We were eagles trapped in a nest. When the time was right and ordained by God, we begin to work on our new ministry. Five years into the ministry our growing church was hit with the recession, job loss, personal transfers, and transition. The ministry moved to an online format and continued to accomplish outreach on a viral platform. Blogtalk radio opened the door for messages to the public, wordpress opened the door to interested readers and like minded servants across the globe. Facebook allowed for constant contact with other Missional ministries and outreach driven bodies of faith. Twitter is wonderful and allows for daily conversation with ministers, witnessing to unbelievers and a platform to share God’s word daily. The work continues.
As time passed, I noted numerous church closings across the country. The Crystal Cathedral mega church faced bankruptcy and an internal leadership war. Small to medium sized churches were closing at a rapid pace based on the numerous church foreclosures posted by the bank and commercial Realtors in every major city across the United States. As a leader who had endured the transition from brick and mortar to online, my heart went out to pastors of “growing” churches all across the world. It is difficult to accept that loss can open the door to increase. It is a tough pill to swallow when the churches few members dissipate, leave town and lose their finance or homes. When all of that occurs, who is left to encourage the leader to be instant in season and out of season? Who will tell the leader to hold their head up and keep fighting the good fight of faith?
5 Sermons of Faith represent a collaboration of sermons offered during the five years of ministry in our growing church. The sermons are designed to encourage the hearer to trust God and have faith in God’s word. They are shared in the book because it is time to encourage leaders to not give up but to hold on. Leaders must encourage one another with the words of God. The Bibles is scripted for God’s people who walk according to his word. We understand better than most the sacrifice required to move forward in ministry. When our plans are not where we hoped and prayed they would be, we might search all over and find nobody willing to tell us weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning. Isaiah the prophet declared Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)
Recent conversations with past acquaintances, friends and family confirmed that if an individual has not walked in the shoes of a leader they are incapable of understanding the weight of the assignment. I spoke with many who were convinced that the complete burden was shared because from their perspective they saw a husband and wife team leading the ministry. In truth it was not joint leadership as one leader will always prevail over the other. Gender does not qualify an individual for leadership, nor does it disqualify an individual for leadership. God provides leaders after his own heart.
Words of encouragement for the growing church will inspire the reader to persevere, wait on God and trust God for deliverance. The proceeds from the book will assist Divine Favour Ministries in global and domestic outreach and missions. It is our endeavor to open a transitional center for female military veterans and their families. Please purchase the book and give it as a gift to the pastor of a small church. Read the sermons and grasp a firm grip on the promises of God for his people.
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