An Unusual Man of God

I can never forget the day I met this man for the first time. My youngest son, Joe, was born on December 7, 2006. The next day he came to meet me and to see my newborn son in the hospital. He had recently shifted to Hyderabad from Bangalore and someone suggested my name to him. So, he wanted to meet me. And since the day we met in the hospital, we became close brothers in the Lord. This man is Kim Taeyeob. His Indian name is John Kim.

Brother John was born in South Korea on August 4,1960, to a poor family. He grew up facing many challenges in life and ended up becoming a young rebel. Thankfully, he came to know the Lord at a young age. Thereafter he went to a seminary for training and served as a pastor for few years. Later, he felt the Lord calling him to India to serve as a missionary. After much thinking and prayer, in 2003, he finally moved to India with his beloved wife and son.

Brother John faithfully served the Lord in India for 13 years. A few months ago, he felt the Lord calling him to another third world country (which I leave unnamed) to serve as a missionary. After giving much thought, going through emotional struggle, and praying, in May, 2017, he moved to that country.

I have known brother John for more than 10 years. During his stay in India, he has been a blessing to many people, and I am one among them, perhaps the most. I write this article to share what I observed and learned from this man of God. There is so much to speak about the Lord’s work in him that I could easily write a book. I hope these brief words would be a great encouragement to the readers, especially to missionaries, pastors, and other Christian leaders.

Note: Whenever we read a person’s biography or listen to a testimony about others, we must know that it is a witness about the power of the gospel of Christ Jesus in transforming a worst sinner into a beautiful saint. Therefore, all glory goes to God for His amazing grace and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.

1. A MAN OF SELF-DENIAL

I cannot speak about brother John without mentioning about his commitment to the Lord’s work. When he felt the Lord calling him to India, he left his comfortable life in South Korea and came to India. He was not disobedient to God-given vision. (Acts 26:19)

Due to his serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, he constantly suffered from weakness and sickness. He faced the pressure to return to his homeland many times. However, he wanted to serve and die in the land to which the Lord had called him to serve. Even on the day he was leaving India to serve the Lord in another country, he was physically unwell.

The country that he has now gone to is not an easy place to live. India is a lot better in comparison. Nevertheless, to brother John, what matters in life is not enjoying the comforts of life, but walking in obedience to the Lord who loved him and gave His life for him.

During his stay in India, brother John lived a simple life. He was a man without love for material riches, worldly pleasures or comforts. He was extremely cautious about how he spent money, especially when spending money on himself. He had very few pairs of clothes, so much so that at times we were tempted to buy him some. On one occasion, we pooled in money and bought a new windshield for his vehicle which had worn out. This is not because he had no money. Although he had the opportunity to live a luxurious life, he chose to live a frugal life for the sake of using money for better purposes.

2. A PEOPLE PERSON

A lot of missionaries and Christian leaders seem to be ministry-oriented, not people-centered. On the contrary, brother John is a people person. He puts people before ministry. In fact, to him, ministry is loving people.

In TENTS ministry, which is established through his encouragement and efforts, all the brothers can testify that brother John cares for people. When brothers or their family members fell sick or became unwell, without even caring about the distance, he immediately went to visit and to encourage them and kept following up about their welfare. If you live in his circle, you would know that there is a brother who always cares for you.

Here is a testimony of one brother: “My wife became quite sick to the point of death. At this dark hour, brother John and his wife stood with us. He fervently prayed for us and even raised prayer support from his countrymen. He gave away his own medicine to help my wife. He constantly visited us traveling a long distance and encouraged us. He cared for us more than our own family members.”

I must also mention the grace he shows towards people despite being hurt by them. I personally witnessed his immense patience and gracious attitude toward others, including myself. I wonder whether I or others would be as gracious as this man. He doesn’t easily give up on people. This may be because he is familiar with the gracious God and His amazing grace.

3. A WONDERFUL FAMILY LIFE

Brother John is married to Oh Hyunju. We call her Elizabeth. They have been married for more than 25 years and are blessed with only one son. They are one of the rare, loving and joyful couples I have ever seen in my life. Their love and commitment to each other causes us to envy their family life. One of my wife’s desires is to be like them.

Living closely to their family, we have seen that sister Elizabeth is a submissive wife and highly respects her husband. Brother John loves his wife and takes great care of her. They are physically, emotionally, mentally and heartily one flesh. This doesn’t mean they are a flawless couple. Yet, their strength in loving each other is greater than their failure of getting into occasional conflicts.

They not only loved the Lord and each other deeply, but have also devoted themselves to love and serve others as a family. Theirs is an open house, devoting themselves to show hospitality. We learned that when we go to their house, we must go with an empty stomach, because they would spread the table with a variety of foods, and that too nutritious ones. We had memorable moments in their house. Their hospitality and care makes us to feel guilty for failing to live up to their generosity.

4. A MAN OF HUMILITY

We do not easily testify about someone, ‘He is a humble man’ as we quickly and usually say, ‘He is a good man.’ I would unhesitatingly testify, along with the brothers in TENTS ministry, “Brother John is a humble man.” Despite the fact that Korean churches are generally known for having authoritarian, highly pastor-centered, and top-heavy hierarchical leadership structure, brother John was different.

Brother John’s aim was not to build a name for himself. His passion was not to build an organization centered around him. His motive was not to be served by others. His expectation was not for others to elevate him. His conduct was not controlling, authoritarian, and dictatorial. Many times I have watched him giving preference to others' opinion than to his own.  His goal was only to glorify God and to build His kingdom. And we give glory to God for his humility. I sincerely desire to become like him in his patience, gentleness, and humility.

Out of the many incidents which speak about his humility, here is one. Once brother John and I went to Nepal. I was teaching in a Bible college for a few days. Since the roads were sandy and dusty, my shoes became dirty at the end of the day. Every morning, he would polish my shoes and keep them ready at the doorstep for me to wear. Only a person who intimately knows the humility of Christ, who washed His disciples’ feet, would be willing to serve others humbly.

