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22/09/2024

THE DANGERS OF OFFENCE IN MINISTRY

Offence in ministry, if not addressed properly, can be one of the most detrimental factors in the life of a church or a Christian leader. The Bible is clear about the spiritual dangers of being offended and how it can hinder both personal growth and the effectiveness of ministry.

1. Offence Leads to Division

In any ministry, unity is essential for the body of Christ to function effectively. Offence, however, can create divisions and strife. In Proverbs 18:19 (KJV), it says, "A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle." This means that once offence takes root, it becomes very difficult to heal relationships, creating barriers that are hard to overcome.

In ministry, division can halt progress, destroy relationships, and hinder the work of God. When church members or leaders hold onto offence, it can create cliques, bitterness, and mistrust, all of which are contrary to the unity Christ prayed for in John 17:21 (KJV) – "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."

2. Offence Breeds Bitterness and Unforgiveness

Holding onto offence often leads to bitterness, and the Bible warns against this. Hebrews 12:15 (KJV) instructs, "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." Bitterness does not only affect the one who is offended but can spread to others, poisoning the entire ministry.

In ministry, bitterness can manifest in gossip, slander, and passive aggression, all of which can break down trust and hinder the flow of the Holy Spirit. Unforgiveness keeps individuals in bo***ge, limiting their spiritual growth and usefulness in God's service. Christ emphasized the importance of forgiveness in Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV): "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

3. Offence Distracts from the Mission

Offence shifts the focus from God’s mission to personal grievances. Instead of focusing on the Great Commission, offended individuals become preoccupied with their hurt and how they have been wronged. Paul warns about the dangers of distractions in 2 Timothy 2:4 (KJV), "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier."

In ministry, the devil often uses offence to cause distraction, knowing that if the leaders or members are preoccupied with their own issues, the ministry's effectiveness will diminish. Instead of advancing the Kingdom of God, time and energy are wasted on resolving conflicts.

4. Offence Can Lead to Apostasy

Unchecked offence can lead to disillusionment, causing individuals to leave the church or abandon the faith altogether. Jesus warned about this in Matthew 24:10 (KJV), "And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another." Offence can cause people to lose sight of Christ, focusing instead on their pain and the perceived failures of others.

When individuals walk away from the faith due to offence, it is a tragic loss to both the body of Christ and their personal spiritual journey. The enemy uses offence to blind people to the grace, mercy, and forgiveness that Christ offers, pushing them further away from the truth.

5. The Call to Avoid and Overcome Offence

While offence may be inevitable in ministry, the Bible calls believers to rise above it. Psalm 119:165 (KJV) says, "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Mature believers are called to love God's Word and live in such a way that they are not easily offended. This requires humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to overlook minor grievances for the sake of the gospel.

Additionally, in Matthew 18:15 (KJV), Jesus gives a clear process for dealing with offence: "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother." Addressing offences directly, with love and humility, prevents them from festering and becoming larger issues.

Conclusion

Offence in ministry is a dangerous tool that the enemy uses to weaken the church, disrupt unity, and hinder the work of God. However, through forgiveness, humility, and a commitment to the Word of God, believers can avoid falling into the trap of offence. Ministries must prioritize reconciliation, open communication, and a Christ-centered focus to avoid the dangers that offence brings.

Bishop Maxwell A. Hagan
Copyright2021
The Dangers of Offence in Ministry
Hagan Publications Group

22/09/2024

WARNINGS TO YOUNG PREACHERS IN THESE END TIMES

As young preachers step into ministry, especially in these end times, they face both unique opportunities and challenges. The sense of urgency in proclaiming the Gospel is ever-present, but so are the dangers that can cause young ministers to falter. History and Scripture provide important lessons, showing that while many start well, not all finish the race. Below are crucial warnings and cautions for young preachers, along with the reasons behind failures, historical references of those who began strong but ended poorly, and practical advice to safeguard their ministry.

1. Beware of Pride and Self-Glorification
One of the greatest traps young preachers face is pride. The desire to be seen, applauded, or regarded as spiritually superior can creep in subtly. Ministry is about pointing people to Christ, not self. Many fail because they shift from glorifying God to glorifying themselves.

The Bible is clear about this danger. In 1 Peter 5:5, we are reminded, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Historical examples abound. Consider the story of King Saul. He started as a humble leader chosen by God but ended in rebellion, consumed by jealousy and pride, ultimately losing his kingdom and favor with God (1 Samuel 15:23).

Advice: Cultivate humility and remember that all success in ministry is by God's grace. Surround yourself with mentors who can hold you accountable.

2. Do Not Neglect Personal Spiritual Growth
Ministry can sometimes become so demanding that personal spiritual growth is neglected. Young preachers often fall into the trap of prioritizing public ministry over private devotion. Without regular time in prayer, study, and communion with God, spiritual dryness sets in, leaving preachers vulnerable to burnout or moral failure.

