01/09/2021
THE YOUNG MINISTER:
I was at the just concluded International Ministers Flaming Fire Conference hosted by the Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Abuja.
Few lessons I’d like to highlight from the stories Dr Robert Liardon the author of God’s Generals told at the event.
1. Everyone who made a significant difference in ministry was initially misunderstood by people and established platforms until the vision began to speak.
Note:
Hold strongly to what God told you if you are sure of it without minding who chose not to understand it. Never trade divine instructions for human endorsement. Never allow human sentiments to override divine assignments. Never sacrifice a genuine mandate on the altar of personal convenience or the fear of being misunderstood.
2. Revivals don’t last until it transcends to reformation.
Those whose ministries imparted greatly on their nations were not revivalist or crusaders but Christ centered and kingdom driven reformers.
Note:
I have always maintained that true and lasting revival happens when believers begin to control the factors of production and systems of distribution rather than the number of times they gather within the church walls to weep and pray.
The African church as currently witnessed is being deceived by the influx of multitudes into worship places as a sign of revival whereas most people throng worship places as a means of survival from years of irresponsible governance that had resulted into absolute systemic failure with its effects on failing economy, dilapidated infrastructures, joblessness, insecurities and the collapse of other social amenities amongst others. People have no choice but to seek God for a miraculous intervention for what should have been a norm.
Check out the program titles of most churches today, if it’s not miracle or breakthrough promising then, it’s demon killing. These are the major reasons amongst others why the continent is still under terrible sieges.
Revivals are not emotional feelings, they are heart born and principles sustained.
3. Avoid competitive tendencies.
Note:
Most of the people with great ministry gifts of the last century got engaged in unhealthy competitions and rivalries that cut short not only their lives but limited the spread of the move of God in that season.
4. Pay attention to the little things.
Many of the great men of yesterday were more engrossed in building their ministry gifts than building their personal relationship with God and their families.
Note:
It’s amazing today to see how many a minister have lost their humanity trying to build their ministries.
You see envy, manipulations, jealousy, bitterness, anger and wicked politicking amongst ministers and in ministries yet we are delighted to announce how many hours we prayed in tongues; the number of mountains we have climbed; the prophecies that came to pass and other ministry achievements we have had lately. We spend so much money, time and effort to save new souls while unconsciously destroying the ones that were already saved.
Seated in our pews and on our altars are men and women that are sitting on hurts and bitterness occasioned by our insensitivity yet we seemed not to care.
5. Be time sensitive.
Those who made enduring marks started quite early and had a sense of urgency.
Note:
Ministry requires a sense of urgency and responsibility to duty. Make sense on time while you have the stage because the stage is not yours for keeps. It’s not your inheritance sir. Those on the pew are only interested in those who make sense on the stage. Always remember that many are coming from behind you for the stage. God cannot waste His agenda because of some irresponsible persons, He has many alternatives and won’t hesitate to replace you when you begin to play around.
6. Work very hard but sensibly.
Many of those who made their marks worked tirelessly but few of them employed the combination of hard work with strategic sensitivity to their health and family needs.
Note:
Do not lazy about in the name of being in ministry. Ministry requires serious physical, mental, emotional and spiritual engagement sir. Give yourself wholly to your assignment but do not neglect your health and family.
7. Be humble to seek for spiritual help when you need it.
I saw Dr Robert Liardon, a man who had had the greatest of men lay hands on him, I am talking about a man who saw heaven at the tender age of eight and have had Jesus visit him, asking the church to pray for him when his voice cracked. He didn’t think twice to allow Dr Paul Enenche lay hands on his throat publicly for prayers.
Note:
It’s proof of spiritual maturity and security to ask for help, counsel or input from friends and subordinates when it matters.
Today, most people would rather die in their weaknesses than go for counseling and therapy.
This matter is becoming very long o, I just have to stop here for this week.
Summary:
As a young Minister, these things are told as examples to us. They are meant to be a guide on what to do and what not to do.
Experience only becomes the best teacher if it’s someone else’s experience.
Watch your motives.
Mind your vision.
Be strategic in your actions.
Be urgent in your engagements.
Be selective of your associations.
Be broken before your maker.
Pursue unity and growth of the Body of Christ.
Take care of your body and family.