5. A MAN OF PRAYER AND WORD

Brother John is a man of prayer. He believes in the power of prayer. When it comes to important decisions, he takes time to pray rather than make hasty decisions. If he has problems with any person, he gives himself first to prayer and prays hard. In difficult situations, he pours his heart before his God like a child. If he thinks a lot, he also prays a lot about what he thinks. He has earned the right to say with Paul, “I served the Lord with all humility and with tears” (Acts 20:19).

Brother John and his wife have also developed the habit of studying the Holy Bible in an incredible way. They study the Old Testament twice and the New Testament 20 times every year. Their desire is to live a Bible-saturated life. He keeps encouraging others to study the entire Bible more than once every year. I am slowly toddling in their footsteps, studying the whole Bible at least once a year.

6. A MAN FOR GOSPEL AND FOR CHURCH

Brother John’s greatest passion was for the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the unreached places and for the planting of local churches. Like many missionaries, his focus was not on doing some social work, although he believed and practiced charity. His priority was the gospel and the church, which were also the main thrust of the book of Acts. He strongly believed in the importance of local church and was co-shepherding a church along with an Indian brother.

The co-pastor who served alongside brother John wrote to me, “Brother John is a man of commitment to church. His heart was for church. His sermons were gospel-centered. He gave himself unreservedly to serve the church members. Even when his health was in bad condition, he made himself available for church meetings and to encourage the brothers and sisters in church. Any part of the day or night, whatever the distance, if any church member was in need, he did not miss to serve them. Serving the church diligently and faithfully was his motto. And he patiently and graciously encouraged all the church members to do the same.”

I have known missionaries who were not part of any local church and some who nominally attended the church, but brother John took the local church seriously to heart and had poured his life into it. I wish many missionaries and Christian leaders would imitate his commitment to the gospel and to the local church.

Finally, this is my assertion. In my more than twenty years of Christian life, I have never seen a foreign Christian missionary in India like brother John. My wife wonders whether she would ever meet a missionary couple like them in the future. Although not immune to imperfections, brother John lived an unusual life among us. In a conference which I attended in India, one of his own countrymen said to me, “He is like Jesus.” What a testimony! All glory to God for this unusual man of God. May we imitate such men who imitate Christ.

We miss you, brother John.

___________________________

Enquiries: 

messageforourage@gmail.com

What Every Pastor and All Believers Should Know [Part One]

Church ministry is an adventurous journey. It is a journey wherein both shepherds and believers walk along together towards spiritual maturity. Of course, leaders should stay ahead in leading the flock, but they are not on the mountaintop of perfection. We all have lessons to learn as we fall and rise.

There are few lessons I have also learned in my brief journey of being a shepherd of God’s flock. I hope, as I put these lessons in writing, it would inspire and enlighten both the pastors and believers in Christ Jesus.

Before going further, I want to mention that this message is addressed to both shepherds and believers, especially to the shepherds who wants to care and serve God’s people. This is not relevant to those pastors who have no heart to love and serve the people of God.

UPON WHOM IS THE DEPENDENCE?

One crucial lesson I have learned in church ministry is this—I should not suppose I am a ‘messiah’ of people. Many pastors function like a messiah [savior] for their own detriment. In our good intention to help God’s people, I am afraid, we have become more of a hindrance in believers’ relationship with Christ Jesus, the head of His church.

We shepherds think we have to be always ready to give counsel and to help. We consider ourselves as problem-solvers of people with problems. We want them to know we are always there for them. Now I am not denying the responsibility of a shepherd to counsel and to help people in their problems. What I want us to understand is that this is our secondary role.

The first and foremost task of a leader is to lead people to the Lord of lords. It is to draw people closer to God, not toward myself. It is to teach people to seek God first, not me. It is to guide people to lean on their Maker to cope with the problems of their lives, not to depend on me for their help. It is to cast them under the wings of God, not to curb them under my wings.

To put in one statement, this is what I would say—the primary responsibility of a Christian leader is to train people to depend on God’s wisdom and strength to solve their own problems. 

True, there is wisdom in the counsel of elders. It is foolish to ignore their counsel. God uses His children to speak to us and to guide us. But many people act unwisely by always seeking first the counsel of leaders than praying in the closet and seeking the face of the Wonderful Counselor. They are quick to share their problems with the shepherds than giving priority to the Chief Shepherd of our souls. They are more dependent on the prayers of their leaders, than on God in whom they have believed for their salvation.

Although such attention is cherished by church leaders, it is unhealthy and dangerous, both for themselves and for believers.

A Christ-centered leader avoids excessive attention and unhealthy dependence upon him by believers. His delight is in seeing people seeking God, trusting in Him and exalting Him in all things. 

Let me also mention something which is necessary for your consideration—it is good for leaders to pray for people, but it is wrong to think that the prayers of pastors are more powerful than the prayers of believers. The Scripture doesn't say the prayers of pastors are powerful and effective. It says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (Jas. 5:16). I hope the readers do not have the assumption that only pastors are righteous:-) Observe, these words are said in the context of praying for one another.

Furthermore, before saying to people to call for the elders of the church to pray for them in sickness, James beforehand says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray” (Jas. 5:13). Before "them", "him" should come first in prayer. Personal private prayer precedes corporate prayer. Our corporate prayers, in fact, would be powerful when our private prayers are fervent. 

Sadly, there are many believers who keep on begging others [pastors and others] to pray for them while they themselves neglect to pray in isolation and wait upon the Lord.

In seeking to cope with the problems in life, both pastors and believers ought to realize their helplessness and the urgency to seek God for His intervention and help. We are all helpless creatures in desperate need of helpful Creator. We all must, both individually and corporately, rely absolutely on God, who alone is our refuge and strength. Apart from Him, we are nothing and can do nothing.   

Therefore, we pastors should know, and also the believers must understand—leaders are not high priests. They are not mediators between God and people. They are just monitors to help people know God for themselves. In the New Covenant age, because of the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, every believer has access to seek and walk with God. And the shepherds’ job is to see this being fulfilled and lived by believers in church. 

_________________________________________

Enquiries: 

cstephendavid@gmail.com (or) messageforourage@gmail.com

How to Be An Excellent Co-worker in Ministry? Five Marks of An Excellent Co-worker [Part Two]

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4. Contribute Your Influence in Weaknesses and Failures

There is no leader and ministry without weaknesses and imperfections. And none knows better the weaknesses of a leader and ministry than the co-workers. Co-workers observe everything. They basically know the strengths and also the loopholes in ministry. But sadly, quite few co-workers make a difference in ministry.

