CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCHYOUTH FELLOWSHIP LEADERS’ RETREAT

TOPIC: TEAM WORK IN THE MINISTRY

Growth is possible when pastor and people work together in a local church.

Support ministry principle has been proven throughout scripture and history to be one of

the most effective dynamic of any healthy and successful church.

There cannot be effective growth in the church if the pastor is left alone to do the

work. Many workers don’t support encourage and assist the pastors to bring growth

into that local church. They have not been taught how to support the pastor and

strength the church. Many of them sit idle in the church doing nothing. Some of them

are “look man”, who just sits down to look in the church. Many of the workers believe

that pastor is the one called to do the work of the ministry

On the other hand, many ministries don’t know how to get the people involved in

the ministry. They don’t know how to mobilize the people for the work. But, according

to Eph. 4:12, the major work of the pastor is to equip the saint, so that the saint will do

the work of the ministry.

A The Reason Why1. Jesus did not do the work alone, he got the disciples involved

2. The strength of the church is not measured by seating capacity, but by sending

capacity

3. The success of the pastor is measured by what the people can do even in his

absence

4. Every member is a deposit of the unique gifts of God

5. It is better for people to work with the pastor than to work against him

6. The success of every member depends on how committed he is in a local church

Ps. 92:13-14; Matt. 6:33

7. For growth, increase and expansion

8. For community impact

B Authority must flow from one source1. People must allow one pastor to lead

2. The pastor must provide dynamic leadership. A role model

3. Support him prayerfully

4. Follow his God-given vision

5. Encourage and motivate him

6. Be obedient and teachable

7. Deacons, elders and influential members must support and work with him

8. Church officers must give him free hand to lead

9. Advice and provide ideas and financial support

C Expectation from the people following1. Give to their pastor

2. Be a true sheep

3. Use gifts and graces for growth

4. Work together to lift up the church

5. Be available and teachable

D Things That Hinder Teamwork1. Ignorant

2. Luke warmness and coldness of hear

3. Lack of compassion and love

4. Worldly minded and carnality

5. Discouragement and tiredness

6. Lack of personal development

7. Blurred vision Is. 6:1

8. Lack of goal setting

9. Wrong information

10.Demonic operations

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E 12 ways of Pastors can Encourage Team work1. Understand the vision

2. Believe in your people – you can turn your people around

3. Encourage your people, encourage your pastor

4. Share the vision often with your people – believe in the vision of your pastor

5. Trust and train

6. Personal growth

7. Be involved in the church

8. Be committed to prayer and fasting

9. Discover your gifts and use them

10.Be a seed sower

11.Patiently labour on

12.Be diligent and hardworking Christian

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Study Two

TOPIC: THE NEED TO DEVELOP WORKERS FOR EFFECTIVE MINISTRYMK. 1:14-20

Follow me

I will make you

This is a vital issue; why must we train workers. Our success will be determined

by how seriously we train workers to help us fulfill offer ministry. Moses, Elijah, David,

Paul, Jesus was a success because they took this issue very seriously. Come ye after

me – not some one else, but after me, I will make you.

Jesus calls the other disciples so as to train them to take over from him. Jesus

was not just interest in followership – but to develop them up to fill the leadership gap.

Come after me and I – personal duty

‘I will’ personal determination

Make you – purposeful designed

He has a goal to make them fishers of men – productive destination

We have no right to criticize our worker until we can say we have done our best in

training them. God has called us to lift them up

To look them over

To let them in

To line them up – equip them

To let them out – send

By doing these we eliminate three basic problems1. Misuse – untrained workers

2. Disuse – failing to tap

3. Abuse – over – load few

a. Reason for training and developing workers

b. Resources training and developing workers

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c. Result training and developing workers

1 The Reason – why?You worker will determine the level of your success. If you don’t train your choir,

ushers, S.S. teachers, they will pull down what you have panted

Let’s learn from David I Sam.22:1-2David found himself in the midst of useless of men; but he began to train this

nobody to somebody. See the result of his training II Sam. 23:8-12

The different between Saul and DavidSaul had enough men but not trained soldier. None was able to stand against

Goliath. David had vagabonded and debtors he decide to train than and they became

great warriors for him. Your members can become such as you train them.

2 The growth potentials of your church is directly related to the potential of your workers

Jesus laid a good example, you know he trained the twelve and as at the time he

left, the church never suffer Acts 2:41; 6:7; 9:31. A church cannot grow without until his

workers grow within. Everything rises and falls on leadership.