Samson is a classic example of someone who had great potential but failed because he did not guard his spiritual life. Though mightily anointed, he lacked discipline and accountability, leading to his downfall (Judges 16).

Advice: Make personal time with God your top priority. Without consistent spiritual nourishment, you cannot effectively minister to others. Your public ministry should overflow from your private walk with God.

3. Guard Against the Love of Money
The pursuit of material wealth has led many young preachers astray. The temptation to monetize the Gospel or seek financial gain through ministry is a slippery slope. Scripture warns about this in 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”

Historically, some preachers began with pure intentions but became entangled in financial scandals or unethical practices. An example from modern history is that of certain televangelists whose ministries became more focused on prosperity than the message of the Gospel, leading to moral and financial collapse.

Advice: Keep your motives pure. Ensure that financial integrity is maintained, and seek to serve rather than be served. Be transparent in financial dealings, and trust God to provide for your needs.

4. Avoid Compromise with Sin
Compromise begins with small allowances but can lead to catastrophic failure. Many young preachers, in their desire to be relevant or accepted, begin to dilute the message of the Gospel or justify sinful behaviors. This erosion of conviction is a dangerous path.

Demas, once a fellow worker of the Apostle Paul, is a sobering example. In 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul laments, “Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.” Demas started well, but the pull of worldly attractions led him to abandon his faith and mission.

Advice: Stand firm in biblical convictions, even when faced with pressure to compromise. Preach the truth in love, but do not shy away from addressing sin.

5. Be Wary of Isolation and Lack of Accountability
Ministry can be a lonely journey if one becomes isolated. Some young preachers fall into the trap of thinking they can do it alone, refusing counsel or correction from others. This often leads to blind spots in character and decision-making, eventually causing downfall.

Judas Iscariot is a tragic example of someone who isolated himself, even while walking with Jesus and the other disciples. Though he had every opportunity for accountability, his secret sins and lack of transparency led him to betrayal and destruction (Matthew 27:3-5).

Advice: Surround yourself with mature Christians and mentors who can provide guidance, correction, and support. Be open to feedback and correction, recognizing that no one is above being held accountable.

6. Do Not Forget the Importance of Holiness
The pursuit of holiness must be at the forefront of every preacher’s life. In an age where moral relativism is prevalent, the temptation to downplay personal holiness or to conform to worldly standards is real. Without holiness, ministry becomes powerless and hypocritical.

King Solomon is a profound example. Though he began his reign in wisdom and reverence for God, he gradually compromised with sin, especially through his relationships with foreign women and idol worship (1 Kings 11:1-4). His spiritual decline serves as a warning to all leaders.

Advice: Pursue holiness, both in your personal life and public ministry. Keep short accounts with God, and quickly repent when you fall short. Do not let sin gain a foothold in your heart.

7. Stay Focused on the Mission
It’s easy to be distracted by secondary pursuits—fame, influence, or personal ambition—at the expense of the primary mission: making disciples and proclaiming the Gospel. Many young preachers start strong in their mission but lose focus along the way.

In Galatians 1:6-7, Paul rebukes the church for turning to a different gospel. Staying true to the mission means preaching Christ and Him crucified, not catering to popular culture or seeking personal gain.

Advice: Keep the Great Commission as the foundation of your ministry. Ensure that every aspect of your ministry aligns with the goal of spreading the Gospel and making disciples.

Final Words to Young Preachers
To succeed in ministry, especially in these end times, requires humility, vigilance, and dependence on God. Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint, and finishing well is more important than starting strong. Remember the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Let this be the goal for every young preacher— to remain faithful to the end, fulfilling the call God has placed on their lives.

Missions Tip
Focus on maintaining integrity, accountability, and a close relationship with God in all your ministry endeavors. These qualities will help you persevere through trials and temptations.

Missions Prayer Point
Pray for the grace to remain humble and faithful in ministry, resisting the temptations of pride, compromise, and worldliness.

Missions Affirmation
“I will walk in humility and integrity, seeking God's approval above all, and I will remain faithful to my calling to preach the Gospel with boldness and love.”

Bishop Maxwell Hagan
THE YOUNG MINISTER
HHagan Publications GroupCopyright 2022

22/09/2024

IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING MINISTRY FRIENDSHIPS: BIBLICAL INSIGHTS AND ADVANTAGES

Building ministry friendships is essential for effective service in God's Kingdom. Ministry is not a solitary effort but a collective mission where relationships can provide encouragement, accountability, and shared wisdom. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of friendships that highlight the benefits of working together in ministry. Let's explore the biblical lessons and the advantages of building ministry friendships.

1. Encouragement and Strength
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV):
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up."

In ministry, challenges and discouragements are inevitable. Having close ministry friends allows you to be uplifted and supported when facing difficult times. A friend in ministry can offer prayer, counsel, and motivation when you feel weary, ensuring that you do not walk the path alone. Biblical examples like the friendship of David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1-4) show how mutual support can strengthen one's resolve to follow God's call.

Advantage: Ministry friendships provide emotional and spiritual strength to keep going during tough times. They serve as sources of support when you face challenges, helping you remain faithful in your mission.

2. Accountability and Correction
Proverbs 27:17 (NIV):
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Ministry friends offer a space of accountability, where mutual correction and encouragement can take place. Without accountability, it's easy to become complacent or misguided. Having trusted friends who speak truth into your life ensures that you stay grounded in your calling and in obedience to God. The friendship between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 9:26-27) shows how friendship can foster encouragement and accountability, as Barnabas vouched for Paul and helped him be accepted by the apostles.

Advantage: Ministry friendships help sharpen one another, fostering personal growth, spiritual maturity, and accountability in the pursuit of God’s work.

3. Shared Wisdom and Resources
Proverbs 15:22 (NIV):
"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."

Ministry friends bring together diverse experiences, wisdom, and resources. No single person possesses all the knowledge or skills required to lead a ministry effectively. By building friendships, ministers gain access to collective wisdom, benefiting from the insights, advice, and experiences of others. Paul’s partnership with Timothy (Philippians 2:22) reflects how shared wisdom can contribute to a successful ministry, as Paul mentored and guided Timothy in his leadership role.

Advantage: Ministry friendships allow for a wealth of shared wisdom, helping you make better decisions, solve problems, and approach ministry with a broader perspective.

4. Multiplication of Efforts
Matthew 18:20 (NIV):
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

Ministry efforts are more effective when they are done in unity and cooperation with others. As Jesus sent out His disciples two by two (Luke 10:1), He demonstrated the importance of collaboration in advancing the Kingdom. Ministry friends help multiply efforts through partnership, whether in evangelism, discipleship, or other areas of service. They share the workload, bringing strength in numbers and diverse talents to achieve greater impact.

Advantage: Building ministry friendships multiplies the effectiveness of your ministry efforts, allowing for greater reach, impact, and collaboration in achieving the Great Commission.

5. Emotional Support and Understanding
Romans 12:15 (NIV):
"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."

Ministry can be emotionally draining, and it’s important to have people who understand the unique challenges that come with it. Ministry friends are often the ones who understand what you’re going through because they face similar struggles. Paul often wrote to his friends in ministry, expressing deep feelings of joy and sorrow, as seen in his letters to the churches (Philippians 1:3-8). This emotional bond creates a space where ministers can be vulnerable, share burdens, and rejoice in victories together.

Advantage: Ministry friendships provide a safe space for emotional support, where joys and sorrows are shared, creating a strong sense of camaraderie.

6. Encouragement in Faith and Spiritual Growth
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV):
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."

In ministry friendships, spiritual growth is cultivated. Through prayer, Bible study, and shared experiences, ministry friends can encourage one another to grow deeper in their relationship with God. The friendship between Peter and John (Acts 3:1-10) shows how they partnered together in ministry and witnessed miracles, as their friendship and faith pushed them toward greater acts of service.

Advantage: Ministry friendships lead to spiritual growth as you encourage one another in faith, seeking to live out God’s calling with greater love, faith, and good deeds.

Missions Tip:
Surround yourself with godly ministry friends who will walk with you in prayer, wisdom, and accountability. Seek out those who challenge you to grow and share your burden for the Great Commission.

Missions Prayer Point:
Pray that God will bring strong, faithful ministry friends into your life who will walk alongside you in fulfilling the Great Commission. Ask for divine connections that will strengthen your ministry.

Missions Affirmation:
I am grateful for the ministry friendships God is bringing into my life. Together, we will encourage, sharpen, and multiply our efforts for the Kingdom of God, fulfilling the Great Commission with joy and faithfulness.

Bishop Maxwell Hagan
Dominion House Christian Center Worldwide -The Dominion City

IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING MINISTRY FRIENDSHIPS: BIBLICAL INSIGHTS AND ADVANTAGES
Hagan Publications Group
copyright 2022

22/09/2024

THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMILITY AND THE DANGERS OF PRIDE

In the Bible, humility is defined as a lowliness of mind and heart, where a person recognizes their dependence on God and their limitations as human beings. It involves acknowledging one's own weaknesses, putting others before oneself, and submitting to God's will.

Some key passages about humility include:

1. Philippians 2:3-4 – "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

This verse emphasizes selflessness and valuing others above ourselves.

