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- Herausgeber: Victor Ehighaleh
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Sprache: Englisch
Who Made You a Pastor highlights the ills of today's pastor and church. It proffer solutions to identified problems. It also classify pastors into five groups based on their appointing agent.
The book takes you on a journey to discover the real identity of your pastor and church.
Das E-Book können Sie in Legimi-Apps oder einer beliebigen App lesen, die das folgende Format unterstützen:
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020
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Victor Ehighaleh
WHO MADE YOU A PASTOR
Table of contents
Contents
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
WHO MADE YOU A PASTOR
Copyright ©2017 Victor Ehighaleh. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author.
All scripture quotations are taken from the Authorized King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Esthom Graphic Prints.
To all God-Appointed Pastors.
Contents
Preface
Introduction
1 Pastoral Ministry
2 Self-Appointed Pastors
3 Necessity-Appointed Pastors
4 Hierarchy-Appointed Pastors
5 Satan-Appointed Pastors
6 A Call to Repentance
7 Fruitfulness in Ministry
8 God-Appointed Pastors
Preface
This book has come at a most auspicious time. The write-up is Holy Spirit inspired and uniquely destined to impact the pulpit and church towards harnessing and consolidating on the end time imperatives. It is written to address the most vital problem of Christianity today.
The office of a pastor has been so bastardized to the extent that it has become an “All Comers Affair.” Numerous people now avail themselves of the so-called “spoils” of the pastoral office - to the point of jettisoning the core of the calling. Today’s pastor is increasingly becoming a toothless bulldog who can only bark but cannot bite.
The ministry of the Holy Spirit has invariably gone moribund on today’s pulpit. Negatively powered entities masquerading themselves as pastors now appear to have been programmed and released from the kingdom of darkness to deceive even the elect. “Who Made You a Pastor” highlights this hydra-headed pulpit problem through the categorization of the underlying factors - by beaming a searchlight on the causative factors and the reasons for their existence. It also dwells on the intents and categories of the so-called “pastors” and gives an exposition on the character traits of Self-Appointed Pastors, Hierarchy-Appointed Pastors, Necessity-Appointed Pastors, Satan-Appointed Pastors, and God-Appointed Pastors. It dwells on the various powers and authorities behind these categories. It also clearly highlights the criteria for divine appointment of a pastor and also list and expose the twenty five basic rudiments or service in ministry.
The book also presents a set of compass to enable you know whether your pastor and church are on the right track - that is, God-Appointed and Holy Spirit indwelling or a pastor and church that is significantly a charade. It also provides forty questions that will unravel the true identity of a church and pastor.
This book will expose you to the truth domiciled in today’s pastor and church. It is also a unique resource material for all those who intend to function as true worshippers in the vineyard of the Lord and also for those who have seemingly gone astray but are willing to retrace their steps. This book presents a genuine and pragmatic way out of the quagmire. Essentially, you cannot go through this book without clearly recognizing or identifying your present state or condition - in terms of whether you are a true worshipper or not. The compass provided by this book will enable you to discern between a true and false pastor and also a true and false church.
You are blessed! Go ahead and uncover the amazing secrets revealed in this book.
VICTOR EHIGHALEH
Introduction
The pastor who is supposed to cast out demons is being heavily tormented by demons. The pastor who is supposed to heal the sick is in grave need of healing. The pastor who is swimming in an endless sea of sin is making the altar call. The pastor who is supposed to be in an endless pit of retribution is occupying the mountain peak of pleasure and “light.” The pastor who is supposed to shepherd the flock is in absolute need of a shepherd – Who is fooling who? The Christian world today is indeed at a horrendous crossroad. The unimaginable has boldly crept into the church and the true worshippers are daily becoming extinct. Those divinely endowed with the spirit of boldness are now becoming timid. Oh! How are the mighty fallen! Surely - by His grace they will either rise again or a new generation of God’s workers will be programmed and empowered to take their place. The Almighty God is able to raise men to accomplish His purpose.
This category of appalling pastors has unfortunately transformed the church into a vibrant and potent cult-like entity. Apparently, during the days of Christ - out of every twelve followers - there was the presence of Judas Iscariot. Unfortunately, in today’s church - the situation has degenerated to a point whereby the statistics is likely to be – out of every twelve there are eleven Judas Iscariots. The truth has increasingly taken a permanent flight in our “churches.” Our God is a consuming fire. I am sure that at the appointed time he will feed such fake pastors with the appropriate wormwood that they truly deserve.
Jeremiah 23: 11-15 alludes to this fact.
Vs. 11. “For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness saith the LORD.
Vs. 12. Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.
Vs. 13. And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.
Vs. 14. I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.
Vs. 15. Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets: Behold I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.”
The Almighty God has not sent these so-called men of God - yet they deceive multitudes with swift heretical messages carefully packaged from the pit of hell (Jeremiah 23: 21).
“I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.”
These profane ambassadors of the devil will certainly not end well as proclaimed in Jeremiah 10: 21.
“For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.”
If they do not repent - the punishment of the Lord will surely be visited upon such pastors as obtained in Jeremiah 23:1-2.
Vs. 1. “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! Saith the LORD.
Vs. 2. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.”
The Almighty God has also promised to destroy all those that defile his temple (1Corinthians 3:17).
