Pastors of Growing Churches Have Persistent Faith
by Wesley S.K. Daniel

In my last article, I discussed the importance of having a clear-cut vision for growth. Pastors of growing churches possess a clear sense of vision of where God is leading them and their congregation. They are driven by a sense of calling, a sense of urgency, a sense of passion to save the lost, and a sense of determination to accomplish specific growth-related tasks.

Another important characteristic common to pastors of growing churches is that they have a faith that will persist to the end! I know for certain that pastors of growing churches have failed numerous times and have learned their lessons the hard way — just as have pastors serving declining churches. However, pastors of growing congregations have valiantly persisted through the many trials, failures, and ups and downs of ministry. They do not easily give up; they keep running the race with perseverance, courage, and faith.

In the Scripture, we read of Moses who had seen God and heard God's voice. Moses knew the vision and mission to which God had called him. Therefore, when all the circumstances of life attempted to deny and break that vision and calling, somehow he was able to persist with faith, courage, and boldness. The author of the book of Hebrews perhaps gives Moses the highest compliment when he says, ". . . For he persevered as though he saw him who is invisible" (Hebrews 11:27, NRSV).

There are numerous other examples in the Scripture of people of persistent faith: Noah, Joseph, David, Abraham, Job, and others. In the book of Philippians, Paul writes, "Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14, NRSV). In our time and day, pastors of growing churches in our own and other denominations will undoubtedly affirm that persistent faith and courage are integral for being a leader of a growing church. When the pastor as a leader is able to posses such faith, that faith also becomes contagious among the people of the congregation. Together, the church works and toils hard with faith to accomplish the vision God has given them, all to the glory of God.

Wesley S. K. Daniel, former staff of the General Board of Discipleship, is now serving as a superintendent in the Des Moines District of the Iowa Annual Conference.

Posted 10-16-03.