Pastor's Desk

For over twenty years, my wife and I have been privileged to pioneer and pastor eight churches. In each of the cities where we’ve planted a new church at Holy Spirit’s direction, we have found, sadly, believers who have no idea of the importance of the local church in their lives and how to find the one that God wants them in.

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, at the time a young pastor of a large church, by the inspiration of Holy Spirit, ".... I write so that you may know how to conduct yourself in the house of God (the local church), which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground (literally foundation) of the truth (1Timothy 2:15)." Imagine a building with inadequate pillars or support structures and a poorly laid foundation. Whether or not we want to admit it, that’s what a believer is like when they are not hooked up to the local church God called them to.

In 1 Kings 17:1-6 we see the account of Elijah being sent to the Brook Cherith where he would receive his water and food during a drought and famine. God said He would send Elijah a raven with his food. Now, a raven is a scavenger bird that eats just about anything, let alone food fit for human consumption. Elijah’s step of faith was to be obedient to the word of God even though the raven part didn’t make any sense to his human understanding. Now ask yourself this question. Where was God sending the raven? It was to the Brook Cherith, not to Elijah. God expected Elijah to be there. What would have happened if Elijah wasn’t there? He wouldn’t have got fed. That’s the way it is with believers. We need to be in the local church Holy Spirit directs us to because that’s where our "food" will be. God knows exactly what each of His children needs and, therefore, He has selected a local church for each of His children where they will be fed properly and where that local church will be the pillar and foundation of the truth for them. How do I know that God has a local church for each of His children? Simple. The Word of God tells me. Jeremiah 11:29 says He has a plan, a future, one translation says a destiny, for each one of us. Since the role of a local church in the life of a believer is clearly so important, why would God ignore it as part of His plan and purpose for the believer? He wouldn’t. Yet, most believers choose a local church like they’d choose food from a cafeteria-style restaurant. They look for what they want. Is there padded pews? Is there a youth program? Do they have cell groups? Is there stained glass windows and a steeple? Do any of my friends go there?

Romans 8:14 says, "For as many as are led the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Notice it’s who leads the believer, not what leads the believer. Are you without a home church? Biblically, you need one and should have one. No believer is called to "float" from church to church. The Bible likens that to spiritual adultery. So, pray. Let Holy Spirit lead you. Ask Him where He wants you to go. Go visit a few churches. If He wants you here at Niagara Living Faith Church, then be obedient and go. If it’s to another church, likewise, be obedient and go. Hook up with the vision for that church and then, as someone wisely said, "Have as much sense as a flower. Bloom where you’re planted!"

God bless you,

Pastor Kees Tengnagel

Note:  A revision to this page by the new pastor, Rev. Ronald Smith who assumed the pastorate January 4, 2009 is forthcoming.