“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
Unfortunately, numerous identifiable cocoons of pulpit types now exist to the consternation of even the elect. All forms of despotic and horrifying emissions now crescent diverse pulpits. Solemn music has lately occupied myriads of pulpits and unfortunately, the secret of such music is unknown to the gullible ones. These satanically recruited and paid caricature drummers are apparently domiciled deep beneath the sea. However, the amplifiers of their lucid but wavy transmissions are licensed agents who are represented by some “people friendly” corporate entities. The hallowed chamber (pulpit) has now become a smokescreen whose supreme relevance is determined by agents of darkness masquerading as “pastors.”
The absolutely unimaginable has now violently taken over the centre stage. The situation on today’s pulpit is becoming increasingly incredible to the extent that it has been diabolically programmed to implode with time.
Apparently, today’s church has suddenly transformed into an altar of everything absurd. Those who lack the basic qualification of a church worker - that is, - to be born again and Holy Spirit filled now masquerade themselves as chosen of God to lead the elect.
Basically, anyone who lacks constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit has no business on the altar of the Most High God - certainly, he or she is powerless and cannot hear from the one he or she claims to represent. 1Corinthians 4:20 alludes to this fact.
“For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”
If you cannot live a righteous life – then, you cannot truly claim to be a vessel used by God. Romans 14:17 corroborates this fact.
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
Jesus Christ demonstrated the need to empower church workers as obtained in Matthew 10:1.
“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”
The implication of this is - anyone who has no spiritual power derivable from the Holy Spirit has no business with being a worker in the vineyard of the Lord. Unfortunately, those who lack this fundamental requirement of a church worker have found their way into the specialized and exalted office of a pastor. Some have even risen to the office of a bishop. This is absolutely ridiculous.
The pulpit today has become an all comers affair and a place where all kinds of shady characters occupy and continually dish out heresies. In today’s church, absolute lovers of money and the ephemerals have hypnotized their members with prosperity gospel to the extent that the church of God has become a trading centre 1Timothy 6:10-12 alludes to this fact.
Vs. 10. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Vs.11. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Vs.12. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
In today’s Church, there is a deliberate plan by the kingdom of darkness to cause monumental and systemic implosion in the pulpit. The physical structures are increasingly becoming innumerable and gigantic. Unfortunately, there is a corresponding dearth of true worshippers. A Christian is supposed to be Christ-like (1Corinthians 3:23).
“And ye are Christ’s: and Christ is God’s.”
The apt question at this point is - how many supposed Christians of today are Christ-like? The common feature today is the proliferation of shady characters and charlatans who shamelessly parade themselves abysmally as Christians and sadly as workers in the vineyard of the Lord. Unfortunately, the gullible ones are inadvertently and seamlessly taken for a pseudo-captivating ride almost on a continuous basis.
Christendom has suddenly choked itself into a comedy theatre where ridiculous jokes have found their way into the pulpit unhindered and have become the new normal. The otherwise sane is now becoming mundane to the extent that the Church has found itself enmeshed in a vomit of “disgusting madness.” Genuine love for Christ has snowballed into a state of solid-cold. Those who believe in the doctrines of the early apostolic era are now regarded as insipid old timers.
The bible is very emphatic as regards the personality of Christ a (Hebrews 13:8).
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.”
The success of today’s pastor is measured by the endless and boisterous show of cupid affluence and the volume of prosperity gospel preached to the ever clapping but apparently lost congregation. Armchair Christianity has become the order of the day. People now use monetary inducements to contract pastors to pray and fast on their behalf. Certainly, God cannot be mocked. You cannot pay money to a pastor for the purpose of answers to your contracted prayers. This is absolutely disgusting and counter-productive. Christianity now appears to be on sale to the highest bidder. The situation today is absolutely appalling. Charlatans have hijacked the church and the true worshippers are increasingly being attacked and unduly decimated. In fact, the church has grown to becoming a much sought after museum of idols – both leaders and the led eminently exuding idolatry. Also, today’s church has degenerated to becoming an amalgam or consortium of the hysterically lost.
Unfortunately, in the assembly of the called, the “weeds” are now playing dominant roles. Prosperity gospel is now on the front burner. This imbalance with its domino-effect has further made a mockery of Christendom. The scripture is emphatic about the gospel of prosperity as obtained in 3 John 2.
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
In essence, physical and material prosperity is ideally tied to the prosperity of the soul. There is a very significant correlation between the prosperity of the soul and physical and material prosperity. Also, Philippians 4:19, is constantly being quoted out of context.
“But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
No one should expect Jesus to provide all his or her needs if he or she acts contrary to the word of God. The sheep certainly know their shepherd - and likewise, the shepherd knows his sheep.
The dominance of prosperity gospel as against the propagation of the prosperity of the soul is a major contributory factor to the crisis in today’s church. A supposed ideal Christian today is physically and materially healthy but his or her soul is languishing in penury. There is a need to right the wrong and restore the appropriate balance. Physical and material prosperity should therefore be tied to the prosperity of the soul.
The neglect of prosperity of the soul has further increased the desire for the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. These are the effects of worldly entanglements. Can you represent your president in a function without being officially delegated? All manners of usurpers are now vibrantly but deceptively positioned as pastors. Some of them hide under the toga of denomination to perpetuate all kinds of spiritual fraud and abominable acts in the name of religion.