3 Trained and develop workers will help you to carry the loadYou will go along way if there are those who will carry the load with you. No

minister will suffer because his workers are trained. But you will suffer if your workers

are not trained. If you don’t train you will drain. If you don’t train you will wear out.

Most ministers’ sunset at noon because of the stress involve in the ministry. The

load become lighter see the example the battle between Israel and the Amalekites Ex.

17:11-12. You need Aaron and Hur in your ministry

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JETRO’S COUNSELThe problem of Moses carrying on the work all alone. Until his unsaved in-law

gave him a godly counsel to train others Ex. 18:13-28; you livelong when you train

others.

4 When you train others you multiply your own effectiveness Matt. 10:1

Jesus sent out his twelve and he could not be to all those places Matt.11:1 Jesus

multiply his effectiveness

5 Trained workers enhance the future of the churchIf not for trained disciples the church would have stop after the death of Jesus Jn.

20:21 a church without trained workers have no future.

II The Resources to Train and Develop WorkerThree things we must do namely

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1. Evaluate 2. Equip 3. Empower

1 In evaluating – 3 things to do

a. We look in – evaluate self

b. We look out – evaluate need

c. We look around – evaluate access

Look in – evaluate yourself you must be interested to train eight testing question to

answer

a. Do I believe in people and see them as appreciable access – Jesus

worked on Peter will he becomes an appreciable access

b. Do I create an environment or people to be train and develop if

people know that they would be train they would come?

If you confined a shark fish in a six feet container, he would survive and never

be longer but throw the same shark to an ocean it could be long to 40 feet and above

c. Do I pray for potential leader for God to send to me?

d. Do I desire to raise others above my own level of leadership we fear

to train people so as not to do better than us; see Jesus example Jn.

14:12

e. Do spend time to develop people that have leadership potential

Jesus spend more time training the twelve than the multitude

f. Do I enjoy watching others getting credit for what I have taught them.

When your apprentices do even better than you, are you threatened;

are you happy?

g. Do I train others to take my place in case I am transfer or relocated?

Be honest to answer this. Can you confidently say you have

someone to take place in case you are gone? There is no success.

WITHOUT A SUCCESSOR

II Look out – evaluate your need which of the department is necessity to train

people

III Look around – there is something more than ability that is the ability to

recognizing ability. Search for qualified men. They must pass six tests Acts 6:1-5

They must pass the A

1. Influence test

2. Relationship test

3. Credibility test

4. Spirituality test

5. Administrative test

6. Faith and faithfulness test

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Now that the need arise we must still carefully prove them to pass this test for effective

training

How to select workers Acts 6Never pick a man with bad influence

Never pick a man who turns others off

Influence – honest – report

Relationship – among the brethren

Spirituality – full of the Holy Ghost

Administrative

Faith – faithfulness – full of faith

How many workers to select – 20% of your member will do the job Equipping them

Model – Jesus taught them by example

Mentor

Monitor

Motivate

Multiply

1. Model – Jesus taught the disciples by example. Elijah never knew how much

he did when he parted Jordan before Elisha

2. Mentor – Mk. 3:14 Jesus ordained the twelve to be with him. To train,

develop Acts 4:13 to mentor – we give them these school, tools, rules

Study Three

TOPIC: DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE WITH WHATEVER IS AVAILABLELuke 17:1-6; II Kings 4:1-7; Luke 1:37

We are living at a time when human needs exceed available resources. This is a

common and prevailing situation in many homes, organizations, societies, churches,

state and nations of the world. Thus the cry for rationalization from many quarters and

the inability to satisfy man’s unlimited wants.

This situation has created a lot of tensions in many homes and multitudes are

incapacitated and unable to handle their problems while many have found themselves

limited and unable to admire den to limited and resources. Those who are conscious of

the little that is available are also beset with the problem of procrastination. “I will do

something when my resources unproved”, eventually they ended up doing nothing.

They get frustrated and confused, murmuring, unhappy and dissatisfied with their

conditions. In the process, they start warming themselves, accusing the government or

shifting the blame on somebody else. The devil has succeeded in blending their eyes to

the reality of what the scriptures teach that “LITTLE IS MUCH OF GOD IS IN IT”

GOD’S DEALINGS WITH HIS OWN PEOPLE

God spoke the world into being by His word (only three words – let there be)

Gen. 1:1-3

Moses parted the red sea with his rod Ex. 14:15,16,26-31

Only two angels destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah Gen. 19

Only one angel killed 185,000 II Kings 19:35-37

With a bottle of oil a widow became a millionaire II Kings 4:1-7

With 12 disciples the gospel was spread to the whole world

David was able to kill Goliath with a sling and five stones I Sam. 17:40

The mustard seed became a mighty tree Matt. 13:31-32

Samson was able to do exploit with the jawbone of an ass Jud. 15:14-15

Israel as a nation was able to subdue her desert land with what was available

With a net the disciples were able to draw multitude of fishes

The problem – when much is available little is maximized but when little is

available much is admired and resources are well harnessed. Man’s problem is that he

despises the days of small things. God kind of faith is needed to achieve much for Him

with the little that is available.

INCREASE OF THE WIDOW’S OIL II Kings 4:1-7

This woman was blind to what she had until God through Prophet Elisha opened

her eyes to the fact that she was not all that poor as she had painted her condition. She

however took the following steps that bailed her out of her problem:

i. She realized that she has a need or problem for which she had no solution.

She did not deny the problem. Her problem was real

ii. She did not keep the problem to herself

iii. She sought for help

iv. She contacted the right person

v. She was asked question to which she responded sincerely and correctly

vi. She was advised to go and borrow

vii. She was taught the secret of multiplication

viii. Her obedience yielded result

ix. She then had something to offer

x. She entered into life of abundance

NOTE: A man who is unable to do the impossible with whatever is able will never be ale

to do the possible when much is available. Remember “LITTLE IS MUCH IF GOD IS IN

IT”

WHAT TO DO WHEN LITTLE IS AVAILABLE

(i) Pray

(ii) Develop a big vision

(iii) Do not exercise unbelief

(iv) Have confidence in yourself

(v) Be determined to achieve

(vi) Be courageous

(vii) Do not develop a wrong attitude

(viii) Use language of faith

(ix) Harness your resource

Study Four

TOPIC: A CHRISTIAN WOMAN – LIVING A BALANCED LIFEProv. 31:11-15,30-31

There is the need for a Christian woman to live a balanced life despite all

pressures surrounding her daily. This brings her happiness and fulfillment. She

needs to cope in her relationship with God husband, children and work.

Work hard on these relationships that none suffers for the other. Be organized

and be a good manager of time Eph. 5:16. The topic will be considered under four

sub-topics:

1. Coping with God

2. Coping with husband

3. Coping with children

4. Coping with work

1 Coping with GodThe secret of succeeding in every other area of your life is the type of

relationship you have with God

Fear God and have a personal relationship with Him, be born again

Put Him first in all endeavours

Start each day with God. Have a regular quiet time

Develop your inner man through the study of the word

Do not forsake the assembling of others Heb. 10:25

Be involved in the Lord’s work

2 Coping with husband Accept his headship, submit to and obey him

Be faithful to and dependable Prov. 31:11-12

Take good care of the home and his food

Render conjugal duty constantly

3 Coping with childrenChildren are the heritage of God and blessings to the home. They have

entrusted into our home to train and build up in the Lord

Train them Prov. 22:5

Lead them to the Lord

Love them and spend quality time with them

Be a worthy example for them to emulate

Be a friend and a confidant to them

Your search for daily sustenance should not affect your children negatively.

Remember you are going to give an account on them

4 Coping with work Prov. 31:15-19 Be industrious

Be diligent in duty and business

Be hardworking

Don’t be lazy Prov. 31:27b

Do your work/business as unto the Lord

CONCLUSIONLike the virtuous woman in Prov. 31:15, wake up early each and plan your time

daily and weekly striking a balance between the above relationships.

Happiness and fulfillment as a woman are not what you get by simple desire.

They are products of handwork, self-sacrifice, commitment and effective prayer.