2. Micah 6:8 – "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Walking humbly with God implies a life of submission, obedience, and reliance on Him.

3. James 4:6 – "But He gives more grace. Therefore, it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"

Humility opens the way for God's grace, while pride brings resistance.

4. 1 Peter 5:6 – "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you."

Humility is tied to trust in God's timing and His plan for exaltation.

In essence, biblical humility is about recognizing that everything we have, including our strengths, comes from God, and living in a way that reflects that understanding through service to others and submission to His authority.

THE WISDOM OF HUMILITY

1. Humility Honors God
Humility is essential for maintaining a proper relationship with God. In James 4:6, it is written, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." Humility acknowledges that all good things come from God and that we are dependent on Him for everything. By walking in humility, we honor God and give Him the glory that is due to His name, recognizing His sovereignty over our lives.

2. Humility Promotes Growth
A humble heart is teachable and open to correction, which fosters personal and spiritual growth. Proverbs 11:2 reminds us, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Humility opens the door to wisdom, as it allows us to learn from others, seek God's guidance, and grow through life’s experiences. Pride, on the other hand, closes the mind to growth, believing that there is nothing more to learn.

3. Humility Strengthens Relationships
Humility is key in maintaining healthy and meaningful relationships. Philippians 2:3 instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." A humble attitude fosters kindness, respect, and a servant's heart, which strengthens relationships with others. Pride, in contrast, leads to conflict and division as it elevates self above others, damaging relationships.

4. Humility Invites God's Favor
God honors and exalts the humble. Matthew 23:12 tells us, "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Humility invites God's favor and promotion, not by seeking it but by serving faithfully and submitting to God's will. Prideful promotion is short-lived and often brings eventual downfall, but when God elevates a humble servant, the blessings are enduring.

THE DANGERS OF PRIDE AND ARROGANCE

1. Pride Leads to Destruction
Pride has devastating consequences. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Arrogance creates a false sense of security and invincibility, leading to careless decisions, broken relationships, and ultimately, ruin. When we are proud, we trust in ourselves rather than in God, making us vulnerable to failure and disgrace.

2. Pride Blocks God's Grace
As noted in James 4:6, "God opposes the proud." When we are proud, we push God away, cutting ourselves off from His grace and assistance. We become self-reliant, which leads to burnout, frustration, and spiritual dryness. Humility, on the other hand, opens the door to God’s grace, providing strength and guidance in all circumstances.

3. Pride Blinds Us to Reality
Pride distorts our perception of reality, making us think more highly of ourselves than we should. Romans 12:3 advises, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment." Pride prevents us from recognizing our own faults and limitations, leading to poor decision-making and alienation from others.

4. Never Be Arrogant About Success
It is natural to celebrate success, but it is important to remember that success is not a reason for arrogance. Success today does not guarantee success tomorrow. Ecclesiastes 7:8 reminds us, "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride." Instead of lifting ourselves up because of our achievements, we should remain humble, acknowledging that God is the one who enables us to succeed.

5. Practical Points on Humility:
Acknowledge God's Hand in Your Life: Recognize that everything you have is from God (James 1:17).

a. Be Teachable: Always be willing to learn and grow, knowing that there is wisdom in correction (Proverbs 12:1).

b. Serve Others: Humility is displayed in serving others selflessly, as Jesus did (Matthew 20:28).

c. Avoid Self-Promotion: Let God be the one to lift you up in due time, rather than seeking your own advancement (1 Peter 5:6).

d. Stay Grounded in Success: Celebrate your victories with gratitude, but remember that success is fleeting, and life holds more challenges and opportunities beyond today's promotion (Ecclesiastes 7:8).

Missions Tip:
Embrace humility in your service, knowing that it reflects the heart of Christ. Serve with a sincere desire to glorify God, not seeking personal recognition or advancement.

Missions Prayer Point:
Pray for a heart of humility that seeks to honor God in all circumstances and to serve others with grace and kindness.

Missions Affirmation:
"I will walk in humility, giving God the glory for every success, knowing that my strength and abilities come from Him alone."

LET'S REMAIN HUMBLE !

Bishop Maxwell A. Hagan
THE TEST OF HUMILITY
Copyright2021
Hagan Publications Group

26/01/2023

Advises for young ministers ...you need to hear this !!!!

27/09/2022

09/05/2022

Leadership: One of the most liberating things you will discover in leadership is to know that you are not called to everybody, you are not called everywhere and you were not born to solve every problem.
Find what you have been called to and be the best at it.
~ Dr. Frank Ofosu-Appiah

The Ambassador Of Hope

15/03/2022

WHEN PEOPLE NEED SPACE GIVE IT TO THEM AND RESPECT THEIR DECISION IT’S VERY IMPORTANT