More than just a number

It's so important that Church leaders commit time to personally knowing the flock of God through frequent communication with them and visitation.

When that is done, we can help them bear their burdens and in so doing fulfil the law of Christ. Many in the Church are hurting, depressed and some even contemplate suicide daily. However, they wear pretty faces on Service day, hiding the gloom and despair that so easily shows when the light is cast on their hearts.

This why cell leaders, shepherds and ministers are so important in the Church. Your responsibility as a Church is so significant that if you do not make full proof of it by staying faithful to the calling, the brethren will stray. Nonetheless, the aforementioned leaders are not the only ones to take such responsibility.

We are all called to love one another; to be concerned about one another, and to place the interests of others above ours.

As much as we need to fellowship with the Lord in private, we also need to fellowship with the brethren in person. Nobody wants to be considered just a number. How can a first timer in Church feel at home in our Churches when all we do is run to our 'cliques' to catch up on 'business' after Service? They need our attention! We cannot afford to let them slip by just like that. The answer to retention of souls in the Church is not serving coke and pie after Service; no! They will eat it and not come back the following week if we do not follow them up through prayer and visitation, days after the Service.

In truth, nobody is just a number. Everyone belonging to Christ who belongs to your local assembly is a member of the Body of Christ, which means that each person is recognized by Jesus Christ Himself; which also means they're also worth recognizing! Glory to God!

Paul the Apostle sent epistles to the Churches he started. Peter did. John did. James did.

Did Jesus do so?

Hmmm...

You see, the truth is that Jesus did not have to send letters because He himself was a letter; THE LETTER from the Father.

Almighty Jehovah visited this earth in the Person of Jesus Christ of Nazareth! Hallelujah!

Let's write letters of encouragement and edification to our brethren in our Churches DAILY! With social media, we can do so with ease. Call them! Wish them a happy birthday! Share in their joys and sorrows. It reminds of what Bishop Dag said: "Joy shared is double joy; sorrow shared is half sorrow." If we encourage our brethren daily (not only on Sunday) will grow thereby, and grow strong! They will be devoted to the work of ministry!

Let's know them personally and love them! Love them. Don't jus be sympathetic; be moved with compassion. Bishop Matthew Addae-Mensah says compassion causes you to do something about the situation but sympathy will only show pity.

Pastors, ministers, shepherds, elders, remember that nobody is just a number!

To sum up, let me share four things that Bishop Dag treats in detail in his book Transform your Pastoral Ministry:

# Prayer

# Visitation

# Teaching

# Interaction.