The Pastor's Son (1)
Ogunbanwo Oluseyi@oluseyiogunbanwo258714
10 days ago
The Pastor's Son. (1)
'Dad, guess what? I have been appointed the substantive Pastor of our Parish'
'That's wonderful, I'm happy to hear that. I pray that Lord God will grant you the victory'. By the way what happened to the former Pastor?'
"He was promoted and transferred to the regional headquarters'.
'Congratulations son. I can see that you are happy'
'Sure Dad, I can't wait to take over. I'm just elated. I need your prayers and support'.
'You don't need to worry about that. You'd get much of that from the church. By the way, what was the reaction of the congregation when the news broke through?'
'Quite exhilarating. There was a loud shout of praise and joy. The feeling was enthralling'.
'Fine. And what was the reaction of the Pastor?'
'Oh, Pastor Caleb couldn't hide his joy either. He came to our house to break the news to us before it was announced to the church. He said he'd have been surprised if the committee had censored another person from the parish.
'That's nice. So what plans do you have for your congregation? I'm sure you'd have some plans even though you were not expecting the promotion'.
'Sure Dad. I'll need to pray to know what direction the Lord would want the church to take. There are some worthy legacies left behind by Pastor Caleb which I hope to continue with'
'Would you mind telling me those legacies?'
'Not at all Dad. He was a time-conscious Pastor. He never spends a minute late on the pulpit. He was also given to fulfill every detail of the church assignment. He was indeed a consummate man of God.'
'Did you reach out to Pastor Caleb for his advice on how to run the Parish without minding the fact that you have been his assistant for years?
'Sure Dad, I did. He simply told me to pray always, listen to the Holy Spirit, and allow the principle of Paul's epistle to Timothy and Titus to be my guide in running the church. He also admonished me to keep studying the scriptures'
'That's interesting! Now what do you intend to add to that as the new resident Pastor?'
'Well, I intend to expand the fortunes of the church. I don't see anything wrong in creating some business outfits where members can be empowered and have their financial burden reduced'.
'Hmmm....what outfits are we talking about here?'
'A microfinance bank, a school, a cooperative store where our members can access loans, our children have a quality education at heavily subsidized rates and their parents can buy household items at low prices.'
'What a plan you have! I just wish you could bring this dream to reality.
'Does it look impossible Dad?' I strongly believe with God all things are possible...and why...why are you smiling?'
'You make it sound as if I don't believe. Well to start with what is the strength of your congregation?'
'A little above one thousand or is there anything wrong with the plan?'
'Not really...I just believe a Shepherd should focus more on his calling. Good and noble as those plans of yours are, they could derail you from focusing on ideal plan of God for the sheep'
'Listen Dad, I'm not going to carry all this plans on my head..no, the work of the ministry alone is more than enough. I intend to choose able men, having a good report and full of the Holy Spirit to handle each of these projects.'
'Well, I didn't expect you to carry all these on your shoulders either. However I believe at this point you' need a piece of advice. However laudable your plans are, you must bring them before the Lord. Because, sometimes, our ways are not His way. Secondly always remember you a branch of a tree. And that is a spiritual and physical principle. The spiritual, well you know, is in John 15:1-6, and physically you lead a parish church. There must be a recourse to the parent church especially in matters relating to your plans. And then, there is another important principle'.
'And what is that Dad?'
'Well, its few minutes to noon Pastor, and close to the time for my prayers. Can we continue this tomorrow, if you don't mind?
'Not at all. I will see you tomorrow sir. And thank you foe your fatherly advice. I really appreciate'
'Its okay'.
-Oluseyi Ogunbanwo
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