There are two kinds of co-workers I have observed in ministry: some are passive and don’t bother about the imperfections in ministry; they just mind their own business, for they are afraid of taking risks. And some are so aggressive that they become critical of the leaders, eventually quitting them to seek for a better ministry. I think, these are not good examples.

Believe me, my friend, leaders are not always sound and strong. They struggle with many weaknesses and temptations. They need help to live as overcomers, to rise and shine, particularly from their co-workers. When I was a co-worker, I used to be critical of leaders, but when I took the responsibility of leading the ministry, I realized I am not much different from what I criticized in them. I now see that it is easy to observe the weaknesses but difficult to be an example, manifest compassion and uplift our leaders.

There is a great need of co-workers, who when they observe weaknesses in their leaders and ministry, agonize in prayer and weep before God to bring transformation. It is a blessing to have co-workers, who when they see imperfections, gently and respectfully confront the leaders and rectify the loopholes. O, it is a wonderful blessing to have co-workers like Nathan who confronted David (2 Sam. 12:1ff) and like Paul who confronted Peter (Gal. 2:11ff).

Of course, there are leaders who are stubborn, proud and do not entertain confrontation. However, courageous co-workers do their best in addressing the problematic issues with an intention to resolve them and help the ministry to grow. They are patient and do not quickly quit, and if they happen to quit, it is only after practicing longsuffering and perseverance by giving enough chances to their leaders to consider change.

Blessed are the leaders and ministries who have co-workers concerned for the development of their leaders and ministry and persevere to make a difference!

5. Encourage Your Leaders in Ministry

To stay on the top is not as exciting as it seems. There are many battles to fight, many difficulties to handle, many afflictions to undergo and many disappointments to face. In all these upside down phases of ministry, it is a great blessing and joy to have encouraging co-workers.

You know, dear brothers, many times the inner battles of leaders may not be noticeable to others; others may have no idea what actually is going inside of them. It is rightly said that to be a leader is a lonely battle. Unfortunately, when leaders are going through painful times, co-workers may perhaps be much like the disciples to whom the Lord Jesus said in His trying times in the garden of Gethsemane, “Are you still sleeping and resting?” (Matt. 26:45).

O, it is a great encouragement to leaders to have co-workers stand by them in trials! Although the disciples abandoned Jesus for a while during the time of crucifixion, the Lord said to them, “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials” (Lu. 22:28). Could this be said of you? Paul writes, “Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life” (Rom. 16:3-4). Could this be testified about you? And where shall we find the co-workers who are like David’s three mighty men who risked their lives for their leader? (2 Sam. 23:13ff)

How encouraging it is to have co-workers who say to their leaders, “I am with you in ministry. Let me know anything I can do to help you lead the ministry effectively for the glory of God!” How motivating it is to leaders who have co-workers sincerely appreciating their leaders’ character traits, labor and accomplishments! How inspiring it is to leaders to have co-workers praying for them in secret and also praying in person for them! What a delight it is to leaders to have co-workers who truly care for them!

Dear co-workers, whatever difficulties you identify your leaders and ministry are undergoing, do you stand with them? Do you agonize with them? Do you console and uplift them? Are you a great encouragement to them in great difficulties? Do you express your care for them in word and deed? Do you let them know that you are there for them, anytime?

This is what I would like to say at the end: Be such an excellent co-worker that to lose you would be to lose the right arm of your leader. And be such an excellent co-worker that when you become a leader, you won’t be ashamed but take delight to have a co-laborer just like yourself. [Click here to go to Part 1 of this article] |  2 of 2 

_______________________________

Enquiries:

cstephendavid@gmail.com (or) messageforourage@gmail.com

How to Be An Excellent Co-worker in Ministry? Five Marks of An Excellent Co-worker [Part One]

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Note: This article is divided into two parts. I request the readers to study this material in its entirety in order to get a proper overview of my presentation. 

In my almost two decades of Christian living, I am privileged to have both the experiences, i.e. of being a co-worker under a leader and being a leader over the co-workers. To be honest, I have done many blunders but have also learned wonderful lessons from these experiences.

After having been through these two different phases of ministry, I see the necessity to address two things—"How to Be an Excellent Leader to Your Co-workers in Ministry?" and "How to Be an Excellent Co-worker in Ministry?" In this article, I would be addressing the latter. I hope the readers, particularly those who are co-workers in ministry, would be inspired to strive towards becoming excellent co-laborers in the ministry of Christ Jesus.

1. Carry a Sense of Ownership of the Ministry

One great mark of an excellent co-worker is this—he carries a sense of ownership of the ministry. Those who have this sense are deeply committed and greatly devoted to the ministry they work for. They are absorbed into the concern for the welfare of the ministry. And what a great delight to a leader to have such co-workers! Timothy was such a co-worker about whom Paul boasted,

For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel (Phi. 2:20-22).

On the contrary, it is a sad sight to see co-workers working without a sense of ownership. They are in ministry but seek their own interests. They have their own plans and agendas. They just do their work as a duty but no devotion is found towards their responsibilities. They seem to show great ownership only when they begin their own ministry or when they become a leader, but when they are under another leadership, they simply exist as passive co-workers. O, I have seen very very very few co-workers in my life who own the vision and the passion of their leader in ministry!

Co-workers who work with a sense of ownership do not work as if they are working for someone or for some ministry; they work as if the ministry is their own. They work with "our" mentality, not "his" or "my" mindset. They burn with tremendous passion for the ministry, for they believe God has placed them to fulfill His purpose. They love to talk about the ministry, sharing its vision and work. They cherish seeing their ministry rising and spreading its wings widely for the glory of God.

Dear friend, if you are a co-worker under some leadership, I encourage you to work with a sense of ownership of the ministry. Make the vision of the ministry your own. Be passionate to expand the ministry. Dream about the growth of the ministry. Talk and discuss about how the ministry can scale to new heights. Be burdened for the welfare of the ministry. Pour out your life to see great fruit in the ministry. Know that in all these things, you are pleasing the Lord your Savior Jesus Christ.