Workers in the vineyard of the Lord have specific roles allotted to them by the Almighty God. The office of a pastor as it were requires dedicated and utmost preparation and inherent ordination by the Almighty God. It is not an all-comers affair. Individuals that ideally function as pastors are divinely ordained to succeed as pastors. They are prepared and commissioned at the appointed time. It is obviously not a vestige to be usurped by spiritual miscreants based on academic qualifications, social records, financial independence or being a son or daughter of a minister in the vineyard of the Lord. Christendom today has turned into an orchestra of some sort whereby the highest bidder dominates and charts the course of the future. In fact, the blind and deceptive are increasingly leading the sighted. The toga of deception has indeed found a suitable platform in the propagation of prosperity gospel. Prosperity of the body and soul are intertwined as earlier highlighted. In essence, they walk hand in hand, and should not exist in a mutually exclusive nature. You must not have one to the detriment of the other. Therefore, the two must exist simultaneously in order for you to be a balanced Christian.
Vices on today’s pulpit such as adultery, envy and malignant anger will keep you wondering about such culpable pastors. If not for the grace and mercy of God many pastors deserve to go through Ananias and Sapphira way – that is, instant death. Unfortunately, the pulpit has graduated to becoming a habitation of sin incorporated. It is flourishing at the instance of the high and mighty.
Deception has increasingly projected itself to the altar of absolute relevance. A moment of interactions with some so-called pastors will make you wonder whether they are born again. You probably cannot find any evidence to show that they are church workers, let alone being pastors. Unfortunately, this group pastors large congregations. This is the major cause of the rapid degeneration of Christian values in today’s church.
Apparently, you must be divinely called before venturing into the office of a pastor. It is an absolutely chosen of God affair. The office is so important to God. In fact, he has ordained them before he formed them (Jeremiah 1:5).
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”
This implies that an individual cannot form or ordain himself neither can other mortals ordain or form a pastor outside of divine approval.
Ideally, the physical ordination of pastors is supposed to be the anointing of those already ordained spiritually by the Almighty God. Acts 13:2-4 corroborate this fact.
Vs.2. “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Vs.3. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Vs.4. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia, and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.”
In essence, it is a confirmation of that which is already in existence and not a fresh appeal or creation of an office not inherently ordained and allotted by God. Anyone who is anointed and ordained by man without divine allotment is absolutely living in error. Unfortunately, we have a preponderance of such pastors occupying diverse pulpits in today’s church. This is the basis for this book. Are you a pastor? Who Made You A Pastor? Please journey along with me as we provide ample and vivid answers to this question.
God bless you!
Chapter 1
Pastoral Ministry
The office of a pastor is of utmost importance to the Almighty God. This is the main reason why those destined to occupy the office are divinely endowed and specially prepared before they are commissioned by the Supreme Being. As earlier highlighted, it is certainly not an office for all-comers but only for the divinely called.
There are multitudes in Israel but God was specific in his choice of a deliverer in the person of Moses - to deliver the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. He specially programmed, endowed and prepared Moses for this calling even before the conception of Moses. Jeremiah 1:5 alludes to this fact.
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee: and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”
Essentially, a pastor is like a bridge between the children of God and God. He can also be called a representative of God. The implication of this is that the one who is to be represented appoints and commissions the fellow who must represent him. There are numerous references in the bible as regards the appointment and ordination to the office of a pastor. The recurring decimal is divine endowment, allotment and appointment. For example - Aaron and his children were specifically appointed by God to function as priests. Exodus 28:1-2 alludes to this fact.
Vs.1. “And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.
Vs. 2. And thou shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.”
Also in Numbers 3:6, the Lord asked Moses to consecrate the tribe of Levi before Aaron as priest.
“Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.”
Also in Numbers 3:12, the Lord went further to say that the Levites shall be His.
“And I behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine.”
In the New Testament era, Jesus also aptly demonstrated the need for one to be called into the office of a pastor. Jesus personally, specially and specifically called his disciples who later became apostles (Matthew 4:18-22).
Vs.18. “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
Vs.19. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Vs.20. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Vs.21. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
Vs.22. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.”
We must note that Zebedee the father of James and John was in the ship mending nets. However, Jesus did not call him but instead, chose to call his children. This clearly implies that to be called is not a right but an esteemed privilege allotted by God. The bible therefore does not support any individual who decides to call himself or herself as obtained in Matthew 8:19-22.
Vs.19. “And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
Vs.20. And Jesus saith unto him. The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests: but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
Vs.21. And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Vs.22. But Jesus said unto him. Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.”
The scribe who voluntarily called himself was rejected but the one who gave an excuse was chosen and called by Jesus. This confirms the fact that a call is absolutely divine in nature. Going forward - Jesus ordained the called (Mark 3:14-19).
Vs.14. “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach.
Vs.15. And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:
Vs.16. And Simon he surnamed Peter;
Vs.17. And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James: and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder.
Vs.18.And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alpheus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite.
Vs.19. And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.”
We must also note the fact that anyone who calls himself or herself outside of divine call will eventually be responsible for his or her empowerment. This is contrary to the one called by God whose empowerment is divine. Jesus exemplified this fact by empowering the called (Matthew 10:1).
“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”
A true divinely called pastor is usually Christ-like in character.
The under-listed attributes among others are necessary for success in ministry.
