Summary:

God has called every Christian to a certain church, and it is our responsibility to hear from God about where our local church fellowship is. In addition, we must not allow offense to cause us to murmur and complain against our pastors. We must follow God’s principles when relating to spiritual leadership. Success in life and ministry is determined by our ability to be directed by God.

  1. God’s gifts and callings on our lives are irrevocable—He never withdraws them nor does He change His mind about them (Romans 11:29, AMP).

    1. God has given ministry gifts to the body of Christ—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12).

      1. The purpose of the ministry gifts is to perfect the saints for the work of the ministry, for edifying the body of Christ.

      2. We should receive our pastors as gifts that are sent by God. By doing so, we receive God (Matthew 10:40-41).

    2. God gives us spiritual shepherds, who will feed us with knowledge, understanding, and judgment (Jeremiah 3:15, AMP).

      1. When you are in the right place (church, ministry, and/or fellowship), you can trust the spiritual leadership to which you are submitted.

      2. “We are fellow workmen—joint promoters, laborers together—with and for God” (1 Corinthians 3:9, AMP).

      3. Therefore, we should not neglect assembling ourselves together with other Believers. When we gather together, we should exhort one another (Hebrews 10:25, AMP).

    3. When we are in the right place, Satan will attack us to cause us to be offended.

      1. Some Believers find constant fault with their church and cause problems because they are simply in the wrong place.

      2. Many Believers leave their church because they have become offended, not because God told them to leave.

  2. Many times, when people are not in the right church, they become critical about many aspects of the church—especially the spiritual leaders.

    1. God is displeased with complaining (especially against spiritual leaders), as demonstrated by the incident with Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (Numbers 11:1-4).

      1. Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because he married a Cushite woman.

      2. Miriam was a prophetess and was mightily used by God through her gift of song. She also helped to care for Moses when he was a child.

      3. However, she was wrong for speaking against Moses’ leadership.

      4. God asked, “Were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” (Numbers 12:8).

      5. His anger was kindled against Miriam and Aaron, and He departed. Miriam became leprous, but Moses prayed to God for her healing (Numbers 12:9-13).

      6. Sedition means to stand apart. Miriam had to leave the camp because she was in sedition, which had the potential to infect the others with rebellion.

  3. We should not judge others based on impressions, the media, or hearsay. It is wrong to consider someone guilty before hearing his or her case (John 7:24, 51).

    1. We must remember that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10).

    2. Those who judge others are probably guilty of the same issue (Romans 2:1).

    3. We should not speak evil of one another, nor judge and condemn one another (James 4:11-12, AMP).

    4. “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth; but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others” (Ephesians 4:29, AMP).

  4. Seek the right church for you. God has a specific place to which He has called you (Deuteronomy 12:5, AMP).

    1. When you identify the specific will of God for your life, you will locate the place of your total prosperity.

    2. Once you have discovered the church God has called you to:

      1. Receive your pastor as someone who has been sent by God.

      2. Realize you are not called to change the pastor but intercede on his behalf.

      3. If you believe you are in the right church, do not cause problems there.

Instead, use your gifts to benefit the church you attend. All Believers should have a church and a pastor to whom they are submitted.

Scripture References:

  • Romans 11:29, AMP

  • Ephesians 4:11-12

  • Matthew 10:40-41

  • Jeremiah 3:15, AMP

  • 1 Corinthians 3:9, AMP

  • Hebrews 10:25, AMP

  • Numbers 11:1-4

  • Numbers 12:8-13

  • Amos 3:7, AMP

  • John 7:24, 51

  • Romans 14:10

  • Romans 2:1

  • James 4:11, 12, AMP

  • Ephesians 4:29, AMP

  • Deuteronomy 12:5, AM

Pastor Robert Bagonza

Senior Pastor Redeemed Church

www.mrolec.org