THE STAGES OF FAITH
I
was reading an article by Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church recently and
felt it timely to share some foundational truths about the process of building
the ministry within (the life of the minister) and the ministry without (the
life of the church).
As
a Pastor and Church Leader faith is the basis of all that we do hold dear. We
preach by faith, teach by faith, make decisions by faith and are led by faith. It
is the process or path of faith the unknowingly builds leadership character in
all of us that lead.
Rick
Warren talked about the "Six Phases/Stages of Faith” which we must all
encounter and understand to know where we are in ministry. As I lead other
pastors quite often the overwhelming question is “where am I?”, or “Am I making
the right choices for ministry and life?”. Psalms 37:23 teaches us that “the
steps of a righteous person are order or ordained by the Lord”. The questions
that asked are answered by “it is what God has ordained?”
STAGE
1: A dream
God speaks to us by vision and dreams. It is always the end result of what He is doing and the way that He keeps expectation in our lives at optimum.
God speaks to us by vision and dreams. It is always the end result of what He is doing and the way that He keeps expectation in our lives at optimum.
STAGE
2: A decision
Once the vision is received leaders must make a decision. The greatest of revelations remain untapped unless connected to decisiveness and faith. Make the step!
Once the vision is received leaders must make a decision. The greatest of revelations remain untapped unless connected to decisiveness and faith. Make the step!
STAGE
3: A delay
The season of waiting is always the hardest phase of any vision. There is the call, the wait and then the fulfillment. The faith of waiting is better accompanied with being of good courage.
The season of waiting is always the hardest phase of any vision. There is the call, the wait and then the fulfillment. The faith of waiting is better accompanied with being of good courage.
STAGE
4: A difficulty
The difficulties are indications that achievement and effectiveness is really happening. Doubt is the tool of the adversary to discourage that fact. This is not an indication that your dreams are not coming true. It is an indication that the adversary knows it!
The difficulties are indications that achievement and effectiveness is really happening. Doubt is the tool of the adversary to discourage that fact. This is not an indication that your dreams are not coming true. It is an indication that the adversary knows it!
STAGE
5: A dead end!
When things get from bad to worse this is the final indication you are in the completion lap. Emotionally when you feel like giving up is spiritually when you are ready to move to the next level. You are on the edge of finalizing your walk of faith.
When things get from bad to worse this is the final indication you are in the completion lap. Emotionally when you feel like giving up is spiritually when you are ready to move to the next level. You are on the edge of finalizing your walk of faith.
STAGE
6: A deliverance
Without rhyme or reason the plans and vision that you have been believing God for simply align and fall into place. This is time for your miracle!
Without rhyme or reason the plans and vision that you have been believing God for simply align and fall into place. This is time for your miracle!
Stay
the course of faith and God will bring to pass what He has designed for you,
your ministry and your church!
