I was in a ministers’ meeting where an associate pastor said, ‘Not many churches in this city guarantee spiritual and well-rounded growth. Destiny Impact Church is one. I’ve recommended it to many.’ I was humbled, encouraged, and sober. But what should you look for in a local church?
Friend, what do you consider in choosing a local church (Psalm 16:11)? Primarily, the local church is a place of planting and flourishing. If you are not growing in church, you would groan in life. Some people attend church for many reasons except for growth. Growth is preceded by planting and watering. You need a local church where you are planted and watered (Pslam 92:13).
A God-ordained church must do at least three things in your life; meet your needs, supply understanding, and move you from your problem to your purpose (John 8:32). If your church does not do these three things, you might be in the wrong church. Most of the counselling needs of people are pointers to their wrong church and churching (Psalm 23:1-2).
If you are in the right church, your pastor’s messages are God’s answers to your questions (Psalm 85:8). His examples are wisdom for your life and living. His life is a model and pattern for your life and destiny. Indeed, finding the right church is finding God’s help for victory in life and destiny (Psalm 68:6).
It is not enough to be delivered from your problem. You need to be led into your purpose (Acts 9:6). Don’t be a Christian who’s only looking for where your problem would be solved. Be interested in purpose. A God-ordained church will help you discover your purpose and prepare you for it (Luke 8:2). This is how to be permanently delivered from problems.
Dear pastor, don’t just organise programs. Raise a family for God (Genesis 14:14). Create an atmosphere where people can thrive in purpose and destiny. The church is not a restaurant. It is a family. The church is not a conference centre. It is a place of making and moulding (Jeremiah 18:1-6). Raise people for God. Train people for destiny. This is your core assignment.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria