 |
| Pastor G.S. Dada |
By Boluwatife Oparinde
The Superintendent, Christ Apostolic Church Oke Ado Districts' Coordinating Council (DCC), Ibadan, Pastor G. S. Dada has told Evangelists, Prophets and Prophetesses that as growth is an indispensable thing in life, the same is true spiritually.
The cleric said this at the 2023 Edition of the Annual Conference of all Evangelists, Planters, Prophets and Prophetesses of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas.
Speaking on the topic "The Necessity of Growth in the Ministry", defined that "spiritual growth begins when one is engrafted in Christ, until finally we all attain oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, yes, to the point of being filled full with Christ."
"Growing in the ministry means to increase in your knowledge of Christ and become more constant in your love for him and your obedience to him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom you have sent (John 17:3). Growth is important because it is an indicator that the ministry you are doing is not stagnant. Growth can take many forms, depending on the ministries and mission of your church," he explained.
Speaking on the importance of spiritual growth, the cleric stated that, "Ministry is practicing biblical love, which is the goal of Christian instruction (1 Timothy 1:5). Each person needs to contribute their function in order for the Body to be healthy (Ephesians 4:16). Ministry counteracts a selfish, temporal value system by replacing it with investment in eternal things people (See Matthew 6:19-21 and interpret in light of (1 Thessalonians 2:19,20). It gives outlet and an unselfish purpose to the other means of growth. Apart from ministry, the means of growth will tend to be viewed as purely self- serving tools, and thus will not result in growth."
He also highlighted "selfishness or faulty (temporal or materialistic). Misunderstanding about the degree of emotional or spiritual maturity required for ministry. (1 Timothy 4:14-16). Lack of training, motivation or equipping by other older Christians may leave a believer willing, but incompetent. (2 Timothy 2:2). Discouragement over previous failure in ministry. They may have been taught that it is impossible to minister unless they know what their spiritual gift is," as reasons for failure in growing spiritually.
Pastor Dada told his audience that followers of Christ grow in spiritual maturity when they are planted and watered in good soil as a seed grows when it's planted and watered.
He furthered that there are three elements that are essential to growing to spiritual maturity, grace, truth, and time; explaining that "truth is found in God's Word, which corrects, trains and challenges us. Grace is seen when we realize that we make mistakes along the way and experience God's patient forgiveness. Time is essential, since maturity will not come overnight but is a process and a journey."
"You can grow in spiritual maturity by persevering in following God's plan through the trials and challenges of your life (James 1:2-18) and living a life that is Spirit-filled - that is, learning to be aware of and listen to God's Spirit, who lives within all Jesus followers (Ephesians 5:18; Romans 6:11-14)," the cleric said.
On signs of maturity in Christ, Pastor Dada related five signs whuch according to him are, "Mature Christians receive the truths of the gospel as it was passed down to them. Mature Christians stop pointing out everyone else sins, and start confessing their own. Mature Christians watch their words, and know when NOT to speak their own. Mature Christians grow less dependent on themselves, and increasingly dependent on Christ. Mature Christians make every effort to build on their faith."
"When you are growing spiritually, it won't be a secret. Active spiritual growth is usually visible, and there are several things that make it evident, which are, a desire to spend time with God to learn more about Him (2 Peter 3:18), desire to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 2:21), learning and eaching others the truths of the Bible (2 Peter 3:18), growing in grace with forgiveness (Titus 2:11-14), and desiring to obey God (John 14:15; James 1:19-25)," he added.
The clergyman also stated five ways to strengthen one's relationship with God as, "humble yourself and pray, read and study your Bible, join a group of like-minded believers, do for others, and seek out your spiritual gifts; adding that "Leadership-Administration Teaching - Evangelism and Shepherding -Prophecy Serving -Mercy-Exhortation - Giving" are some of the other spiritual gifts that appear in the process of maturity.