- Holiness
- Humility
- Compassion
- Fasting
- Intercessor
- Full of the Holy Ghost
- Prayerful life
- Hospitality
- Counseling
- Shepherd
- Peace
- Soul winner
- Deliverance
- Meekness
- Lover of the word
- Teacher of the word
- Mentor
- Zero tolerance for sin
- Divine wisdom
- Divine authority
- Empathy
Holiness
Our God is a thrice holy God. Therefore, a true representative of God such as a pastor is expected to possess this fundamental non-negotiable attribute of God. This is aptly demonstrated in the scriptures (Leviticus 10:8-10).
Vs.8. “And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying,
Vs.9. Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:
Vs.10. and that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean:”
The bible is emphatic about the need for pastors to be without blemish - that is, live holy lifestyle. This command must be strictly adhered to in order for the pastor to be effective and to fulfill the purpose of God concerning him or her. This condition is not negotiable. In essence, there is no opportunity for any pastor to sit on the fence. It is either holiness or nothing. Revelation 3:15-16 supports this assertion.
Vs.15 “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Vs.16. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”
It is also absolutely absurd for a pastor to live in sin and expect the Holy Spirit to direct his or her life. Light has nothing to do with darkness. The two cannot cohabit simultaneously at the same time. It is either you live in light or darkness. There is no opportunity for a vacuum to exist. If you live in sin, the Holy Spirit is certainly not with you. God is too holy to behold iniquity (Leviticus 21:6).
“They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God, for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.”
Defiled pastors have been warned by God to vacate the pulpit (Leviticus 21:17).
“Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he be of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God.”
The Almighty God does not joke with this command. He made a clear example with the sons of Aaron – Nadab and Abihu, when they offered strange fire. Indeed, they paid dearly for it with their lives (Numbers 3:4).
“And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the sight of Aaron their father.”
Humility
The one who is high and mighty - equal with God but does not claim equality - left his exalted position on the throne in heaven to die a shameful death on the cross for a sin he did not commit is a classic example of humility personified. He left his esteemed splendor and majesty to redeem you and me from eternal condemnation that we deserve as a result of the sins of Adam and Eve. Therefore, any sane individual or pastor has no other sensible choice than to toe the awesome example of Jesus Christ who knew no sin but humbled himself to die a shameful death on the cross for you and me. You certainly have no reason to be proud. A pastor has no other choice but to be humble as exemplified by Christ (Philippians 2:8-9).
Vs.8. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Vs.9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:”
The pastoral ministry is a very specialized and exalted position before God. A pastor therefore, needs to adopt the nature of God as exemplified by Jesus Christ through absolute humility. If anyone must exalt the pastor, it must be God. Evidently, God can only exalt the humble. (James 4:10).
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
Anyone who exalts himself or herself before God and even before man is obviously on the path to a horrendous fall and disgrace (Luke 14:11).
“For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Compassion
A pastor who lacks compassion can be likened to a laborer who intends to blast a rock and the only tool available to him are his finger nails. Such a fellow is certainly a time waster who is ill-equipped and therefore cannot achieve his goal or fulfill his purpose. A pastor must be compassionate as a matter of necessity. He must be willing to help others to get along and be blessed. His desire to help others is not negotiable. Naturally, a pastor should have compassion for lost souls, the afflicted, the hungry, the sick, the helpless, the widows, the neglected, the lost, undermined, the poor, the deprived and everyone who has a need. God has endowed a true pastor with these attributes among others. In the ministry of Christ - compassion precedes healing and care. The absence of compassion in a pastor equates him or her as a round peg in a square hole. If you lack compassion, my dear, you can certainly not work as a pastor. Jesus Christ aptly demonstrated this awesome virtue (Mark 8:2-3).
Vs.2. “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:
Vs.3. And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.”
Jesus demonstrated a great compassion for a widow as obtained in Luke 7:13-15. Pastors are also expected to toe this line.
Vs.13. “And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
Vs.14. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.”
Fasting
A pastor is expected to be requisitely proficient in the art of subjugating the dictates of the flesh. He or she can only attain this ideal by indulging in the act of fasting from food and drink among others. The spiritual must have absolute advantage or dominance over the physical. The genuine and divinely appointed pastor must not as a matter of priority allow the flesh to raise its ugly head over kingdom issues. In essence, he must not allow the flesh to gratify itself - that is, its desires. The ephemerals are obviously not of utmost importance to a true pastor who is cardinally expected to revel in spiritual matters. He is expected to be permanently conscious of the fact that the physical is only temporary and will surely pass away. The spiritual on the other hand is eternal. For a pastor and even other mortals, the spiritual can only gain the upper hand in controlling the physical if the flesh is intentionally subjugated. This can be achieved through the practice of regular fasting.
Amazing spiritual power often resides with those who are able to practice the act of fasting as a sought after goal on a regular basis. However, I must emphasize here that fasting must be associated with vibrant prayers for it to be potent enough to accomplish the intended goal. Anyone who indulges in fasting without prayers is simply on a hunger strike. He or she can be likened to a farmer who has the vision and intention of owning a vibrant and indeed fruitful agricultural enterprise but lacks the seeds required for the actualization of his dreams. Going forward, my dear, fasting and prayers are like conjoined twins.
Jesus Christ, the shepherd of all shepherds exemplified the act of fasting in Luke 4:1-2.
Vs.1. “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.
Vs.2. Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.”