2. Be Diligent in Your Responsibilities

In his greetings to his co-workers in Romans 16, Paul boasts about them this way: “Greet the beloved Persis who has worked hard in the Lord” (16:12). “Greet Mary who has worked hard for you” (16:6). About Epaphras, Paul asserts, “For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis” (Col. 4:13).

What do we learn about these co-workers? They were men and women of diligence. How blessed Paul was to have them work alongside with him! Ministry flourishes under the labor of co-workers who pour out their sweat and strength for its growth.

Regretfully, it is a stress upon the ministry when co-workers are lazy and indisciplined in their responsibilities. It is written in Proverb 10:26, “Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.” In other words, it is frustrating, pressuring and painful in ministry to have lazy co-workers. Ministry immensely suffers under them.

But diligent co-workers are like sweetness to the teeth and pleasing to the eyes. Their labor is a delight to their leaders. They do more than what they are expected to do. When they see the need outside of their responsibility, they do not say, “That’s not my business”; instead, they take initiative to meet the need, either by themselves or by approaching or using the right channels. They don’t settle with the average; they strive for excellence.

Therefore, my brothers, if you are a co-worker, I urge you to work hard in your responsibilities. Resist mediocrity and be proactive and efficient in the things delegated to you. Ask your leaders on how to improve in your responsibilities. Give constant feedback of your work. Don’t mind to go the extra mile when necessary. Be mindful of sharing your ministry’s resources and tools. Wherever you go, be passionate to spread your ministry’s vision and work.

May you be such a reliable worker that your leaders be completely confident and rest assured of your diligence and accomplishments in ministry. What Paul said about Timothy, may it be testified about you by your leader, “For I have no one like him.” 

3. Help in Raising Funds

One of the tough challenging tasks in ministry is raising funds. Although money is not the most primary need in ministry, it is however a necessary element to support the work and the workers.

Oftentimes, we see that it is the leader leading the ministry who carry the great burden of raising funds for ministry. The co-workers simply receive the support and do not carry the burden of helping the ministry by raising funds. They suppose, “It is not my responsibility. I am just working for ministry, not leading the ministry.”

But what an encouragement it would be for leaders when co-workers partake in the burden of raising funds for ministry. It would reduce stress from leaders and also stimulate more work in ministry. The funds that you raise may not be much, but even the little thing you do would make a significant difference. Know, whatever you are doing, you are actually serving the Lord and building His kingdom.

My friend, if you are a co-worker under some leadership, do you strive to raise funds to support the work of ministry? When there is a lack of funds, do you suffer with your leaders to pray and be concerned to do something on your part in raising funds? Do you at times go to your leaders and inquire about the financial condition of the ministry so as to pray and help in raising funds?

Remember, it is a great joy to leaders when co-workers share the burdens of ministry and build together the ministry God has entrusted to His servants. [Click here to go to Part 2 of this article...] |  1 of 2 

Three Important Lessons for Pastors

It is a great privilege to be a shepherd of God’s flock which He bought by His own blood. It is a great responsibility to lead God’s people. It is a great joy to love God’s family. Nevertheless, I have learned, if we are oblivious of our boundaries and ignore our limitations, there are certain inevitable pitfalls—such as disappointments, rejection, stress, burnout and failures.

In the few months of shepherding God’s church, I have learned many significant lessons. The following are just three out of them. I pray and hope that my fellow-pastors in God’s vineyard would find these lessons quite encouraging and helpful in their church ministry.

Lesson One—Who Is the Source?

As pastors, we have to be burdened to build the people of God. We should be concerned for their spiritual welfare. We must be passionate in serving them and equipping them for works of service. We ought to ponder over how to lead them towards spiritual maturity.

However, may we never forget—they are ultimately God’s church. It is God who bought the church by His own blood (Acts 20:28). It is Christ who is the head of the church (Eph. 5:23). It is Christ who builds His church (Matt. 16:18). It is God who makes things grow (1 Cor. 3:7). It is the Lord who sanctifies and preserves His church till the end (1Thess. 5:23).

Therefore, should we not helplessly throw ourselves completely in the arms of God to guide and lead us to direct His church? Must we not constantly seek His wisdom and direction to serve His people? Ought we not walk with Him in our effort to talk about Him to His children?

There is a tendency to think that the church belongs to us, that we are the head of the church and that the pressure is completely upon us to lead the people of God into spiritual maturity. If we walk with this perspective and attitude, I am sure we are going to bring insurmountable trouble, both on ourself and upon the church.

In our age wherein so many resources are available via books and internet, wherein so many church experts are existent, wherein so many of us are talented, knowledgeable and skillful—there is a danger of slipping off from humble dependence on God to our own detriment. Let no idols, however good, rise between us and God.

Now it is good to read books on how to lead the church, it is wise to learn from the experienced pastors and leaders, it is wonderful to have God-given knowledge and skills—however, we need to seriously take the words of Christ to heart, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Nothing means nothing. Only by our abiding in Christ and by our humble dependence upon Him that we will accomplish great things in His name. And when Christ had said it is He who is going to build His church, our responsibility as His servants is simply to work along with Him, not take His place to build His church. Teacher and writer, Warren Wiersbe, put it well:

The trouble with too many of us is that we think God called us to be manufacturers when He really called us to be distributors. He alone has the resources to meet human needs; all we can do is receive His riches and share them with others. [On Being a Servant of God, pg. 15]

Acknowledging our infinite need for the all-sufficient Christ, like Moses, may we continually crave His presence with us without which we cannot go ahead in leading His people (Exo. 33:15). Like Solomon, may we earnestly pray, “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (2 Chro. 1:10) Like Paul, may we labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in us (Col. 1:29).

Let us remember that it is Christ Jesus who alone is the source of life and growth of the church, His people. 

Lesson Two—Who Is the Savior?

As pastors, people in our church look unto us as role models. They see us as counselors and guides who would help them overcome the challenges of everyday life. Whenever problems come, they approach us for prayer, counseling and help. And this is good, for it is our responsibility to watch over God’s flock and to help them live an overcoming Christian life.

However, may we always remember—we are not the saviors of people. We are not the deliverers of people from their problems. We are not the refuges for people to come and hide under us in their troubles. Yet, there is a tendency to think, both by leaders and the church, that pastors are messiahs.

