Pastor inspires church to expanded ministry
Published 9:08 am Friday, July 19, 2019
BY GREG MILLER
Brenda and her best friend, Barbara, had attended the same church for several decades.
They were impressed by the church’s pastors to preach the powerful truth of God’s holy Word. Pastor Brent was the church’s minister for 10 years, before he went to his eternal reward. Pastor Barnabas served as the congregation’s minister for almost 10 years before he resigned to become the pastor of a newer, smaller church in another state. Pastor Bruce, after serving as the congregation’s pastor for 20 years, resigned to host a daily television program, on which he answered questions from viewers. After Pastor Bruce resigned, Pastor Benny assumed pastoral responsibilities at the church.
Pastor Benny was determined to pastor the church in a way that honored and glorified the Lord Jesus Christ. He often quoted the statement of John the Baptist, “He must increase but I must decrease!”
Pastor Benny was soft spoken, but he wanted to be sure the congregation heard the message, so he used a microphone on a regular basis. “This is my inside voice,” he sometimes joked while the mic amplified his voice.
Members of the congregation appreciated Pastor Benny’s commitment to using the mic, and some of them even complimented him on the sound of his voice. “Your voice sounds so smooth and velvety when you use the mic,” said Sis. Bethany.
“You should record all your sermons,” said Bro. Bernie. “We can take copies of them and share the messages with residents of local nursing homes and prisons, and with all community residents who want to hear them.”
Pastor Benny’s commitment to the Lord and to the local church was contagious, and members of the congregation were infected with the same level of commitment. “I love the Lord more today than yesterday, and I want to do more for Him today than I’ve ever done before,” said Sis. Bethany.
“I really appreciate the fact that you are helping us to realize the importance of sharing our faith,” said Bro. Bernie. “When we share our faith, we’re exercising our faith muscles. The more we exercise those muscles, the stronger they will become. The stronger our faith muscles, the more we can defeat Satan when he comes against our testimony. We overcome the evil one by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. So the more strength we have in our faith muscles, the greater our victories through the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“You’re exactly right,” said Pastor Benny. “You’re exactly right.”
To contact the writer of this column about speaking engagements (in the U.S.A.), including Christian Comedy Fundraising Outreaches, Christian Creativity Seminars and/or puppet ministry, please type “Speaking Engagements” in the subject line and e-mail raysofson@gmail.com, kidcool4jesus@yahoo.com or ministry4jesus@yahoo.com.