The action of Jesus Christ clearly signifies the importance of the need to conquer the flesh by subjugating it through fasting in order to be able to overcome the devil and its agents who are constantly operating through our flesh. Spiritual power always resides with those who by his grace are able to master the act of fasting and prayers. If you must be relevant in spiritual matters, fasting is indeed a worthy companion. Anna the prophetess also aptly demonstrated this fact, as recorded in Luke 2:36-37.
Vs.36 “And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
Vs.37. And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”
Basically, anyone who desires to excel in spiritual issues must as a matter of priority, constantly indulge in the duo of fasting and prayers. Going forward, for the competent pastor, fasting is supposed to be habitual (Acts 14:23).
“And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”
Intercessor
A pastor is functionally and predominantly an intercessor. The Holy Spirit helps us to intercede for others. Being a mediator between man and God is a core mandate of a true pastor. Those who occupy this office but lack the penchant for interceding for others are not likely to be called of God. For a God-Appointed pastor, intercession comes almost effortlessly. It is like the air we breathe. As expected, in the past, prominent men and women of God were great intercessors. They include Moses, Jeremiah, Elijah, Elisha, Ezekiel, and Anna, among others. Intercession is therefore considered as a seamless function of a pastor. Moses effectively intercedes severally for the Israelites (Exodus 32:32).
“Yet now, if thou will forgive their sin-; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.”
Abraham also proved that as long as you are righteous before God you can effectively intercede for others. God usually grants special attention and consideration to the prayers of such individuals. Abraham interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah but due to the absence of the righteous in Sodom, his intercession came to an abrupt end (Genesis 18:26-33).
Vs.26. “And the LORD said, if I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.
Vs.27. And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
Vs.28. Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five. I will not destroy it.
Vs.29. And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty’s sake.
Vs.30. And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.
Vs.31. And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake.
Vs.32. And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.
Vs.33. And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.”
Prophet Jeremiah also interceded for the Jews (Jeremiah 14:20-21).
Vs.20. “We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.
Vs.21. Do not abhor us, for thy name’s sake; do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.”
In the New Testament, Stephen also proved to be a very potent intercessor. While he was being stoned to death by the mob, he interceded for his executioners. Fortunately, Saul who later became Paul the apostle, benefited significantly from Stephen’s intercession (Acts 7:58-60).
Vs.58. “And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul,
Vs.59.And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Vs.60. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Considering the agony of Stephen - a naturally sane individual will not expect him to plead for the forgiveness of the sins of his executioners. However, Stephen proved his calling by graciously interceding for his executioners. The Almighty God expressly granted Stephen’s request. Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul, was the greatest beneficiary of Stephen’s benevolence. This singular act of intercession by the agonizing Stephen ensured that the gospel is preached to the gentiles through an otherwise hell-bound soul (Apostle Paul). The implication of this is that the act of intercession is a key function of pastors who are worthy of their calling.
Full of the Holy Ghost
A pastor without the Holy Spirit is absolutely canal and useless in matters pertaining to the kingdom of God. Such a pastor can be likened to a wingless housefly who has foolishly decided to represent a Lion in a battle involving a Tiger. What do you expect at the end of the battle? Your guess is as good as mine! No match - absolute decimation and horrifying defeat. Jesus Christ himself was at all times - full of the Holy Ghost in his earthly ministry. You cannot therefore function as his disciple or agent without being clothed with the Holy Ghost (Luke 4:1).
“And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.”
Jesus equally admonished the apostles to remain in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Ghost. This clearly shows the importance of the Holy Ghost in the life of a man of God - Represented by the office of a pastor. The impact of the Holy Ghost upon the lives of the apostles on the day of Pentecost and beyond is to mention the least, apt and amazingly awesome (Acts.2:1-4).
Vs.1. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Vs.2. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Vs.3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Vs.4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
A pastor without the Holy Ghost cannot operate effectively in the spiritual. He or she is like a dead body who intends to play football. That is a wild goose chase. The Holy Ghost is therefore the cardinal instrument needed by a pastor to effectively achieve purpose. The pastor who lacks the Holy Ghost can also be likened to a monkey who aspires to give birth to a lizard by mating with another monkey of same species. In essence, if you lack the Holy Ghost presence in your ministry, you are certainly too far from the way of someone who should be addressed as a pastor.
Prayerful life
The office of a pastor is an absolute call to prevailing prayer. Prayer is so essential for fruitfulness in kingdom issues. This is the major reason why Christ taught us the act of prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).
Vs.9. “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Vs.10. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as is in heaven.
Vs.11. Give us this day our daily bread.
Vs.12. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Vs.13. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
Also, the last function Christ performed before he was arrested en route his crucifixion was the very deep and heart-felt agonizing prayer at the garden of Gethsemane. The implication is that - both in season and out of season - a pastor is supposed to be a habitual man or woman of prayer. The office of a pastor is a call to constantly offer sacrifices of prayer. Jesus Christ exemplified this concept through his deep and agonizing prayer at the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-44).
Vs.36. “Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples. Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
Vs.37. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
Vs.38. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
Vs.39. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Vs.40. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Vs.41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Vs.42. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Vs.43. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
Vs.44. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.”