Although it is necessary and biblical for pastors to counsel, help, pray and support people, we have to make sure we are there to represent God in situations, not to resolve problems by ourselves. We are there to direct people to God, to seek His face for His help, for He alone is our refuge and strength.

The Scripture says, “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him” (Ps. 62:50). It is to this condition and experience that we, as pastors, are required to lead the people of God.

Just think for a moment—is it not an undeniable fact that we pastors have our own problems? We know we ourselves cannot overcome our own hurdles. Our lives are obviously dependent on the grace of God, on the wisdom of the Lord and on the power of the Holy Spirit to live victorious. How then do we suppose we can handle the problems of people and resolve them by our own knowledge and strength?

We need to know that we are broken cisterns that cannot hold water. Hence, we must lead people to the spring of living water, the author and perferter of our faith, to the One who alone is our unshakable rock (Jer. 2:13; Heb. 12:2; Ps. 62:6).

Remember, there is no wisdom and safety in the multitudes of counselors when the Wonderful Counselor is ignored.  

As an elder/pastor, I have learned two crucial things—engagement and disengagement. I have to engage in the lives of people to help them follow Christ in their everyday living, even amidst trials and temptations. Also, I have to disengage from the lives of people from becoming a center of their attention and dependence, so that they will learn to focus on God alone and depend upon Him for their sustenance.

Dear fellow-pastors, we have to guard ourselves and be careful in not letting people to completely depend on us for their spiritual growth and solution to their problems. We are their guides, not gods. We are messengers, not messiahs. We are lead-ers, not lords. We are shepherds, not saviors. We are resources, not the source. We are counselors, not life-changers.

Biblical counseling and helping is not about becoming experts in solving people’s problems; it is humbly seeking together the all-knowing and almighty God to give us wisdom and strength to cope with the challenges of life.

Let us remember that it is Christ Jesus who alone is the Savior of people from their sins and troubles.

Lesson Three—Who Is Sovereign?

As pastors, we wish people would listen and obey what we teach. We desire that they would submit to God-given authority. We expect that they would cooperate with us in ministry and live as responsible people.

However, the fact is—there is no utopian church and ministry. Not every person in the church is obedient, submissive and cooperative. Not every time people speak and conduct themselves responsibly.

There are people in the church who give us pain when we endeavor to do good to them. There are people who behave nicely before us but despise us behind. There are people who do not cooperate with us and are often lazy and negligent. There are people who are casual, irresponsible and ungrateful, even rebellious.

When we look at such people, don’t we get frustrated and disappointed? We feel pressurized and stressed. Should I mention even the times of sleepless nights? We feel like giving up on them, even at times the whole ministry too.

However, we need to remember that God is sovereign and He knows how to handle His people. He has been doing this since the beginning of His creation. He knows how to convict His people, change them and even punish them when they stubbornly refuse to submit to His word.

Yes, it is good to lovingly encourage people, admonish them, warn them and even discipline them. Yes, it is good to grieve over the sins of people and be concerned to help them live a holy life. Yes, it is good to take counsel from the veterans of church ministry.

Yet, we need to keep this fact in mind—God has His own way about how to take people through the process of change. We need not take the whole burden to change people and when they do not change, we need not wholly bury ourself under discouragement.

God is well aware of how to humble His people (Dan. 4:37). He knows how to discipline His children (Heb. 12:6). He Himself declared, "See now that I myself am He! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand" (Deut. 32:39).

Considering God’s sovereignty and wisdom, let us leave room for God’s work in the lives of His people. When I read and reflect on the life of Moses, I observe that whenever the Israelites gave him trouble, the main thing he did was—he cried unto the Lord. And the Lord did intervene and uphold His servant’s cause.

Therefore, my fellow-pastors, let us pray more for God’s work in the lives of His people rather than worry more about how they live and change. Let us be patient and wait upon the Lord for His work rather than feel pressurized by people. Let us cast all our burdens upon the Lord rather than pile them up on ourself. Let us do our best to encourage, admonish and warn people—all out of love—and leave the rest to God to have His own way of accomplishing His will in their lives.

May the Lord give us His grace and power to serve His church with pleasure and patience!

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Leaders: What Are We Becoming?

I am learning these days on the difference between doing and becoming. Doing relates to activity and becoming pertains to attitude.

Our tendency is more inclined towards busyness with activities than burgeoning in attitude. We like performance in ministry than perseverance in character. We measure our success by external accomplishments than by internal growth in godly qualities (2 Pet. 1:5-8). Even our friendly conversations are centered mostly on what we are doing than on what we are becoming.

Greatest Temptation

In the sight of the holy and loving God, what I am becoming is more important than what I am doing. In fact, what I am doing should birth from what I am becoming. 

Sadly, the terrifying fact in leadership is this—the ministry can thrive while my personal growth in Christ-likeness can remain stagnant. Is this not a conspicuous fact of many leaders today? How many of us look beautiful, spreading fragrance from afar, until somebody draws closer to us only to discover the ugliness and stench of our inner life!

Here lies the problem: The greatest temptation of a leader is to focus more on doing than on what he is becoming every day. The Scripture testifies that God has predestined His chosen ones to be conformed to the likeness of Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:29). But I am tempted to just get immersed in my service for Christ and neglect to work on my attitude to become more like Christ.  

Serving Christ by Following Him

Our Lord made His deal obvious, “Whoever serves me must follow me” (Jn. 12:26). In other words, “Whoever serves me must become like me; whoever is engaged in my service should be conformed to my image; whoever is my witness must also be my likeness. You cannot serve me without following me.”

O, in our zeal to serve our Lord, how often are we tempted to neglect becoming like Him! There is a temptation to think—doing is more pleasing to God than becoming. But is it not written, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams”? (1 Sam. 15:22)

I think, this is what the Lord may be saying to the leaders of our generation—“What you are becoming on the inside is more precious and pleasing to Me than what you are accomplishing on the outside. Let what you are doing for me flourish from what you becoming in me.”

What Am I Becoming? 

