THE CHOSEN PASTOR

Some years ago, I knew a brother at my local church who was the model of a vibrant Christian. His zeal was visible to all, excellent in prayer, evangelism, preaching, and dedication. He was a living benchmark, and seeing him strengthened my own faith.

Then, during a retreat, we spoke deeply. He confessed a hidden, nightly struggle with masturbation that tormented him. I was stunned. The man I saw as a pillar was inwardly at war. This revealed a profound truth. Outward activity can mask inward fragility.

Christianity is difficult to discuss publicly. Reason of being mislabeled or sparking hateful discourse. Yet, silence is a breeding ground for crisis.

A critical error in our generation is the confusion between dedication and divine calling. We see a passionate, hardworking young person and swiftly push them toward pulpit ministry. We mistake spiritual zeal for a pastoral calling. The result 👐

We have built more buildings than Christ-like character, We measure candidates by eloquence, activity, and influence rather than by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), We have “selected” leaders based on human standards, while God’s chosen vessels are set apart by His hand.

This has given the devil room to mock our faith, turning the sacred into a performance. Remember: "The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

You can be a nuclear engineer or a powerful businessperson and clean the house of God with devotion and love. Through your integrity at work and dedication in your role, people can encounter salvation. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

The offices of Pastor, Prophet, and Teacher are not promotions for the dedicated; they are divine appointments for the chosen. They carry a weight not of human selection, but of heavenly ordination. “And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was” (Hebrews 5:4).

Let us reduce the endless activities and return to the deep, spiritual matters of God. Let us “test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

To every passionate soul. Serve where you are with all your heart. But do not let anyone force you into a role God has not ordained. Let God choose you. Let Him equip you. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Only when we distinguish human selection from God’s anointing will we stop growing buildings, people who mock God's altar and start growing heaven-ready disciples. The integrity of the Church depends on it.

Until the moment when will shall dance in white Greater Grace.

Oyugbo Osagie Jonah