Church Growth Recipe

19/03/2024

The Lonely Pastor
Just Thinking.. 🤔

The top is very lonely.
As a Pastor, most times people call us, only because they need us or need something from us. People hardly genuinely Love us.

People who should be friends,end up becoming competitors.

Your sons see you only as a means, to get somethings they need and can’t wait for an easy excuse to get offended.

Who do you tell your inner most thoughts?
Who do you play with?
Who do you joke with?
Who do you become human around?

Lots of people around, yet you are lonely.

Every phone call takes away from you. It takes away money, counsel, instruction, prayer, energy, time, encouragement etc. The very same things you desperately need, but far from recieving.

But who cares to know that the man of God has needs?

By obedience to the mandate on your life, you create a family(Church), where people network, build friends and companions, find love and care, form associations, build relationships and yet you are excluded from experiencing it.

Sometimes the associations formed through your platform, becomes a weapon to fight you.

Marriage associations, friendship associations, business associations and acquaintances made through your platforms, turn around and see you as the enemy.

You create the right room and ambience for friendship and relationships, but the same family believe you are too big or spiritual to drink from the same well of relationships you dug.

Do you even have friends?
People who genuinely look out for you and seek for your good.

Many people cheer you on, when you achieve, because they can’t do anything about it, or have any contribution towards it. If they had any power that could stop your achievement, they will not hesitate to use it.

But they have never initiated any genuine effort, to put a smile on your face.

We literally scramble and beg for company, yet we have our phone numbers saved in most people’s phones, with the best of names and accompanied with amazing Love Emojis; My Father ❤️, Daddy General 😍, My Prophet 😘 etc.

Saturday was Global Pastors’ Day. It came and passed, who remembered to celebrate his pastor?

Can’t quite put the thoughts into writing properly. My writing skills fail me this morning.

But one thing is sure..
It is very Lonely being a Pastor/ Vision Bearer/ General Overseer.

My Thoughts
PST Francis Udeh

15/05/2021

13/04/2016

Church Money

How much is your church income?
Do you want to increase it?
If it increases, what will you use it for?
How are you using the little you already have?

Pastors are STEWARDS
A steward, holds something in trust for another. God has handed over to you his flock. He also handed over to you the finances of the church to hold in trust for Him.

You are a manager of Gods people and Gods properties. We manage talents, treasures and resources to the glory of God. They are Gods gift to us.
Hope your church financial management gives glory to God?

A lot complain, that they don't have enough in their church, while they are not faithful and transparent in handling the little financial blessings, that God has given them.

Luke 16:10-11 NKJV
[10] He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. [11] Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

Do you have a church account?

Use every avenue possible to communicate financial integrity. A lot of pastors think they have financial integrity, but they don't communicate it. No matter your level of financial integrity, if you are communicating wrongly, then you are in, for a big problem.

It is an error for the Pastor or the wife, to be the one counting, recording and keeping church money. The members watch, as the church money is being put at the trunk of your car. Try as much as possible to stay away from church finances.

Get an accountant or a financial secretary, let him report to you and you deal with just figures. Then the money should be sent to the bank latest Monday morning.

This is both safe for your integrity and your security. So members don't think, you keep the church money under your pillow.
Impression is stronger than perception.

To be continued...
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Church Growth Recipe
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20/01/2016

Church Crisis

Crisis is a time of great danger, difficulty or confusion, when problem must be solved or important decisions taken.

No matter what you do, crisis are to be expected occasionally.
In your business, career, job, family, relationship, ministry etc.

Every champion in the scripture moved from one crisis to another. What actually made David a champion, was the emergence of Goliath. How often we desire never to experience crisis in our daily lives.

The word crisis when written in Chinese, comprises of two brush strokes.
One represents Danger and the other represents Opportunity. In crisis, be aware of the danger and recognize the opportunity. Crisis are not always there, to destroy you.

There are many types of crisis one can experience in ministry
Disloyalty
Criticism
Character assassination
Scandals
Marital crisis
Victimization etc

Crisis never surprises God
It's part of the process you and your ministry will go through, to come to the promise land. It therefore depends on the glasses, which you use to view the crisis.

Every moment of crisis brings out the best in you.
Sometimes you need a little crisis, to get your adrenalin flowing and help you realize your potential.

There is always an opportunity in that crisis. God will always work out something good for you and your ministry.

Most ministers suffer from criticism, false accusations and scandals. The worst part of it, is that "A lie gets half way around the world, before the truth has a chance to dress up, for the same journey"

I therefore, advice pastors and ministers to always keep quiet in time of crisis.
Proverbs 29:11 NKJV
[11] A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.
Never discuss the problems of your crisis with someone incapable of solving them.

You will learn more in crisis, than in victory.

When you face the crisis of betrayal or disloyalty from an associate, assistant,trusted church worker who feels indispensable or very important.