So, the challenge to me is—along with my passion to let my ministry grow, which is indeed a noble desire and work, am I growing in my inner man, becoming more in Christ-likeness? Am I becoming a better husband, a better father, a better neighbour, a better worker, a better friend...etc? Am I growing in love, compassion, humility and gentleness? Am I growing in the fear and holiness of God? In short, am I becoming more like Christ?
 
Let us pray we would overcome this temptation of staying just focused on doing. Let us make sure that what we are doing should emerge from what we are becoming. As we evaluate the growth of what we are doing, let us also evaluate the growth of what we are becoming. Let us establish accountability with our dear ones where we question one another in love about the hidden inner man.

Remember, do not let our doing bypass our becoming.

At last, I want to conclude with these words – The growth of my ministry may be dependent on my doing, but the sustenance of that growth is dependent on what I am becoming. Is not the growth of tree dependent on the strength of its roots?

Prayer

Father, help us to become more like Christ and let our service come out of our wholehearted devotion to Christ and our obedience to Him. Amen.

Related Articles:

• Hear O Servants of God
• Admitting Flaws: An Essential Quality of an Authentic Christian Leader
• Leadership: Hidden Vices Behind the Virtuous Screen
  
  
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A Clarion Call to Pastors and Preachers

In His discourse with the disciples, Jesus said, “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” (Matt. 16:26). Many make a mistake in assuming that this question chiefly applies to unbelievers who run after the earthly things. But coming to the context, we learn that Jesus was actually speaking to His followers, to His disciples, to His future apostles, teaching them the cost of true discipleship.

"What does it profit to us if we gain everything in the world, yet forfeit our own soul?" This serious exhortation applies to us, the leaders representing God, as to anyone else. As we live in this sinful world serving the Lord, are we not surrounded by numerous temptations to serve God with a worldly attitude? Is it not possible to do the Lord's work with selfish ambitions, eventually gaining the world but forfeiting our soul?

Few days back I met a brother in the Lord who wrote a song, in which one verse goes like this, "You who say about leaving the world to serve Christ, are you now trying to gain the world in the Lord's service?"

Dying to Self
Going to the preceding verse, Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt. 16:24).

We may love to do ministry and be busy in Christ's service, love to preach and teach and minister to the people, but if we are not serious in our private, inner life - denying our self and taking up our cross - everything we do is in vain for our eternal profit. Just think, how can we bring the lost under the lordship of Christ Jesus without we fulfilling the cost of discipleship which He laid down before us? How can we lead people to Christ without we walking with Him? How can we serve Christ without following Him?

Here is a perilous fact in doing God's ministry: It is terribly possible to get involved in ministerial activities while loving self and denying the cross. Like the church in Ephesus, we may labor, suffer and have a sound doctrine and yet forsake our first love (Rev. 2:2-4). Like the church in Sardis, we may have a reputation of being alive, and yet be dead inside (3:1). Like the church in Laodicea who were neither cold nor hot, we may be lukewarm leaders and yet lead a lifeless ministry (3:25-16).

Hence we need to digest this truth deeply in our soul – in our willingness to follow and to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, what matters most is our inner crucified life and sanctity in Him.

I see how easy it is for us, the leaders, to get involved in outward ministerial activities and neglect to practice private Bible-meditation, obedience to God's commandments, devoted prayer life, self-examination in the light of the Holy Spirit, holy living, brotherly love, humble walk with God and exemplary life in family and society. How often we walk outwardly with a garment of doing a grand ministry while being inwardly naked and void!

I fear that the worldly people as well as the people of God observe that our practical lives are far different from what we believe and preach.

No wonder the Apostle Paul said, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Tim. 4:16). Moreover, in our service to people in the name of Christ, we are even exhorted to set ourselves as an example for others in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Tim. 4:12).

Sober Commitment
My dear servants of God, real discipleship implies total commitment, not primarily to the service of God, but to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Our Lord is more concerned of our commitment to follow Him than of our service to Him. He in fact said, "Whoever serves me must follow me" (Jn. 12:26). May we venture not to bypass the path to follow God in our endeavor to serve Him! Remember, our service to Christ will be a fragrant offering to God when we live for Him and serve Him in the beauty of His holiness.

Regretfully, because of our neglect in following what has been exhorted in the Word of God, no doubt, much disgrace has been brought to the Name of God, much trouble has been brought to the body of Christ [i.e. the church], much confusion has been caused to those who are on their way to the Cross, many opportunities have been given to the enemy to accuse and thus, much harm has been done to one’s soul.

Truly, what profit will it be for us if we are not careful to walk our talk and talk our walk? C.H. Spurgeon rightly warned, “To be lost under the shadow of a pulpit is dreadful, but how much more so to perish from the pulpit itself!” Ah, we leaders carry the ark of the LORD!

In his challenging book, The Reformed Pastor, Richard Baxter warns, “Take heed to yourselves, lest your example contradict your doctrine, and lest you lay such stumbling-blocks before the blind, as may be the occasion of their ruin; lest you unsay with your lives, what you say with your tongues; and be the great hinderers of the success of your own labors.”

Passion for Christ and Souls
I believe, in our attempt to do the ministry of Christ, if our prime motive is not to glorify God and to impact lives, we are work-centered busy bodies, not Christ-centered laborers. It is scaring to know that it is awfully possible to do the ministry of Christ without having passionate love for Christ and burning passion for souls. We may be diligent readers, effective communicators of the word, skillful administrators, fiery preachers and yet be dead in our heart for the lost. A minister of God rightly observed, “There is a passion for ministry without having a passion for souls.” 

It is appalling to know that ministry can become a self-serving object than a desirable means to glorify God and to bring the people into His kingdom.

But some may say, “I am doing everything for God and people.” Well, let’s examines ourselves: Do we long for God's intimacy? Do we fear to sin against Him? Do we have what is called soul-travail? Do we agonize in prayer for the lost? Do we passionately love God and people? Do we cry over the lukewarm condition of the contemporary church? Have we the sense of urgency to share the gospel? If not, there is something terribly wrong with our hearts. I myself am seeing a great lack of these qualities in my heart and seeking God's face for personal revival.

