(Episode 29) LOVE AFFAIRS | A novel of the OmidanWURA_files By Segun Alonge Jr

She became a staunch follower of his posts and articles on social media. His central focus in ministering to others blended well with hers. She soon made a formal Introduction of herself and a relationship ensued.

Opeyemi Daniels is a young, vibrant and zealous gospel of grace minister. He is focused on reaching out to others for Jesus through outreaches and crusades - no intention of starting up a local church whatsoever.

Now, listen to me, this is very important.

I'm speaking to those of you who intend or already began the work of ministry. The fact that God has called you into a specific assignment in His kingdom does not necessarily mean you should start up a new church - by that I mean a new meeting place.

Many have misconstrued this fact. So many young ministers today are out there seeking fame and popularity but claiming they are preaching the gospel.

God can call you right there in your local church for you to function. All you would have to do is approach your pastor and explain in details to him. If truly he is a spirit filled man - and your assignment is not for fame or worldly pleasures, he would create room for you - in fact, before you approach him, doors would already be opening up to you.

A vast expanse of land area is occupied today by church building but the nation is not feeling her impact. The emphasis should be more on building lives and not building churches.

True! We need a place to nurture the newly born, share communion and edify one another - but that's not our primary goal.

I have heard about young ministers who upon receiving their supposed call from God approached financial institutions for loans to erect a massive structure. After which they launched out into using several strategies into getting it filled.

Sure! People would come - as a matter of fact, in torrents. Everyone loves comfort and convenience. They spend so much on the building that it would be obvious to a passerby that 'here comes another business enterprise'. And before long, they begin to garner an endless list of titles including the popular, founder and senior pastor.

Differentiating between the abused form of politics and religion is now very difficult. Both are now being run just like a business enterprise.

You can still remain right there in your local church and make great impact – except your local church leader is feeling insecure about your progress.

Even at that, I believe humility and submission on your part would nib that in the bud – sooner or later. The church ought to operate like a general specialists centre.

Ever been to a General Specialists Hospital? What do you see? You would see different category of people specializing on different ailment treatments. Right there, you would find psychologists, oculists, neurosurgeons, obstetricians, dentists and so many others.

The local church is supposed to be run the same way – a perfect blend of evangelists, teachers, pastors, apostles, and prophets all focusing on the central idea of edifying the body of Christ - till we all come to the stature of Christ.

You ought not leave your local church because you have received a special call into the teaching ministry. There are people there that you can impact and if at all you would be launching out, your local church should still be home – whenever you are back from the trips. That is the ideal church.

This too is equally important to note. I have seen many young ministers quit their childhood church claiming they no longer preach the true word of God. I do not nullify the fact that excesses have long crept into the church but who says you cannot do anything about it?

Maybe God has placed you right there in their midst for such a time. If the fire you carry is genuine and the knowledge you claim to now have has not puffed you up with pride – then sooner or later, the truth would prevail.

Keep working at it and stay right there. The great shepherd of the sheep would never leave them to stray forever. He would sure gather them into the fold – you might be the vessel he wants to use at that time. Stop prostituting around in search of a perfect place. Jesus never stopped attending meetings at the synagogues even though he always speaks out loud against the scribes and Pharisees.

Be like your master! And as the revered Apostle Peter would say, ‘sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed’.

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