This agonizing prayer of Christ is a call to a life of prayer. A pastor is expected to continuously offer sacrifices of prayers to the Lord. This is the most visible channel of communication between the pastor and God. Pastors who excel in ministry are undoubtedly men or women of prevailing prayer. Anyone who therefore intends to excel as a pastor must be a custodian of vibrant, consistent, purpose driven and focused prayer life.
Hospitality
Hospitality is a unique attribute of the Almighty God. He was so hospitable to mankind to the extent that he gave His only begotten Son as propitiation for our sins. This exemplary attribute of God therefore clearly shows the need for pastors to also give succor, gifts and blessings to others. This should be a recurring decimal in the life of a true divinely called pastor (Titus 1:7-8).
Vs.7. “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
Vs.8. But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;”
Counseling
A pastor is also expected to be very proficient in the art and science of counseling. The ability to divinely discern issues using the wisdom of God is a cardinal requirement for anyone to excel as a pastor. A pastor that is worth his calling must have the ability to encourage others, offer pragmatic and useful advice, and also resolve intractable problems or conflicts - using divine wisdom. The Almighty God is the source of a true pastor’s wisdom. Since God is the source it therefore follows that the Holy Spirit is the carrier of divine wisdom which is abundantly made available to any God-Appointed pastor to enable him or her to function efficiently and effectively in the office of a pastor as designed by Him. The Holy Spirit gives divine insights pertaining to the requisite solution models as regards providing solutions to otherwise intractable problems. Generally, pastors give comforting solutions in terms of advice through the Holy Spirit - the comforter (John 14:26).
“But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
Shepherd
Jesus Christ is the true shepherd and indeed, shepherd of all shepherds. Therefore, pastors are expected to have a flock signified by their congregation - whose spiritual affairs they significantly pilot through the workings and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The ability to take care of the sheep signified by the congregation is of paramount importance to Jesus - the supreme owner of the sheep. The authority to take care of the sheep has been delegated by Christ to pastors (Jeremiah 3:15).
“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
Peace
Since Jesus Christ is the prince of peace it therefore follows that those he has appointed to shepherd his flock must also exhibit this important attribute - that is, peace. (Isaiah 9:6).
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The prince of Peace.
Jesus gives the peace which the world cannot give through the Holy Spirit. A God-Appointed pastor is to mention the least, peaceful in nature.
Soul winner
Soul winning is said to be the heartbeat of God. He sent his only begotten son to die a shameful death on the cross for the redemption of our soul. This signifies the importance of soul winning to the Almighty God. This is evidently at the core of the calling of a pastor. A pastor is therefore expected to be a vibrant and consistent soul winner. Jesus specifically called his apostles and promised to make them soul winners (Matthew 4:19).
“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Deliverance
A God-Appointed pastor is no doubt uniquely endowed with the ability to set free - those people who are in captivity whether lawful or unlawful (Luke 10:19).
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Meekness
It is an amazing experience to have so much power and yet - refuse to use it to decimate others despite undue provocations. Jesus Christ exemplified this by refusing to resist arrest at the garden of Gethsemane. Severally, he also failed to take advantage over those he has the requisite power to overcome. Only a very negligible number of individuals are likely to be meek. Anyone who is meek is usually a man or woman of peace. However, since Christ is the prince of peace a pastor is also expected to be meek. The power inherent in the Holy Ghost is so awesome that it can destroy far beyond the capacity of any nuclear bomb in existence or that will ever be in existence. A carrier of such amazingly enormous power should be able to exercise restraints as regards the deployment of such power. This is the major reason why God specifically and specially equip his pastors with the spirit of meekness in order to curtail undue and excessive use of such powers (Psalms 37:11).
“But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”
Lover of the Word
The word of God is supposed to be the food of the spirit. A divinely appointed pastor is a pragmatic and absolute lover of the word of God. He or she is inherently approved of God through diligent and rapacious rhapsody of the word. As a pastor reads and meditates on the word of God the Holy Spirit gives him or her the required insight and understanding of the word tailored towards fruitfulness in ministry. The word of God is indeed light unto the feet of a pastor (Psalms 119:105).
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
The word of God also provides the light required to navigate through the dark world almost seamlessly. The word of God is also a huge source of inspiration for a pastor. It can be likened to a tool required to open and uncover micro, small, large, and complicated parts of a machine represented by the body, universe, or spiritual enclaves as the case may be. The word of God is also required for reproof, correction, doctrine, and correction. It basically transforms the pastor into what he or she should be (2Timothy 3:16-17).
Vs.16. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Vs.17. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Jesus Christ is also the word. You cannot function as a pastor without having a genuine and personal love for the personality of Jesus Christ - that is, a lover of the word (John 1:1).
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Essentially, Jesus existed in the beginning with God and he is God - revealed by the Word. The bible also makes us to understand that all things were made by him and nothing was made without him. The implication is that nothing existed or would ever exist without the Word - represented by Jesus Christ (John 1:2-3).
Vs.2. “The same was in the beginning with God.
Vs.3. All things were made by him: and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
A pastor cannot therefore function effectively without being an emphatic and practical lover of the Word. He or she daily uses the Word as a very potent tool or instrument to accomplish otherwise daunting spiritual tasks (Hebrews 4:12).
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
A pastor is therefore expected to be in an absolutely commendable union with Christ by whose authority and enablement he derives the office and function of a pastor. Without Christ, he can do nothing.