Dear brothers, we cannot expect God to bless our work which arises from a lukewarm heart. Leonard Ravenhill rightly observed, "We have too many dead men in the pulpits giving out too many dead sermons to too many dead people." Dead people do not need dead ministers. They need preachers who are ignited with the flame of God's love to raise them from dead spirituality by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let us ask God for such a burning heart of love for Christ and for people and the results of its descension on us are incredible.

Cry, O leaders, cry aloud,
   As we grieve the Spirit of the Lord;
Wake, O servants, stay awake,
   As many are blinded by devil’s fake.

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Resolutions Concerning Money

Money—who doesn’t want it? Both the good and the bad want it—the former out of need and the latter out of greed.

As needful and useful money is, it is also a risky asset. Many Christian leaders have wrecked their reputation and ministry because of money. Thus, if there is an area wherein we have to build some strong principles, I suppose, it should be in the area of money.

I have been in Christian ministry for the last twelve years (till 2011). I have committed so many blunders and learned so many lessons that eventually led me to make some wise resolutions in the Lord, particularly pertaining to finance.

There is a reason why I want to share these resolutions—it may encourage others to be careful in the area of money matters, bringing glory to God. Also, sharing this puts me in accountability to all the readers regarding my commitment [if I go astray in my resolutions, please feel free to correct me]. Anything beyond this, may the Lord give me the grace to overcome all the temptations of the evil one!

Before I share these, I want to mention a few points:

i. I didn’t make these resolutions on the New Year. I believe true change does not wait for a specific date or a moment. You change right at the moment when you get a personal conviction. Also, I didn’t make all these resolutions at once; these were made as I keep growing in the Lord.

ii. Just because I am strong in one area does not mean that I am strong in all the areas of life. There are worse things that I struggle within in my life, and by God’s grace, I have to change more and become a better person.

iii. All the good resolutions and change that happens in my life is solely due to God’s gracious work within me. There is nothing great about me. Left to myself, I am the worst beast. Glory be to God who works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose. (Phi. 2:13)

Here are my three resolutions concerning money, which I strive by God's grace to live accordingly.

Resolution 1

As I am involved in Christian ministry, one major resolution I have made in my life is this—I should not make my personal or family needs known to any, not even indirectly through prayer requests. 

I resolved not to ask anyone but to pray and seek the Lord to meet my needs. And I testify that my Father in heaven has been faithful to meet all my needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

As God meets my needs, may He give me the grace to use money wisely and live a simple lifestyle.

Now, this doesn't mean I am a man of strong faith. I don't think my faith is so great. But I can say boldly that I live only by the grace of God. 

It is one thing not to ask anyone and another thing not to expect anything from any. May the Lord enable me to completely conquer the latter temptation too!

Further, I resolved that if there is no providence for a prolonged time, I would rather take up a job and work to earn to support my family than ask others for money. I will assume this is how the Lord wants me to serve Him, working in the marketplace and earning my living. 

So far, the Lord has given me the grace to be active in extensive [full-time] ministry and may He continue to guide me to finish the task He has for me.

Yet when it comes to meet the dire needs of other people, I don’t hesitate to ask those who trust me to help others.

Resolution 2

Coming to ministry needs, I have resolved not to publicize them. Although the ministry that I do is good and the needs may be reasonable, I have found that it is an unhealthy habit to make public appeals for money. Because of this unhealthy practice, there is more disgrace coming to God’s name and ministry than glory.

However, if anyone has given the freedom to share the ministry needs with them or is personally interested to know the specific needs of ministry in order to make a contribution, I think it is fine to share with them.

Moreover, I have resolved to do only that which the Lord gives me the grace to do and not take up too many things, thereby coming under financial pressure and helplessly beg others to support the ministerial activities. 

By God’s grace, let us do God’s work in God’s way because that alone brings glory to God.

Resolution 3

The Holy Bible warns, “The love of money [not money itself] is a root of all kinds of evil” (1Tim. 6:10).  I have learned that one way to overcome this love for money is to give away money. The antidote for greed is generosity.

Richard J. Foster suggests, “If money has a grip on your heart, give some away and feel the inner release.” The English writer, Thomas Browne (1605-1682), exhorted, “Be charitable before wealth makes you covetous.” John Wesley (1703-1791) said, “Money never stays with me. It would burn me if it did. I throw it out of my hands as soon as possible, lest it should find its way into my heart.”

Therefore, from the providence of God to me, by God’s grace, I have resolved to give away more than twenty percent of the money every month. I don’t do this because I have plenty. To be frank, generally, the money that I get is enough for the month. Despite all the challenges, God is faithful to provide me with my daily bread and it is a delight to share it with others too.

I don't believe the New Testament teaches the Old Testament tithing system. In fact, it teaches—generous giving (2 Cor. 9:6). And I don't think that giving away more than twenty percent is generous giving. As God gives me grace, I would love to give more to be a blessing to others, because the Lord Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

It is amazing how God transforms sinful people. Before Christ, I robbed money from people and now He is changing me to give away money to people (My Testimony). He is able to transform a thief into a philanthropist:-) Doesn't the Scripture command, "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need?" (Eph. 4:28).

Moreover, I have learned to give not with an intention to receive more [sowing and reaping business] but with an attitude of gratitude to God’s faithfulness in my life. The Lord is good and His steadfast love endures forever. Blessed be His Name.

Soli Deo Gloria!

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Admitting Flaws: An Essential Quality of an Authentic Christian Leader

Randy Alcorn, one of my most enjoyed inspirational Christian writers, was asked, "In your view, what are the qualities of an authentic Christian leader?" He answered, "He loves God with all his heart, is quick to admit his flaws, listens to his critics and doesn't dismiss them." I kept thinking about the second point he mentioned—"quick to admit his flaws."

As leaders in the responsibility of leading people, don't we find ourselves being quick to reject and to justify our flaws than quickly admit them?

Sad Example, Good Model

Few days back, I met a Christian brother who seemed to be quite embarrassed about approaching Christian leaders. He shared about confronting an old experienced preacher to gently offer a reasonable word of correction in regard to his preaching. The old preacher annoyingly responded to him, "It is not your age to correct me." Seeing his response, this brother was completely shattered, even afraid to approach any preacher the next time.

What a sad experience of this brother and a pathetic example modeled by that preacher!

