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“I suppose you are pastors. Pastors, I just want to encourage you as a fellow labourer in the vineyard of the Lord Jesus.
Charismatics, we always want to benefit, not the benefactor. We always want God to do something; God should give us a breakthrough…
So, we are always under pressure to provide for the people what they want. Because if we don’t do it, they will leave church and go elsewhere for somebody to provide for them.
So we are always doing: “Oh, come, tomorrow there will be anointing for twins”, “come with your chequebooks and put them on the altar for financial problems….”
Because the people have put all their hope in us. They want us to solve their problems. If we do not solve them, they will go somewhere else.
So, it is a catch two-two thing. Should I meet them where they are? Because I also need members in my church. I can’t wake up and come to church and there is no one. Where have they gone to? There is somebody distributing twins along the line, double breakthrough and so on.
These days, people emphasise so much on testimonies. The thing about testimonies is that when people give testimonies, nobody follows up on these things.
If someone comes to say God has done it, we must follow up after three months to confirm.
He threw his wheelchair away. Has he bought a new one? He threw his walking stick away. Has he bought a new one? He brought his medications to the altar. Has he gone for a new prescription? We have to check…
So, I am just saying that in the midst of all of these, our mission in spite of the expectations of the people is first and foremost to draw them to know Jesus Christ, to grow in Him, to know His word, and to follow His character.
Have a plan in your church to lead your people to Christ. Don’t only talk about His power. Let people be pleased coming to church just to learn about Jesus and go home.
Because, the more they know Him, the more His glory is manifested. John tells us: “… and of His fulness, we have received…” That means everything that people want to receive is in Christ and when Christ is lifted up, he draws people to Himself.
As difficult as it is, I just want to encourage you, let us lead the people to the Lord Jesus Christ and He will do things among your congregations that will shock you.
The greatest thing I think for a pastor is to see God doing works among your members and you know you have no hand in it.
The people come and give testimonies and you know you have no hand in it. That is when you know your ministry has matured. Because they are experiencing God.”
Editorial note:
This message was delivered by Dr Mensa Otabil and CLC transcribed it for its valued readers. Thank you.
