I learnt the basics of preaching and pulpit ministry from my pastor. He came into our Church then as pastor when I was just discovering God’s call on my life, so he was my first practical, close model for the pulpit ministry. The Church was also in a phase where it needed the strong, dogged and exemplary leadership he graciously provided. Little did I know that all I went through under him would be the foundation for what I now do in the ministry.

Friend, when God brings you to a local Church, He has brought you to your place of molding and modelling. Your pastor can be your school for life and destiny if only you can tap into the wisdom and grace being displayed right before you, free of charge. I wonder why people often look too far for training and development when they have a sound, God-given pastor before them. Of course, I learn from various sources, but God was strategic enough to put a pastor before because he wanted me to learn first hand.

It does not matter what line of calling, career or business you are pursuing, there is something in and on your pastor that can grant you an edge in that field. Listen, beyond just seeing your pastor or Church as where you go to feel religious and fulfil all righteousness, you need to start seeing such as a place of molding and modeling. This was why Paul told the Philippians that, “Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:9). What have you seen, heard, learned and received from your pastor?

Rather than seeing your pastor as a needy person, start seeing him as a needed person. You need your pastor more than he needs you. For example, you should not have problem with starting and growing a business if you have been privileged to be a part of a starting Church. The truth is, all of the principles and practises involved in starting a Church can be applied to starting a business if you are an open-hearted follower. What goes on in Church has been ordained by God to greatly impact your practical life.

As you go into today, I want you to take another look at the local Church and the ministry of a pastor. Like I have always said, not everybody will need a doctor, lawyer, mechanic etc., but everyone will need a pastor, everyone will need a Church. You need to start seeing your local Church and pastor as your school of destiny in disguise. You need to intentionally and intelligently participate. You need to belong so that you can become.

I pray for you today that you would not waste away in destiny. May you not join the generation of loafers in Church. May the devil not deceive you into thinking that you don’t need a pastor or Church. May you rise up today and take your share of Kingdom responsibilities in the local Church as you leverage them for success out there. Like me, may you be able to look back, in years to come, at your experience in Church, and be able to say, “Thank God for the local Church. Thank God for my pastor.” You will succeed!

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria