An Integrated Life, An Abundant Life

When we have received from God that the Church shall plant Tree of Life everywhere, naturally, we think that we shall pass it down to the new and young generation. However, most churches are seeing a shortage of young members, what can churches do? What perspective and attitude should we have in following God? I have been pondering on these matters.

It is common that many pastors’ kids leave the church they grew up in as soon as they grow up. Those who stay on choose to attend different churches from their parents’. In fact, they would rather stay as far from their parents as possible. Besides pastors’ kids, the young generation also drifts away from the Church.

Discipleship is always the top priority for us. C-Mo and I disciple more than two hundred co-workers as well as the senior pastors and co-workers of over a hundred branch churches. Not only do we disciple co-workers, but we also attend to their next generation.

Talking with some full-time couple co-workers before, I asked how their children reacted when they decided to leave the marketplace and serve full-time in church. Their children were most worried about the future family financial prospect. Since 1989, I have been a full-time church minister till now. Gradually, I have come to realize that those parents who choose to serve God full-time must hold fast to their faith. In their daily life, in their conduct and teaching, parents are to live out such abundance and the faith that the Lord indeed is our inheritance!

Why does the next generation of pastors worry that full-time God’s servants will end up in poverty? Does abundance in spirit mean lacking in daily life? How come when parents become pastors, they end up poor and thus their children hold grudges as they feel that they are left with no choices in life? More so, it breeds a sense of distance in the children toward the Church. In the end, the children sever connection with the Church.

Abundance does not reflect in the level of income, instead, it refers to abundance in life. Before the children are mature enough to comprehend this, parents must learn to understand their minds. Usually, parents don’t know how to guide their children, so they force religious dogmas upon their children and it backfires.

As the senior pastor of our church, willingly, I take care of the livelihood of two hundred co-workers. Not only should they have enough to live by, but they are also expected to have good management of wealth and are able to save up. On the other hand, may I encourage all preaching co-workers to lead an integrated life and be consistent in word and deed – live out this abundance. With all our heart, we believe that God is with us, He is alive and He shall provide all our needs. When we follow God, our next generation will surely enjoy sufficient covering and protection.■【2021.06.27】