'Help the Preacher Lord'

That was my prayer, “Help the preacher, Lord. Help him to preach well. To offer good news. To be authentic. To touch hearts. To challenge minds.”

At the time, I was a college student, helping to start a congregation. I visited dozens of homes, inviting people to our new church. I will always remember that Sunday when a family I had visited came to worship. They took up a whole row of chairs! I welcomed and introduced them to others. I longed for them to experience an inviting congregation. I yearned for them to sense God’s awesome presence throughout the service.

I found myself praying like I never had before. I prayed for the choir, I prayed for the nursery attendants, and I prayed for the pastor. Prayer shifted my focus from wanting the preacher to satisfy my needs to meeting the needs of strangers. I became “other oriented” rather than self-oriented.

The more we invest in bringing people into our worshipping community, the more we care about them. But I urge you to care equally for the visitor who comes because of an Igniting Ministry TV ad or radio spot. Welcome them as guests who have been nudged by the Holy Spirit to attend. We have a sacred responsibility to do everything we can to help them be at home among us.

In addition to your hospitality, I implore you to pray for our guests. Pray earnestly that your pastor will offer visitors the Bread of Life and lead them into God’s holy presence. Pray your guests will be spiritually convicted and challenged, and yes, changed by God’s grace rather than merely entertained. The stakes are high. Eternally high!

Grace and peace,
Ray W. Chamberlain Jr.
Resident Bishop


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