By 'Gbenga Bankole
"Workers are to serve as the extension arm of the ministry of the Pastor. The Pastor or leader, according to Eph. 4:11-13, is to serve as a coach, mentor and Shepherd, while the workers are to play, service and reproduce. The ordinary saints are to reproduce and do the work of the ministry - praying, counselling, visiting, teaching and evangelism (Acts 6:1-4). The Pastor is enabled through lay people to multiply himself and expand his ministry," the Zonal Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church, Life and Power Zone, Ikorodu Lagos, Pastor Mich 'Tunji Oladapo, has said.
The Cleric noted this while delivering his Welcome Charge on the topic "Called to Make Eternal Difference" at the 4th edition of the annual Workers' Refresher Course held at the Zonal headquarters of Life and Power zone.
He said workers are Christ's branches that must bear fruit and every tree has all the leaves and fruits in the branches, saying that the tree supplies the nutrients that flow into the branches.
He further stated that everything that Jesus will show forth will be through the branches (workers), therefore as workers you're to bear fruit and show forth the praise and glory of Him who is your Source and Sustainer (1Pet. 2:9).
"You are a worker because God has deposited some things in you that cannot be found in any other person. You have gifts, talents and endowment that must be used to bless your world. You must discover, develop and deploy these potentials for the edification of the body of Christ. There is a purpose you're in this church and God has equipped you with the necessary gifts to function effectively in that divine purpose and plan," Pastor Oladapo said.
According to him, to get workers for the service of God is the first priority of our Lord Jesus Christ and God knows that much depends on workers - the growth, expansion and perpetuation of the gospel in the world.
The Cleric also affirmed that "Christian ministry in the church is not a spectator sport but a total team ministry in which no one is useless. God counts so much on you as an important part of the team. God is constantly searching for those He will use to make His team formidable. In His plan you're so important and you're expected to play a great role. This work is not meant for angels but for important persons like you. You can imagine what happens when a member of a team is absent or refuses to play his or her role well. The entire team will be affected. Therefore you are the hands, legs, mouth, arms and eyes of God. You are His representative in this dark and dying world."
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