REMAIN BLESSED

Study Five

TOPIC: IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC IN THE MINISTRY

It is quite clear that music cut across the entire known history of God from His

past to His future, hence its’ importance cannot be over-emphasized. Cutting across

the entire known history of God, music finds its’ way down into the activities of man

and become inseparable from as a result of natural instinct. God’s past shows how

much He appreciates music in:

(a) The creation of a being in whom the workmanship of his tabrets and

of his pipes was prepared in him in day of his creation Ezek. 28:13m

(b) The foundation laying of the earth when “the morning stars (i.e. the

angels) sang together” Job 38:4,7

(c) He has a trumpet of his own I Thess. 4:16c

(d) He can blow the trumpet Zech. 9:14

Genesis records the name of the 1st Musician as Jubal, the inventor of harp and

flute Gen. 4:21, thus music find its’ way throughout the account of the Bible (but time

won’t permit me to go into details of this). However, the great and wonderful works of

the Great Psalmist of Israel can’t be overlooked in a topic like this. In his admiration

and appreciation of music in the ministry, he organized a choir and orchestra of

Levites for religious services headed by a skillful choir director called Chenaniah I

Chron. 25:7-8, this choir members formed a distinct group of priests of 4,000

membership both of singers and instrumentalists, because of their skill I Chron. 15:16.

Among these men were 288 skilled musicians, while others were considered students

I Chron. 25:7-8.

The wonderful composition of the psalms and likely musical instruments is a

revelation of what music was to David during this time II Chron. 7:6. From the

beginning, Christianity has used music in worship:

1. Jesus and His disciples sang Mark 14:26

2. Paul told churches to sing hymns to praise God Eph. 5:18-20; Col. 3:18; I

Cor. 14:15

Almost all words uttered in heaven as recorded in the book of Revelation seem

musical in nature Rev. 4:8,10-11; 5:9-10,12,14; 7:11-12; 19:1-8. Heaven is a place of

worship, worship and worship indeed and forevermore, hence music is inevitable.

Take away music in the ministry, heaven will query you, because heaven is music,

music is heaven.

Thus, let us come to an outline of the importance of music in the ministry but at

the same time, the kind of music the Bible recommends and commends is the spiritual

one Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19

1. It is a part of worship and praise to God, a gathering of service unto God with

the absence of psalms, hymns or spiritual songs – being rendered is

considered incomplete service Mark 14:26

2. Music creates atmosphere for the spirit of God to operate II Kings 3:15-16

3. Music is an instrument of battle II Chron. 20:21-24

4. Breaks fetters and chains of darkness, hence liberation comes Acts 16:25-26

5. A means of disseminating spiritual information i.e. preaching, admonition,

comforting, winning souls etc

6. It lifts the spirit and makes a divine connection to the godly heavenlies

7. Music finds its way more easily into the spirit of man more than any other thing.

A proper set-up of music in the ministry will accomplish much for the glory of

the Lord

Study Six

TOPIC: CLEANLINESS, GOOD NUTRITION AND HEALTH

A NECESSITY FOR GOOD LIVING

INTRODUCTION:Without health, life is not life. It is only a state of languor and suffering an

image of death. One of the greatest physical gifts, God Has given to man is good

health 3 Jn. 2 reiterate this – “beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers”.

We should work, sweat, make wealth from our labours, eat and lie well. In this

context, the family dinning table is meant to be a place of nourishment comfort and

fellowship. An adequate diet and proper nutrition with some exercises to tone up the

body muscles should be sufficient to ensure health and vitality.

Divine health is central in the scripture. It is God’s provision for those who

KNOW, LOVE and FOLLOW him. God is not just interested in healing you; He wants

you to enjoy perfect health on a continual basis. In Ex. 15:26, he says, “if thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God and wilt do that which is right in his sight and will give ear to his commandment and keep all his status, I will put none of these diseases upon thee which I have brought upon the Egyptians for I am the Lord that healeth thee”

Despite improved medical care and technological advancement, dreadful

sicknesses are very rampant in every segment of our society. Many are plagued by

preventable illnesses. For many, life itself is a frightening experience of pain and

anguish while sound health is a rare and most desired commodity but there is hope for

you in Christ Jesus. Divine health is the heritage of God’s children. It is appropriate

through faith in Christ and His accomplished work on the cross of Calvary

NOTE: Some may think or say: “don’t bother your time on all these talks about health,

I will eat anything, drink any water and live anyhow. I have Jesus as my healer for

God says, “I will bless your food and water and take diseases away from you”. Yes, our God heals and keeps healthy but can a man/woman put fire under his/her

bed and not be burnt? Therefore, take heed

What is health?A state of complete physical, mental and spiritual well being and not just the

absence of illness.