Just know that when one door of happiness closes, another opens. But often times we look so long on the closed doors, that we do not see the new door, which had been opened to us.

If only you can look very closely, you will find out the reason behind that crisis.
Maybe God wants a replacement of that person. Better not stand in the way of God and what he wants done.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.
Experience of trial strengthens, inspires ambition and achieves success...Helen Keller

I always see crisis as the hinge on the door of promotion.

Be encouraged in the fact that, that crisis will pass. "This too shall pass"
Picture the rewards beyond the crisis. It's always a blessing in disguise. If you can see it from this perspective, it will surely become a reward for you.

You will always stand the chance of learning more in crisis, than you will do when you are at ease.

Crisis opens door to Better things.

Contact
Church Growth Recipe
08030736060

Keep following
God want your Church to grow

20/01/2016

Church Crisis

Crisis is a time of great danger, difficulty or confusion, when problem must be solved or important decisions taken.

No matter what you do, crisis are to be expected occasionally.
In your business, career, job, family, relationship, ministry etc.

Every champion in the scripture moved from one crisis to another. What actually made David a champion, was the emergence of Goliath. How often we desire never to experience crisis in our daily lives.

The word crisis when written in Chinese, comprises of two brush strokes.
One represents Danger and the other represents Opportunity. In crisis, be aware of the danger and recognize the opportunity. Crisis are not always there, to destroy you.

There are many types of crisis one can experience in ministry
Disloyalty
Criticism
Character assassination
Scandals
Marital crisis
Victimization etc

Crisis never surprises God
It's part of the process you and your ministry will go through, to come to the promise land. It therefore depends on the glasses, which you use to view the crisis.

Every moment of crisis brings out the best in you.
Sometimes you need a little crisis, to get your adrenalin flowing and help you realize your potential.

There is always an opportunity in that crisis. God will always work out something good for you and your ministry.

Most ministers suffer from criticism, false accusations and scandals. The worst part of it, is that "A lie gets half way around the world, before the truth has a chance to dress up, for the same journey"

I therefore, advice pastors and ministers to always keep quiet in time of crisis.
Proverbs 29:11 NKJV
[11] A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.
Never discuss the problems of your crisis with someone incapable of solving them.

You will learn more in crisis, than in victory.

When you face the crisis of betrayal or disloyalty from an associate, assistant,trusted church worker who feels indispensable or very important.

Just know that when one door of happiness closes, another opens. But often times we look so long on the closed doors, that we do not see the new door, which had been opened to us.

If only you can look very closely, you will find out the reason behind that crisis.
Maybe God wants a replacement of that person. Better not stand in the way of God and what he wants done.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.
Experience of trial strengthens, inspires ambition and achieves success...Helen Keller

I always see crisis as the hinge on the door of promotion.

Be encouraged in the fact that, that crisis will pass. "This too shall pass"
Picture the rewards beyond the crisis. It's always a blessing in disguise. If you can see it from this perspective, it will surely become a reward for you.

You will always stand the chance of learning more in crisis, than you will do when you are at ease.

Crisis opens door to Better things.

Contact
Church Growth Recipe
08030736060

Keep following
God want your Church to grow

14/01/2016

Mr Apostle

An Apostle is a sent one, and every apostle has a message meant for an audience.

Romans 10:14-15 NKJV
[14] How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? [15] And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: " How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"

Whenever God wants his counsel declared, whenever He wants his people to encounter a progressive revelation, whenever God wants to do a new thing, He sends a messenger.

A message in the lips of a worthy messenger brings result.

These messages most times might not be conventional, they might not be religious and they might not appeal to the ears of already established Pharisees and Sadducees.
Most times, these messages encounter a lot of persecution, from people who think they are fighting the Lords battle( remember Saul on his way to Damascus).

Servant of God, God gave you that mandate because He wants his people to hear it. It might not be generally accepted, but stick to it, if you are convinced it is from God.

Romans 11:13 NKJV
[13] For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry.

The ministry that God has given to you, is not less than any other you know. It was given to you for a purpose. The Bishops and peters of our time might not understand it, but don't fail to magnify your office.
Be bold about your message and keep saying it.

Every sent man in the Bible came with a peculiar message

Know what you have been called to do, stick to it and before long, you will be amazed at what God will accomplish through you.

God might have called you to reach the forgotten, the prostitutes, the cultists and armed robbers.

Read the verse below and you will see the first congregation that David pastored.

1 Samuel 22:2 NKJV
[2] And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.

These men latter became the mighty men of David in 2 Samuel 23:8

Don't waste your time on those critics and jealous people. The Bible has a recommendation for them.

Matthew 10:14 NKJV
[14] And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.

Move on sir, everyone must not believe you. You are jot called to minister to everyone. The moment you understand this, ministry will be a lot easier for you.

