I truly feel my calling has become that of a watchman. That title might sound cool, but I’ve discovered that it’s a position that can leave me feeling lonely, misunderstood, hated and other wonderful luxuries. JI

Having said that, I have another watchman word. This word isn’t the coolest thing you’ll ever read, and it isn’t concerned about building me a following. It’s just an honest report from my post on the wall. It a look at where we’ve been, where we are, how we got here, and where I believe we’re going.

First of all, this word is not condemning the common, smaller church that still has in-person meetings with great attention and adherence to safety.

But rather…

things like a big NYE conference should probably not have happened this year. That was undoubtedly a Covid spreader. Obviously, our religious liberties are extensive in America. Yes, evidently we even have the right to be spreaders of deadly viruses.

Many American businesses have been suffering financially. Nevertheless, most of these have honored state laws and safety protocols.

Americans are doing their best. Frequently, leaders and business owners are encouraging each other with phrases like “we’re in this together.” This commonly heard phrase partly means, we are all suffering somehow. Hence, the encouragement is knowing that you’re not alone in your struggles.

Well, it’s true that they are in the struggle—together. Meanwhile, some Churches and ministries are managing to stay open if they choose to rebel against the admonition of those in expertise and authority. Some ministries are flexing their “rights” and choosing to not be in the struggle—together—alongside the rest of the country.

Here’s the crux, gathering huge crowds to do Christmas Caroling in a heavily populated county that’s already plagued by overcrowding in its hospitals is a smack in the face of the hundreds of thousands who have had death, sickness, or loss of jobs and finances in their family. Not to mention, many such Christian conferences or street rallies do not adhere to wearing masks and other safety measures.

The fact that these meetings were held, and in many cases, almost no one wore masks, and social distancing wasn’t properly organized, administered or emphasized is an embarrassment to the body of Christ.

How did we get here? Well, here’s what I believe God is showing me concerning our wandering journey. In a church culture that has pushed for the pendulum to swing away from over-valuing and relying on the office of Pastor…I sense the pendulum has swung too far. This often happens when change and transition are occurring. Unfortunately it also leads to extremes.

We have been in a moment where our most esteemed value has been given to prophets, apostles, and worship leader-celebrities.

Now, suddenly, we are in dire need of Shepherds. We need seasoned leaders. We greatly need the grace gift of mature, intelligent Pastors.

It seems we have been driven into errors due to ego, immaturity, flamboyance, emotion, zeal, and ambitious opportunity.

I don’t want to sound angry, arrogant, or judgmental. I’m burdened.

Nevertheless, I still like, respect, love and pray for those I think have made reckless, stubborn, maverick, or dangerous ministry decisions. These aren’t easy times. There have been tough decisions to make.

However, I am…disappointed. And I’m also hoping there are few fatalities because of any year’s end money-raising ministry events or public gatherings for the sake of making [political-stance] statements.

Let us humble ourselves and repent of valuing ministry voices based on how loud, trendy, or popular they are. May we realize that our bucking against pastoral monopoly within the church has now caused us to go a bit too far in that regard.

May we remember the beauty of a simple church. Indeed, a simple Pastor with a Shepherd’s heart is a golden treasure.

A new idea of the church is probably a revival of what’s been lost. And I admit, I didn’t see this coming.

Simplicity

Humility.

Love

Prayer

👆🏼These are things I believe God is wanting to restore to the church.

I believe God has a trick play up His sleeve. It’s something we didn’t see coming. I believe God wants us to get back to the basics. I believe God wants to lead us out of DC, and back to the heartland. I prophesy a revival of the small, local church…as opposed to the mega church enterprise. After all, small churches are the most exciting places in the universe when God’s glory shows up and folks fill nearly every seat and parking spot. I promise…it’s an awesome thing.

In summary, the church has been somewhat embarrassed and shamed over the past year. Our discernment has been off. Our prophecies have been off. Our focus and allegiance has been off.

We’ve made some costly mistakes and we’ve seriously lacked in wisdom and leadership.

Still, out of this tumultuous time, I see God bringing us back to our center. 1. He’s going to revive the local church. 2. He’s going to revive the Pastor (Shepherd).

Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.

Lastly, as God moves our hearts back to simple, selfless purity…a new unity will emerge in the ministry offices like we have never seen before. I see a wheel with spokes. I see all offices contributing and serving.

John 17:10-11 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

Also, I believe we will see more women becoming Pastors and they will be anointed, wise, and godly.

Plus, I feel that Sunday night meetings will make a comeback in many places, especially as the spirit of revival rests on local bodies.

Eph 4:11
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,