Physical care: - Good nutrition

- Clothing

- Shelter/protection

- Hygiene – personal hygiene (head to toe)

Environmental hygiene

Mental care: - Mental security (love/sharing)

- Your emotions and feeling about yourself and others

- Attitude towards life’s situations and circumstances

- Relationship with people outside (elderly

ones/colleagues)

Spiritual care: - The spirit man is a reference point for being in

Perfect health “as thy soul prospereth” 3 Jn. 2

Good nutrition - A way of life

If adults are to stay healthy and children are to grow, they must have enough of

each of the nutrients – proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals – which come

from the foods they eat. There are many kinds of foods and most of them are

mixtures of nutrients, which are put into food groups according to their main nutrients

composition. These are cereals (rice, wheat, maize, millets, oats)

- Starchy roots

- Sugars and syrups

- Pulses, nuts and seeds

- Vegetables

- Fruits

- Meat, fish and eggs

- Milk and milk products

- Oils and fats

- Beverages and spices

A good understanding and application of these will assist in no small measure

in the preparation and consumption of an adequate diet by both young and old,

making use of the locally affordable and available food items within the reach of every

member of our households.

However, on the other hand due to urbanization, many engage in the habit of

digging their grave with knife and fork by following these seven wrong roads:

1. CONSUMPTION – of too much refined sugars and sweeteners which are

suited to promote obesity because of their caloric (energy) density

2. REFINED FOODS – People think that refreshment is good because it

getsrid of useless roughness. Now, we have learnt how necessary fibres

are in protecting us from certain cancers, stabilizing blood sugar, controlling

weight and preventing gastro intestinal problems like gallstones,

hemorrhoids and constipation

3. FAT – A high fat diet contributes to blood vessel/heart disease, overweight,

adult diabetes and certain cancers

4. PROTEIN – A diet heavy in meat and animal products provides more

protein, fat and cholesterol than the body can use. Scientist now recognize

that a diet containing less protein and much less fat and cholesterol is

essential for improved health and longevity

5. BEVERAGES – North Americans seldom drink water. They substitute

water for coffee, tea and sweat drinks everyday. Because most of these

drinks are loaded with calories (energy) from sugar, they can play havoc

with blood sugar levels and sabotage weight – control efforts, caffeine

phosphates and other chemicals found in beverages pose additional health

risks

6. SALT – Most westerners consume about two to four teaspoons of salt a

day. This is many times more than is actually needed and contributes

prominently to high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney disease (e.g.

kidney stone i.e. less water with too much salt)

7. SNACKS – Most times, these replace main meals. He who guards his

mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity

IS THERE ANYTHING TO EAT?Think of fruits – hundred of varieties, don’t forget the grains. Eating a variety of

whole plant foods will furnish all the fat, protein, fibre and nutrients the body needs.

The best news is that these kinds of dietary lifestyle helps delay and often

prevents the onset of most western killer diseases. Eating full-fibre plant foods not

only allow people to eat larger quantities of food without having to worry about weight

gain but also can promote optimum health and energy for a lifetime.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. EAT WELL TO KEEP HEALTHY.

Study Seven

TOPIC: LIVING GODLY IN OUR UNGODLY WORLDI JOHN 2:13-18

The command of God to all believers on their relationship with the world is very

clear from the scripture. The moment one surrender his/her life to Christ, he/she

learns that the world is not friendly with Christ or to the Christian (Jn. 17:14).

The ways and customs of the world are different from the way of God (Is. 55:8-

9) and the life style and influence of the world are opposed to grace and heaven

mindedness. For any Christian to make any progress in life, he/she is expected to live

a life of non-conformity to the world. Even though Christians are in the world but not

of the world. For proper understanding, we shall consider the following sub-headings:

1. World and its concepts

2. God’s commandment against worldliness

3. Characteristics of a godly Christian

1 WORLD AND ITS CONCEPTJn. 14:30; Eph. 5:8; Phil. 2:15

The world here is not atmospheric heaven or earth surface or third planet in the

universe. But the world is the customs, systems, activities, traditions, fashions,

festivals and all forms of worship that opposes the commandment of God.

The world we live in is characterized by evil and engulfed in darkness, which is

controlled by the devil, the prince of the world and the god of this present world. This

world is a world of iniquity, world where corruption is the order of the day and devil’s

activities are openly displayed.

