It has been just over a month since i landed in Kimberley and started my new life in Beaconsfield Methodist Church (BMC). Over this past month, i have been trying to find my feet and discern what God is wanting me to do at BMC. So far, this past month has been one of high energy output but absolutely wonderful.
When i attended my first service in BMC, i went in as a ‘regular Joe’ - just another face in the crowd (up until i was introduced). Whilst we were singing i sat down and started praying. I felt an overwhelming sense of peace flood over me and i felt God say, “Welcome home”. At that point, i knew this is exactly where God wants me to be.
A few weeks later, i held an ‘Open Meeting’ where i invited the congregation to attend where I will be able to engaged what the church is all about. They were/are my resource into the work God has been doing in BMC. My question to God is, “Lord, why have you brought me here? What do you want me to do?”
There was great conversation in the meeting – very engaging. During which a man stood up and said to me and the meeting, “We have been without a shepherd for several years. we need to be lead. We need you to be our leader. We need a Shepherd. You need to be our Shepherd”. To which i replied asking the meeting what they want me to do. I asked, “What does BMC need from me? To be a leader/shepherd or do they need me to manage the church as is?” The meeting responded by saying, “We want you to lead us”. This was great as i got to hear what the people expect from me. But was this what God wanted from me? So not i had this question before God.
Two weeks later, I sat down in my time of devotions when i was lead to Acts 20:18 (by accident). It reads, “Keep watch over yourselves and the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His blood”. God answered my question. It was clear. God has confirmed the voice of the people. He wants me to be the Shepherd at BMC. I was blown away! God is awesome!
I then, asked myself, “what do Shepherd do? How do they lead and guide with maximum effectiveness?”. Those answers came to me as i unpacked the verses the followed:
- vs. 29 - “Be Vigilant!” There are wolves! They want to destroy the church. Maybe even key people in the life of BMC and the Methodist church.
- vs. 31 – Be on guard from dangers and threats against God’s vision for BMC.
- vs. 32 – Be committed to God and His word. This needs to be built up.
- vs. 34 – Work hard!
- vs. 35 – Help the weak. Give.
Then in verse 27 it says, “Proclaim the WHOLE will of God”.
So, i looked at verse 28 (“Keep watch over myself”), as my first instruction and unpacked it. I got two instructions from it.
- Watch my actions: I cannot be a good shepherd if i do my own thing and put the flock in danger.
- I must protect myself: A shepherd is no good if he is weak, timid, afraid and intimidated. i must stay fit to protect my church. A shepherd must stay strong, courageous, wise, alert, caring, loving and protective.
- How do i do this?
- Protect my rest days, rest periods.
- stay committed + strong
- protect my devotion times
- read
- protect my prayer life.
It dawned on me, if i protect myself first, the “watching my actions” will come more naturally. In reverse order, i will fail.
In summary: I must protect myself and watch my actions. I must be a great shepherd and follow the instructions from God. And watch over the flock.
I have sensed BMC hungry for change so may God’s will be done.
Keep the SON in your eyes!
