Young Adults' Group

A Right Perspective Of The Church

by Pastor Mark
July 08, 2021

A significant time for Bethany

As we prepare for Bethany’s 48th Anniversary celebration, Pastor Charles began the theme of “Let the Lord set a man over the congregation” on a challenging note. Though the theme is about leadership, the focus is not on the leader. It is most vital that we have the right perspective concerning Bethany and our future.

The right perspective

What should the proper perspective be?

1. Congregation

The main focus should be the congregation (Num 27:16,17). It is not just any congregation. It is the congregation of the Lord and it belongs to Him. This was Moses’ understanding as he sought the Lord for someone else to continue the work of leading Israel. It was about the congregation that a man should be set over. He would go out and come in before them. He would lead them out and bring them in. This was to ensure that the congregation would not become like sheep having no shepherd.

As for Bethany, the focus is not on the pastors. It is about the people in Bethany. We have grown significantly as a church over the last 48 years. Pastor’s ministry has always been about the congregation and ministering to their needs. This is the reason why Pastor has been working the way he does as he seeks to minister to all and each one. Let us all have the right perspective of what leadership is, that it is about the congregation.

2. Revelation

One critical thing about ministry is being given revelation from God. For Moses, God revealed many things to him, especially as he communed with Him. God specially spoke to Moses “face to face” (Deut 34:10). He revealed instruction, insights and inspiration to Moses for him to lead the children of Israel. We thank God for how He reveals things to Pastor as he ministers to us. As the Lord reveals the changing needs of the church, we should be dynamic enough to change. It takes much sensitivity to know the leading of the Lord, to understand which ministries should continue and which ones should be changed.

3. Conclusion

God revealed to Moses the conclusion of his ministry at Mt Abarim (Num 27:12). His life would come to an end. It was time for Moses to conclude his ministry. As for Bethany, Pastor announced on Sunday that our kindergarten ministry would be concluding at the end of the year. With all the new challenges faced by our kindergarten due to the many changes in the pre-school education system, it would be prudent for us to bring this ministry to a conclusion. Let us appreciate the wisdom of closing a ministry as the Lord leads us.

4. Commencement

On the other hand, it was exciting to hear Pastor announcing that we will be embarking on a new ministry next year specially catered to our seniors. As we see the growing needs of our seniors, we will be focusing on reaching out to them with the gospel and providing a programme to care for their needs.  I thank God for Pastor’s vision in seeing such a need, changing direction as a church and transforming accordingly. Let us be challenged to focus on the needs of our congregation as we seek to minister more wisely in our 49th year of ministry.

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