In contrast to this brother's experience, I know an old preacher who is engaged in missions for more than twenty years. In my fellowship with him, many times he told me, "Stephen, I may be wrong. Please feel free to correct me." What a humbling experience to a young man like me to witness such humble models!

Regretfully, not many of us are as humble to accept correction and to admit our faults as this wonderful man of God! Think—how many people find it comfortable to approach us to offer correction? How many of us deny ourselves and humbly confess our sins?

Being Stupid, Being Honored

In my fifteen years of Christian life, I ought to honestly confess—not many Christian leaders love to accept correction and are quick to admit their flaws. They are great preachers but weak models in regard to admitting their faults. When it comes to correction and confession—some walk with a sense of loftiness as if they don't commit mistakes, some foolishly blame others, some adamantly justify themselves and some stay silent, putting on a sad facial expression.

Don't you suppose such reactions are unfit to Christian leaders who are called by the Living God to servant leadership?

Moreover, I found leaders who suppose by admitting their faults they lose their honor and respect among the people. What a deception! The book of Proverbs says, "He who hates correction is stupid" but "whoever heeds correction is honored" (12:1b; 13:18b). We are more stupid when we despise correction but more honored when we heed to it. In my view, there are many great leaders who lost their honor, not because of committing faults, but because of rejecting to admit them.

Heed Correction, Humbly Confess

In writing this, I am not saying I find it easy to accept correction and always admit my faults. I find admitting my flaws more hurting to my ego. There were numerous times where I justified myself and acted stupidly. Nevertheless, the Lord seriously dealt with my heart. He still does His painful surgery on my arrogant heart. Because of the gracious work of the Holy Spirit in me, I am learning to sincerely admit my faults and to accept correction, even from my little kids. O, I am finding it a great blessing in my life and ministry!

Dear Christian leaders—we may be great preachers, having a great passion, possessing great talents, doing great ministry—but all these are nothing when there is no essential quality of humility to heed correction and to humbly confess our flaws. May we pray and allow God to humble us for His glory, honor and praise!

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Note: Not every correction may be valid. However, we need to humbly consider the correction given to us, honestly examine our heart and then gently respond with appropriate answer.

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The Pastor’s Greatest Temptation

What do you think is the pastor's greatest temptation? I am not going to talk on the common battles that are well known to many – gold [money], glory [pride] and girl [lust]. I would like to share with you about something crucial which many pastors do not even think about it as a temptation.

One of the reasons, I believe, why the church today is not maturing is due to the pastor's focus on this while neglecting the essential. I think, almost every pastor, who is honest with himself, agrees that his focus is primarily on this and that this is indeed his greatest temptation. I have seldom come across a pastor who is free from this enticement.

What could this be?

Sunday Service
In my years of Christian life and ministry, I have observed that the pastor's greatest temptation is Sunday service. His focus is primarily on getting people together, possibly in large numbers, on Sunday. His main passion is to fill the place with people and feel good to see every member on the chairs.

There is nothing as disappointing for pastors as to see the missing members on empty chairs. Thus he chases people during the week not to miss the Sunday service.

The pressure is even more when a guest speaker comes to speak. When I go as a guest speaker to different churches and if there are no good numbers, I see how pastors feel embarrassed and struggle to justify why it is so. I have to take some effort to let them feel at ease.

Why does a pastor chase people to bring them all together? Is it for the glory of God and for the edification of all God’s people? I wish this would be the reason but it seems this is not the attitude of many pastors. I am afraid whether there is a kind of pomposity, a puffed up feeling, to stand before the crowd and feel good about the numbers.

I don't completely deny a pastor's love for people but I fear whether the temptation for numbers has taken precedence over his heart for them. The sight of great numbers of people can truly feed our hidden egos. We love numbers, want to feel good at the sight of numbers and even boast about the numbers.

Didn't David feel great about the numbers in 2Chronicles 21 and invoked God's judgment? One of the reasons the Lord may not hear our prayers for church growth is this—our attitude may not be to save people and fill the kingdom of heaven but to bring people and fill our church hall with folks and feel good about the numbers.

How complacent a pastor can feel to see his church hall being packed with people! But is good numbers on Sunday service a sign of success?

Building Lives in the Lord
I never heard of a couple being complemented for having a successful family just because of giving birth to a dozen children. Our common sense tells—the sign of a successful family is not in how many children we bear but in how we bring them up in the Lord. Likewise, a pastor's success is not in how many people he can gather on Sunday service but how he brings them up in the Lord. His reward is not in bringing people to the church but in drawing people closer to the Lord.

When a pastor sees a great number of people before him, instead of feeling good, he should prostrate before God and cry out to Him, "Lord, here I see so many before me. How can I bring them in you? I have a great responsibility upon me. I am incompetent to rear them. Give me your grace and wisdom to lead them towards maturity." As the numbers increase, he should fear and tremble at the great responsibility of equipping them to walk worthy in the ways of the Lord.

Remember, unlike many pastors today, Paul's passion was not to present every person regularly on Sunday service but to “present everyone perfect [mature] in Christ” (Col. 1:28). I wonder how many pastors come out of the pulpit and take personal concern, finding out and motivating believers to have a disciplined and devoted walk with the Lord in their daily life.

Monday to Saturday
Yesterday, i.e. on Sunday, I had an opportunity to personally listen and learn from brother Zac Poonen who visited my city to speak. He is about seventy two years old, doing the Lord's work for more than forty years. He is one of my esteemed Indian bible teachers in our day. In his teaching, he said something like this [about his ministry] which very much impressed my heart:

Our focus on people is not for Sunday. Our focus on people is for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and then at last Sunday. We want to see people living for the glory of God from Monday to Saturday. Sunday is not that important to us.

If pastors have such a focus and passion, the spiritual condition of the churches today would be quite different and better.

I plead with the shepherds of the church, not to stay focused on just the Sunday service—having good numbers, good worship, good sermon, good offering—but to stay committed and prayerfully focused on equipping people to have a good personal walk with the Lord 24/7. [1]

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1. I am not saying that we should not pray and desire to have a lively Sunday fellowship. It is good [provided if our attitude is to build lives in the Lord]. But it is not the only important thing as it is to many pastors today. The primary concern of every pastor must be for the believers’ personal walk with the Lord, not simply for a large gathering.

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