We had another phenomenal small group meeting today and were host to incredible fellowship with Vic, an unexpected visitor from Alaska. His wisdom and knowledge of the Word of God was a perfect example of discipleship and a much needed source of inspiration for all our group members.
We prayed our Church sermon (at First Baptist Church in St. Petersburg FL) would top off our morning and enlighten us to spread God’s Word however, we were quite disappointed to learn more about our Senior pastor and his interpretation of the Word rather than the Word itself.
What baffles me is that Walter, our Pastor feels that his life is so fascinating that the entire congregation would prefer learning about his experiences rather than Jesus!
How can listening to parables involving hunting, painting or overflowing trash cans bring us closer to God? In essence, this could cause excessive admiration for him, a person, for his philosophy of life, also known as a cult following.
What about when he’s not around to tell hunting stories? How will people find salvation then?
Another issue I have with the preaching at our Church involves scripture, or the lack thereof. How can Church leaders help people to become followers of Jesus by quoting scripture once, maybe twice during an hour-long service?
I believe in my heart that our Senior Pastor’s intentions are righteous, otherwise God would not have him preach from the pulpit. I also know Walter’s ways have a positive influence on many people, otherwise our Church would be empty.
However, it is my conviction that our Church is losing sheep faster than we can round off new ones. Basically, our Church is failing it’s mission.
It has become obvious many in our congregation hunger for the Word. We have grown to rely on it every minute of every day and we need to know how to apply it to our lives.
Since God’s way is the only way, I believe that preaching from the Word will not only enlighten, but may very well be the key to salvation for all Christians.
Up to now, I was under the impression preaching the Word from the pulpit may not have been appropriate seeing how our senior Pastor continues to ignore scripture. I was glad to hear Vic’s testimony later that day when he confessed Walter’s message was less fulfilling then our small group meeting and that, our small group members embodied the essence of what a Church should be.
What goes on at your Church? How are you and your pastors fed?
I pray you all are fortunate to be Word driven, otherwise you are missing out on God’s greatest gift to mankind. “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28)
Let’s pray.
Father God;
We thank you for all that surrounds us and for your love.
We pray for your guidance in our lives through your Word
And ask you to drive us to fulfill your plan for our lives.
Lord, please shine your light bright upon us
And lead us to eternal life with you in Heaven
Where we can rejoice with you and all those who believe in you.
God please forgive our sins and our weaknesses
Make us stronger when temptation hovers over us
And continue to lift our spirits when darkness sets in
So that we may shine through strengthened by Faith.
Thank you all mighty God for all that you’ve given us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
