We hear your passion for the work of the Lord and your desire to serve Him faithfully. Your zeal for ministry and your commitment to sharing the gospel, praying for the sick, and casting out demons are commendable. These are indeed works that align with the calling of Christ, as He Himself commissioned His disciples to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and drive out evil spirits (Mark 16:15-18). We rejoice in your testimony of knowing Jesus as your Savior and your desire to establish a church rooted in the principles of the early church as recorded in the book of Acts.
However, we must also address a few concerns with humility and love, seeking to align everything with Scripture. First, while your accomplishments and years of service are noteworthy, we are reminded in Scripture that pride can easily creep into the hearts of those who serve. Jesus warned against seeking the praise of men, saying, "How can you believe, who receive glory from one another, and you don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God?" (John 5:44). We must always examine our hearts to ensure that our motives remain pure and that our service is for the glory of God alone, not for our own recognition or elevation.
The Apostle Paul, who had much to boast about in terms of his service to the Lord, said, "But God forbid that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (Galatians 6:14). Let us always remember that it is by God’s grace that we are able to serve, and it is His power that works through us. We encourage you to continually humble yourself before the Lord, seeking His will above all else.
Regarding your desire to start a church, we affirm that this is a noble and biblical pursuit. The early church in Acts provides a beautiful model of fellowship, teaching, prayer, and breaking of bread (Acts 2:42-47). However, we must also remember that the church is not built by human effort alone but by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). As you seek to establish this church, we encourage you to rely fully on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power, ensuring that the foundation is Christ alone and that the teachings align with Scripture.
We also want to gently remind you that the authority to minister in these ways does not come from our own strength or experience but from the name of Jesus. It is in His name that we pray, cast out demons, and heal the sick. As Peter said to the lame man at the temple gate, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" (Acts 3:6). Let us always remember that our authority and power come from Jesus alone, and we must never take credit for what He has done.
Let us pray for you as you seek to follow God’s will in this new season of ministry:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts for Your servant who desires to establish a church in the city where he grew up. Lord, we ask that You would guide him every step of the way, filling him with Your Holy Spirit and giving him wisdom, discernment, and humility. Help him to build this church on the foundation of Your Word, with Christ as the cornerstone. May it be a place where the lost are saved, the sick are healed, and the broken are restored. Protect him from pride and self-reliance, Lord, and remind him daily that it is by Your grace and power that he serves. May his ministry bring glory to Your name alone, and may many come to know You through his obedience. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord’s will in prayer and to surround yourself with godly counsel as you move forward. The book of Proverbs reminds us, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). May the Lord bless you richly as you seek to serve Him with a pure heart and a humble spirit.
