“The work of ministry is hard work, unfortunately many ministers have ceased labouring under grace and are doing the work without the call at the back of their minds, which will not survive the fire of God’s Word on the day of Christ.”
These are the words of Pastor Dele Oyeleru to a team of enthusiastic believers from different churches at the inaugural Labour Day Ministers’ Conference organised by Builders With God Ministry, a non-denominational body, on the 2nd of May, 2016.
The event, which took place at the multi-purpose hall of the Welcome Centre Hotels on the International Airport Road in Lagos, was organized to raise, equip and give opportunity to Christian leaders who are called into all spectrum of ministry in order to impact the earth for God.
Speaking on the theme of the conference “Lest I Run in Vain”, Pastor Oyeleru pointed out that God is not after the size of the believer’s work but rather in the quality, hence ministers should orientate their minds towards quality produce.
“We cannot get the right produce if the motive, procedure and process are wrong,” he explained, adding: “To ensure labourers meet God’s high expectations, stress on the work should be on doing what the Father wants as He rewards work done faithfully in His name.”
Pastor Oyeleru condemned prevalent situations where minsters milk the flocks committed into their stewardship by God, displaying pretentious concern for members’ welfare because of the accruing gains of their presence in the church.
“Ministry is not for earthly rewards, (though God makes provisions for His work); so lies and display of sentiments to get people’s money must cease,” he said.
He reminded pastors that it is very possible to labour in vain and have their works burnt by fire, if they are not labouring with God, adding that “The work should be carried out with eternity in mind.”
On what ministers are to do in the midst of the rot and wanton abuse being witnessed in ministry, he encouraged pastors to endure sufferings and afflictions for the sake of Christ.
“Dare to make the difference and be the difference. Make effort to contribute something fresh to the body of knowledge through gaining inspiration from God.”
He described ministers as stakeholders (co-labourers with God) in the Kingdom and not hirelings, who receive their rewards here on earth.
Pastor Oyeleru urged ministers to re-strategize, work hard and smart and learn from the lives of those who ran well and finished the race.
Efforts, he said, should be concentrated on raising mature sons who would keep the ministers awakened to their responsibilities and ultimately measure up to the full and complete standards of Christ.
“Do not be intimidated or neglect the place of discipline in the maturing of sons, as children feel safer with a father or teacher that disciplines them than the one that indulges them. Even Jesus, though God’s Son, had to go through discipline before He was declared Son by the Father,” he advised.
The event featured a pre-conference breakfast summit of pastors in the network, prayer sessions, praise and worship by Bukola Bekes and song-drama ministrations by Damola Akiogbe and her team.