Teacher of the Word
Proficiency in the word of God cannot be separated from a true God-Appointed pastor. This is of utmost importance and significance because the pastor is expected to be an alloyed teacher of the Word. Apparently, you can only teach from the reservoir of your knowledge aided by the wisdom of God through the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ during his earthly mission also proved to be a versatile, resolute, ebullient, prolific, and indeed a proficient teacher of the Word - who was far beyond his contemporaries and time in terms of his knowledge, wisdom and exposition of the Word. His capacity to teach the Word is absolutely beyond human comprehension (Luke 2:46-47).
Vs.46. “And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
Vs.47. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.”
Jesus clearly showed that he was far beyond every other person in terms of wisdom and knowledge regardless of his otherwise very young earthly age (Luke 4:17-20).
Vs.17. “And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
Vs.18. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Vs.19.To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
Vs.20. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down, And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.”
A God-Appointed pastor is also expected to follow Jesus Christ – who is his mentor in being a good and proficient teacher of the Word. Jesus, at the twilight of his physical exit from the world emphatically instructed pastors to go into the world and teach all nations (Matthew 28:19).
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
Mentor
Christ is the true mentor of all divinely appointed pastors. Jesus teaches them through the ministry of the Holy Spirit as promised by Christ before he left the world (John 14:26).
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
Since Jesus Christ effectively mentored the apostles - therefore, the ministry of a mentor, by implication is also part of the functions of a God-Appointed pastor. As Apostle Paul admonished us, we are expected to remember those who mentor us through the instrument of the Word (Hebrews 13:7).
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
Apostle Paul further admonished us to respect and obey our mentors (Hebrews 13:17).
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
Also, Apostle Paul proved to be a worthy mentor by mentoring others. For example, he mentored Timothy and Silas (1Timothy 1:1-2).
Vs.1. “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
Vs.2. Unto Timothy, my son in the faith; Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father, and Jesus Christ our Lord.”
(Acts 15:40). “And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.”
Since Christ is our supreme mentor through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, Pastors are also expected to mentor others for the effectual and seamless propagation of the gospel as handed over to us by Christ.
Zero tolerance for sin
Jesus Christ our supreme mentor and shepherd through the ministry of the Holy Spirit had a zero tolerance for sin. He was in the world but without sin. This clearly points to the fact that a pastor is also expected to be free from sin. Apostle Peter proved this fact by his action on the duo of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts.5:1-10. They paid the supreme price with their lives for telling a lie. Also, the Almighty God expects us to be either righteous or unrighteous. He does not recognize those who sit on the divide or fence. This implies that you are either with him or you are with the devil. You can certainly not be on God’s side if you are harboring iniquity. He clearly tells us in Revelation 3:15-16, that he will spit out those who sit on the fence - that is, a little iniquity and a little righteousness. Such people as far as God is concerned are absolutely classified as unrighteous (Revelation 3:15-16).
Vs.15. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Vs.16. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”
A pastor is therefore expected to be holy in words and actions.
Divine Wisdom
A pastor cannot function effectively without hindrance if he or she lacks divine wisdom. The wisdom of man as it were is absolutely inadequate for fruitfulness in ministry. Any pastor who intends to constantly navigate troubled spiritual and physical waters must do so only through the help of divine wisdom (Proverbs 2:6).
“For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
The Holy Spirit is the custodian of divine Wisdom. A pastor who is full of the Holy Spirit is also inherently endowed with divine wisdom. You can certainly not function as a truly God-Appointed pastor without availing yourself of the input of divine wisdom as encapsulated in the Holy Spirit.
Divine authority
The authority conferred on a pastor is supposed to be domiciled in the Almighty God. He alone is the custodian of divine power. This power or authority is transmitted and domiciled in God-Appointed pastors through the Holy Spirit. The power that Christ gave the Apostles signifies authority and dominion (Matthew 10:1).
“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”
Also, in (Luke 10:19), Jesus emphatically gave authority to the apostles to function unhindered.
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Therefore, a pastor who lacks divine authority cannot be rightly said to be a God-Appointed pastor. He or she is operating in absolute error.
Empathy
Anyone who cannot genuinely and habitually sympathize with others and understand their feelings is certainly not called to be a pastor. The office of a pastor is an absolute call to empathize with others. The story of the five thousand men that were fed by Christ is a classic example of what it means to understand the feelings of others and to place oneself in their situation by offering pragmatic solutions to their concerns (Matthew 14:15-21).
Vs.15. “And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the village, and buy themselves victuals.
Vs.16. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.
Vs.17. And they said unto him, we have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
Vs.18. He said, Bring them hither to me.
Vs.19. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
Vs.20. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
Vs.21. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men beside women and children.”
Jesus Christ, through this biblical example clearly showed the importance of empathy in the ministry of a pastor. God-Appointed pastors are therefore naturally endowed with this attribute.
Chapter 2
Self-Appointed Pastors
The office of a pastor is clearly a divine assignment that entails purity and righteousness. It is certainly not a call to impunity, hypocrisy and undue blemish. However, for the self-appointed pastors, they erroneously reason that because they are handsome or beautiful and also possess the requisite knowledge obtained in bible school and also have the needed charisma, they are eminently qualified to mount the pulpit and function as pastors. My dear - the pastoral duty is absolutely beyond these physical attributes. It is spiritual in nature. Our God is a spirit. Effective connection with Him is obtained basically on the spiritual plane. This is the major reason why the self-appointed pastors often use spiritual powers obtained from the devil to foster their nest thereby deceiving even the elect of God.
