv (pronounced EM-div) is. A Master Of Divinity is a graduate-level degree offered by institutions of theological study and is a foundational degree for many ministry positions.

MDiv degrees require a median of 90 semester credits, according to a 2016 survey by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) of its member schools. However, there is a wide range in required credits that is dependent on specific denominational degree requirements. Completing the requirements for a Master Of Divinity program usually takes three to four years.

The median tuition and fees for one year of an MDiv program are $13,930, based on the 2022-23 ATS Annual Data Tables (Table 1.2). But at Christ-Centered Theological School Of Missions, the entire program is $824.

Program format varies by institution, including:

In-person programs; where students are required to attend face-to-face courses

Hybrid programs; where students engage in both online and in-person learning experiences

Online programs; where all courses and student interactions are done through digital platforms. This is the one Christ-Centered Theological School of Missions offers.

Who Is an MDiv For?

Historically, those who pursued an MDiv did so as part of their ordination process within mainline Protestant denominations. An MDiv is also required for individuals who pursue some branches of chaplaincy as a career. And, for a number of theological doctoral programs, it’s required or strongly preferred.

That said, you do not need to earn a master of divinity (MDiv) degree for all pastor positions. Many non-denominational and evangelical leaders are not required to have one. However, many pastors and ministry leaders are discovering they are poorly equipped to effectively tackle the challenges the Christian church is experiencing.

Because of this, seminaries have seen increased interest from leaders from diverse professional contexts who want additional theological and ministry training.

Individuals who serve in the public sector, nonprofit organizations, parachurch/mission-based ministries, and in third-space ministries, such as counseling or spiritual direction, are also sensing the need for additional education to effectively care for individuals and communities within their care. Pursuing an MDiv degree enables them to mature in their faith, broaden their ministry capacity, supplement their knowledge base, strengthen their leadership skills, and connect with a supportive community.

The Demanding Work of a Pastor Requires Rigorous Preparation

While deeply rewarding, being a pastor is equally demanding. One moment, you’ll be studying Scripture as you prepare for a sermon or Bible study. Next, you’ll find yourself counseling a middle-aged couple who are both ready to give up on their marriage. The following day brings staff and volunteer meetings where you must equip and envision your team for kingdom work. You’ll encounter congregants whose different church backgrounds require you to help them understand that their tradition, while wonderful, is not the only one around. You’ll be asked to mediate conflict, clarify theology, and help the organization stay financially fit. And you will do all of this by Thursday afternoon, all the while trying to keep yourself and your family spiritually and emotionally healthy.

Experience is a great and necessary teacher; there is no denying that. However, women and men who enter pastoral leadership without the proper training usually gain their experience at the expense of the people they have committed to lead. There are countless stories of hurt and disillusionment at the hand of an ill-equipped, under-trained leader, and they are heartbreaking. That’s why an MDiv program is worth both the time and the money. More than any other degree, it lays a solid theological, biblical and historical foundation while giving you the practical tools to care for and develop yourself and the people God has called you to shepherd.

What Will I Study in an MDiv program?

As an MDiv student, you’ll engage in courses in theology, church history, biblical studies, biblical language resources, and spiritual formation. Classes are designed to give you a deeper understanding of the church, scripture, and the ways theology impacts your daily interactions.

Courses in pastoral care and counseling, personal formation, preaching and worship, leadership, and vocational development opportunities provide practical tools and spiritually formative experiences so ministry leaders are equipped to meet contemporary challenges within their ministry context.

Ultimately, it lays a solid theological, biblical and historical foundation while giving you the practical tools to care for and develop yourself and the people God has called you to shepherd.

Why Earn an MDiv Now?

Opportunities for MDiv students are a result of a growing need in African culture. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General published an advisory declaring an epidemic of loneliness in America, reflecting increasing declines in religious identification, church participation, and social connection in general. This is also the case in Africa where we seek to lead.

Loneliness is a complex reality for many people. Even if a person is surrounded by people who love and care for them, a person can still feel alone. Loneliness occurs when a person perceives their social connections lack quality and depth. Fostering meaningful connections takes time and intention, both of which are in short supply in our fast-paced society.

The U.S. Surgeon General laid out a comprehensive plan for tackling the loneliness epidemic. For each of the six foundational pillars, thoughtful and empathetic leaders are needed to critically examine, initiate, and facilitate connections between people.

As a part of their robust academic and ministerial training, MDiv and chaplaincy graduates have gone through a personal journey of inner healing and deep self-awareness and have a more nuanced understanding of the complexities people face within society. This preparation enables them to serve others with a non-anxious presence that invites individuals and communities into authentic and meaningful relationships with one another, which counters the effects of loneliness.

Though Americans report less contact with houses of worship and their clergy, one in four Americans report having been served by a chaplain. Because of that, America’s institutions are searching for ministers who know how to proactively meet and care for the needs of an increasingly isolated culture with love and respect.

Earn an MDiv Online at Portland Seminary
In Portland Seminary’s hybrid-online MDiv program, students engage with one another through a cohort-based learning model. Students from diverse denominational backgrounds gather in-person and virtually to learn from an equally diverse faculty and grow in engaging environments. In those spaces of learning, they are encouraged to think with clarity, live with integrity, and serve with the heart of God in their ever-changing, wide-ranging environments.

Upon graduating, they are equipped to lead in the church, chaplaincy, education, global mission, and more.

At Christ-Centered Theological School of Missions, your MDiv degree is infused with Christ-centered spiritual formation, which means you will gain both the competencies and the character needed to pastor well, and to do so for the long haul.

Edited and Adapted by Pastor Trus Nyowikeh Snr.

Originally Written by Darcy Hansen, DMin, and Ken Van Vliet, DMin

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02/04/2024

That we may have a church that walks in simplicity!

The missionaries came, didn't map out any territorial dimensions and vacaniscious spiritus (whatever that means only them know), yet changed communities from idol worship to Jesus.

They didn't organize judgement services, yet native doctors packed out of communities and some repented by the simplicity of the Gospel.

But today, noise everyone, and very few are abandoning the world to Jesus!

No discipleship
No genuine walk of miracles!

This present day church generation needs to rethink who's their God!



Trus Nyowikeh Snr