The Deep and Wonderful

Coming to a new church plant near you.

If you haven't experienced the deep and wonderful yet...be patient you will.

Pastor Elgin and I were having dinner with another couple in ministry and we discussed this phenomenon. The deep and wonderful come to "help" you with your small fledgling upstart of a ministry. They know more than you do and you should be overwhelmed with gratitude that they have come to bail you out. They want the pulpit, they want access to the sheep and they can't wait to get the microphone.

Our pastor friend said one such person approached them and stated that they had come to help him in ministry. Our friend responded...I'm not looking for help. My wife and I are doing just fine...what we need are committed and faithful people to submit and support the vision of this house. That was enough to send the deep and wonderful packing.

As we were beginning in ministry God spoke to watch out for those who offer "help." He spoke that their real purpose was to change the spirit of what was Zion and we would be in great error if we allowed that to happen.

I spoke with another pastor and they told me that "prophet so-and-so" came to their church and wanted the pulpit. Wanted to be ordained immediately. My pastor friend said that was nice but what they needed was to go through new members class first and foremost. Well prophet so-and-so wasn't about to have that. They went to the church down the street and tore it up. The church ended up splitting behind prophet so-and-so's foolishness.

And apparently small new church plants aren't the only targets for the deep and wonderful. You've got to read the experience first hand of good friend Pastor Deanna. She and her husband pastor the Northside Assembly of God Church in Florida. And their ministry is well-established and flourishing! It was absolutely hilarious. You can read about her encounter here.

So as you begin in ministry, know that it's only a matter of time before the deep and wonderful show up offering their help. Show them the love of Christ, hold on tight to your microphone and keep preaching the Gospel. Your ministry may be small right now but you're in no way desperate. God's word will be fulfilled and you don't need or want a contrary spirit/vision loose in the ministry.

Be not weary in well doing; for in due season you will reap if you faint not.

No matter how attractive their help seems; wait God out to fulfill His word.

Be blessed today,

Pastor Lisa