Concentrate on those that believe you and are ready to hear you.

Ask God to help you identify and lead you to your audience.
John 10:26-27 NKJV
[26] But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. [27] My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

Stay blessed

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Church Growth Recipe
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08/01/2016

It's a new year

I want to start by wishing you a happy new year.

A lot of churches already set our 40 days, 30 days, 21 days, 7 days for fasting and praying for the new year.

It is very good to pray and fast, but don't forget the place of planning
If you pray and fast without planning, your church might still remain where it use to be. No matter how much you pray, just know that success is not success doesn't just happen, it is planned for.

Planning is bringing the future into the present, so that you can do something about it now.

Sit down and prayerfully ask God for the strategy you will use for 2016.
Strategy is the act of doing things in a wise, effective and result oriented way. It requires proper planning and knowing the most cost effective way of achieving results. Church grows as a result of one strategy or the other.

Don't get me wrong, strategy is not human planning without taking God into cognizance. Rather, it is knowing the mind of the spirit as to the most effective way of doing ministry in this year and achieve maximum result for God and His kingdom.

Strategy is better than energy. In a battle, it is better than weapons of war.

If your church must continue to be relevant, it requires progressive strategic planning. Strategies that worked before, might not work today.

This year, your church must be strategic in winning souls and taking over new territories because the devil is very strategic.

A Dream written down with a date becomes a Goal
A Goal broken down into steps becomes a Plan
A Plan backed by Action becomes a Reality

God has a lot in stock for you and your church in this new year.

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28/12/2015

Leading Leader

A leader is a leader not by position but by influence

Some pastors chose church leaders, based on age, ethnicity, financial capacity and spirituality. The spiritual maturity of a leader shouldn't be questionable, but that shouldn't be the sole qualification.

Leadership positions should be given to people, that has proven themselves in a specific area or have great passion for that particular area of ministry.
1 Timothy 3:10 NKJV
[10] But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.

You don't get a prayer warrior and make him the music director, just because you think he is spiritual. In a choir, if the younger person, has the needed skill, passion, loyalty and commitment, it is better to give him the responsibility to lead.

Times are gone, when you have church leaders, that their Job is to sit, count church money and have meetings. They must have a way of adding to the church. They must be held responsible for an area of the ministry. At the lowest level, they should be able to do supervisory roles.

The leaders should have the capacity to step in, and fill the gap, should any area be lacking in church. They should have an understanding of how things are done.

This will give them a sense of responsibility

If they are idle, the devil will employ them for church politics and in fighting.

When you chose leaders who occupy positions and have big titles but do little or nothing to contribute to the administrative structure of the church, then you are not ready to grow.

Don't duplicate positions, without job descriptions
Let their job descriptions be spelt out, to prevent confusion, clash of duties and it will help you know who to hold responsible for what, if anything goes wrong.

For you to have a high performing Committe or team, empower them based on their passion and ability not by spirituality alone.

There is no Military General, that doesn't have an idea of war. You can't just be a leader, without having an area in church, that you have lead or can lead.
Leadership is not by favoritism, it should be a reward for service, loyalty and commitment.

Leadership is by influence. For your leaders to have influence on the followers, they must be people, the followers look up to in different areas of ministry available in your church.

They should be people who have distinguished themselves and excelled in the areas of ministry available in the church.

Merry Christmas and Happy new year

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21/12/2015

Church Committee

God does not lead a Church through a Committe but one man.

This statement, as controversial as it may sound, is a basic truth every church must understand.

For any church to thrive, there must be a call on the church. The Call, is the problem that God sent the church to solve. God doesn't send just for sending sake.

This call and mandate, is carried by the set-man in the church.
The vision for the church is received by the leader. His job, is to forecast the vision for other leaders and followers, who will run with it.

But the vision comes from one man.
Vision is not the same with ambition.

I will talk on the difference between Vision and Ambition on subsequent editions.

The pastor is not enough to ensure growth, the people are important. No church can grow without the commitment, involvement of the people. But it's very important, the people understand their responsibilities and it's limit.

When any commission runs two parallel visions, it brings DIVISION
The word DIVISION is made up of
DI- which means two( more than one)
VISION

Church growth results from the vision and call of God upon the life of the pastor, supported by leaders and members, that has understanding of the vision and buys into it.

The Pastor writes the Vision down, makes it plain for others reading it, to run.

Don't surround yourself with hypocritical, greedy, double-faced vision killers.

When godly standards are lowered and rich and influential people are given positions because of their wealth.
Then you will soon have a Committe,deacon board, pastors, that would want to hijack the vision or run a parallel vision.

They usurp power and deal with the pastor.

Wrong and undiscipled people in sensitive and spiritual positions in church, is the beginning of the end for that church.

Leaders must be chosen based on loyalty.

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Church Growth Recipe
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