The world today is increasingly witnessing a large number of people who have no business on the pulpit but have self-appointed themselves for pecuniary interests. Their conduct is absolutely putrefying and indeed inimical to the kingdom of God. They are like a malignant tumor in the body of Christ. They introduce and promote class difference and also bring the office of a pastor and Christianity to disrepute. Their actions constitute a continuation of nailing the risen Lord to the cross afresh. The self-appointed pastors are growing at an alarming rate today and are a major source of undue distractions in the body of Christ. Their conduct within and outside the pulpit is to mention the least, annoying to the extent of portraying the office of a pastor as a charade. This group is constituted by the following:
- Satanic apostles in pastor’s uniform
- Chronic fornicators and adulterers in pastor’s uniform
- Fraudsters in pastor’s uniforms
- Occult practitioners in pastor’s uniform
- Comedians and jesters in pastor’s uniform
- Harbingers of falsehood in pastor’s uniform
- Backbiters and the lost in pastor’s uniform
- Ritual practitioners in pastor’s uniform
- Crooked politicians in pastor’s uniform
- Effeminates in pastor’s uniform
- Rulers of the marine world in pastor’s uniform
- Witches and wizards in pastor’s uniform
- Pedophiles and rapists in pastor’s uniform
Virtually all of them are lured by the urge to gratify self and seek alternative to despondency and the fear of failure. These select groups view the office of a pastor as a mere social appendage and pseudo-corporate entity with lots of accompanying spoils of office to be greedily enjoyed. Also, the apparent honor therein is considered – too sweet to be ignored. They therefore oblige their ego and masters to ultimately fall prey to the seemingly alluring “comfort” of the office of a pastor. Unknown to some of them the office is pregnant with lots of secret mines carefully and masterfully buried and awaiting programmed detonation. These myopic and indeed greedy set of group fails to realize that the pastoral office is a divinely ordained spiritual task – it is absolutely more spiritual than physical. The physical niceties they greedily envisage soon become their waterloo. Ultimately, when the pastoral environment becomes too hot or cold for comfort they readily seek diabolical spiritual powers in order to remain relevant.
The pastor who called himself or herself into the pastoral office suddenly discovers that the rat race appears better than their present condition. As a result of this, going forward becomes difficult and indeed cumbersome and going backward is pregnant with outright ignominy. Unfortunately, most of them choose to rather go forward regardless of the fact that they are headed for a sure hell. At this point they put on regular pseudo-appearance of righteousness during the day and at night wear the emblem or toga of devil advocates. Their apparels are more of cosmetic aprons than enduring and genuine apparels. Understandably, instead of leading their followers to eternity in heaven, they cunningly pilot them as a single group to hell even before the appointed time – A tragedy waiting to happen - the gullible becoming paranoid. My dear, not all that glitters is gold. Such pastors are absolutely vicious and are ready to kill so as to hold on tenaciously unto their avarice positions. Expectedly, due to the dearth of positive supernatural power in their ministry, they develop legendary hatred for God-Appointed pastors who daily exercise and utilize divine powers in their ministry. At the slightest opportunity or provocation, they readily undermine and unleash terror on pastors with genuine spiritual gifts. Peradventure they fail to achieve the desired result - they proactively switch tactics to luring them away from the Lord through monetary inducements and other nefarious ideas and lucid activities emanating from the pit of hell. Their motto is – conform or break. By his grace, God will continue to daily protect and deliver the called from the nefarious path of these surreptitious groups of diabolical pastors. As far as they are concerned, the race is for the swift. Rightly too, their end is always preceded by emptiness, apparent failure and culpable disgrace.
Amazingly, these self-appointed pastors cannot endure hardship - they are easily frustrated - they are habitual sinners, who daily struggle with sin and are incredibly enmeshed in diverse controversies that has made it extremely difficult for them to return to God through genuine repentance and prayer. They easily foray into a position whereby they love to be unduly appreciated, recognized and even worshipped. Their second name is pride and arrogance. They are never sacrificial in approach. They can only sacrifice when sure of great reward or gratification as the case may be. They also struggle to function in ministry and are essentially greed motivated. Are you a pastor? Who called you? Peradventure you are divinely called - it shall be well with you but if otherwise - it is not too late to repent and genuinely drop the toga of deception. God bless you as you do.
The journey to becoming a self-appointed pastor sometimes begins almost on an innocent and harmless basis. Let us aptly consider two cases as obtained in the following scriptures (Matthew 8:19-22) and (Acts 19:13-16).
(Matthew 8:19-22).
Vs.19. “And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
Vs.20. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests: but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
Vs.21. And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
Vs.22. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.”
In this case Jesus proved clearly and significantly that pastoral calling and duty is an absolutely called-out responsibility of God. It is certainly not an office to be assumed on self-recognition. In essence, you cannot self-appoint yourself. Anyone who appoints himself or herself is absolutely living in error. The scribe who called himself in the above scripture was instantly rejected by Jesus and the fellow who gave an excuse to be absent was called instead. This implies that a call is obtained only by divine allotment and not by self-appraisal, qualification, or interest. In order to further buttress this view - let us consider the other scripture (Acts19:13-16).
Vs.13. “Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
Vs.14. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
