Thoughts for Life: #102 The Responsibility of the Pastors

C. Peter Wagner tells us,
"There may be exceptions,
but intercession is not usually
generated and sustained
spontaneously.

Pastors and other leaders
must be open to receive intercession and to encourage their intercessors.

I was shocked to learn that some years ago Reinhard Bonnke called in Suzette Hattingh and said,

'At least five of the leading pastors of this nation have
warned me not to form an intercession department in
Christ for All Nations because of problems they told me
they experienced with their personal and general
intercessors!'

I am glad to report that Bonnke was not deterred from establishing a ministry of intercession, but nevertheless he asked Hattingh to investigate.

Suzette visited each personal intercessor of each of the concerned pastors. She found that they were frustrated, discouraged and disappointed because their pastors did not understand their responsibility as leaders.

The intercessors agreed that there were four basic problems:

1. Lack of information
2. Lack of input and trust from the pastors
3. Lack of feed back on answered prayers
4. Lack of openness between intercessors and leadership.

Since then Suzette Hattingh has had personal contact with thousands of serious intercessors. She says,

'I have found the problems mentioned above among all levels of intercessors.'

Very frequently when a ministry of personal intercession breaks down, the leader is at fault.

When leaders are distant and indifferent toward their intercessors, many prayer warriors will eventually lay down their weapons, and both the leader and the intercessor come short of what God wants them to be."

#102 The Responsibility of the

Pastors, in the series taken

from C. Peter Wagner’s book,

PRAYER SHIELD, How to

intercede for pastors, Christian

leaders and others on the

spiritual frontlines. (pgs. 183-184)
By Regal Books

PRAYER SHIELD ChristianBooks - offered for $9.69 There are many of Wagner's books offered. Type in the title of this book at top of page. It is the fourth one down…

Let’s pray:

Father, when we pray for
our pastor and leaders, may
we keep in touch with what
their needs are.

Help us be available to
them through emails and
phone calls, as well as texting.
I pray for more open communication with my leaders, that I may be aware of their particular needs.

May I find how to more effectively pray for them. I want to help my leaders become all that You want them to be.

I ask this in Jesus' Name, to His glory and honor. Amen.

(Google images used)

Today’s Bible verse: Prov. 11:17a "The merciful man doeth good to his own soul."

Today’s quote: Our Daily Bread – “No life is more secure than a life surrendered to God.”

Some thoughts today: The more you seek God, the more He'll reveal the giftings He's given to you. He'll help you develop them, so you can be a blessing to the local Body of Christ. Remember to serve in the love He's given you, so you'll be effective.

- Rest brings a refreshing of body and soul. Take times to relax, and spend time with the Lord and His Word.

- God is the God of victory! Wait on him to make His way plain to you. Don't be afraid to do what you believe is His will. He'll stop you, if you are mistaken.

19th- Saturday’s post: Are YOU Listening? Tammie Johnson

20th- Sunday's post: Our God Reigns Word Ministries

20th- evening's post: Are You Protected? Jean Oathout

22nd- Tuesday's post: #103 Maintaining the Intercessors C. Peter Wagner

A popular post: Don't Quit! Mary Southerland says, "I
know some of you are ready to give up and quit. A great
pianist was scheduled to perform for a small country town.
Everyone in the town was excited since they rarely had the
opportunity to hear a famous musician."