The world deceives, steals, disobeys, persecutes, entices discourages and

opposes all forms of godliness. Worldliness pollutes and compromise is evil.

2 GOD’S COMMANDAMENT AGAINST WORLDLINESSI Jn. 2:15-17; Jam. 4:4; Gen. 3:6; Is. 3:16-17

If there is no danger in going the way of the world, God wouldn’t have been

calling and commanding us that we should not love the world. The Bible says God

gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil world,

according to the will of God and our father (Gal. 1:4). And what is a man’s profit if he

shall gain the world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for

his soul? Even though Jesus who calls us has overcome the world (Jn. 16:32) genuine

believers must stay clear from worldliness in its various forms. Worldliness is

involvement in the systems, customs, traditions, fashions, festivals etc of the world.

God’s command

Love not the world I Jn. 2:15Worldly things and practices are contrary to God’s will. Anybody that lives in the

pleasure of the world is dead while he/she lives (I Tim. 5:6), the love of the father is

not in him/her and the judgment of God is upon such person (II Pet. 3:7). We are not

of the world (Jn. 17:16) or affection has to be set on things above and not on the

earthly things (Col. 3:1,2,4). For when Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall

we also appear with Him in glory?

Lust of the flesh Jam. 4:4People’s actions are governed by motives. If a Christian keep his/her vision on the

great reward that comes from serving God, he/she will not be influenced by temptation

that pleases flesh for the movement. Therefore notify the members of your body that

are on the earth and put on the Lord Christ. Give no chance for the flesh to fulfill its

lust which war against our spiritual life and soul. Take a daily consecration to put your

life under God’s control.

Lust of the eyes Gen. 3:6Eve was deceived, but Adam was not. Adam was disobedient to God because of

his love for her, he decided, after she had eaten of the forbidden fruits, to forfeit Eden

and share her fate rather than to lose her (I Tim. 2:14) and they were thrown out of the

will of God. There is need to turn our eyes from beholding vanity and hasten in God’s

way (Ps. 111:37). Let your eyes look straight on and let your eyelids look straight

before thee (Prov. 4:25)

Pride of life Is. 3:16-42; I Pet. 3:3-5; Prov. 16:18-19Pride goes before a very destructive fall. Humility is the mark of Christian maturity.

Let your dressing and adornment be moderate, not in an extreme manner or style.

Decency and modesty should be your basic standard. Avoid the attitude of being

proud. The Lord will destroy the house of the proud (Prov. 5:25)

3 CHARACTERISTICS OF GODLY CHRISTIANEph. 4:1-3; I Thess. 2:12

A Christian who is a genuine child of God is by all standard a renewed person

whose daily desire is to please God in all his/her ways. He/she does not only seek to

please God but is determined to influence other people positively. Even though

he/she lives in a world polluted with sin, he/she maker himself/herself a bacon of light.

His/her life is characterized by:

Victory over sin through the power of God Jn.5:4-5,18

The fruits of the spirit which he/she daily manifests Gal. 5:22-25

Total separation from sinful companion and the world Rom. 12;2; I Jn. 2:15-17

Absolute devotion to the will and service of God Rom. 12:1-2; Ps. 40:8

Self denial and daily cross bearing Lk. 9:23

Total obedience to the word of God Ps. 119:16

Constant study and meditation on the word of God Deut. 17:18-20

Prayerful and watchful Matt.26:4

Shining example in conversation, in charity, in faith and in purity I Tim. 4:12; Tit.

2:7-8

CONCLUSIONWhat goes wrong with people who lose the close walk with God, they once

had? It may be traced to the loss of spiritual vision and the substitution with earthly

values. There is a great danger when a Christian begins to develop worldly thinking

pattern. The loss of one’s first love for Christ will lead to a consequent return to the

love of world. There is a need to re-evaluate our spiritual value.

It is not too late to check our life and pray unto God to come to our aid and

return us back to the normal track.

The world passeth away but he/she that doeth the will of God abideth forever.

SONGI live for Jesus, day after day

I live for Jesus whatever may

The Holy Spirit I will obey

I live for Jesus, day after day

TOPIC BREAKING BARRIERS TO MARRIAGETEXT: DAN. 10:10-13; EPH. 6:12; JAM. 4:7

Barriers to marriage can be called hindrances, opposition, obstacle; I will divide

the barriers into two parts

1. Personal barriers

2. Demonic barriers

What is marriage?Marriage is the state in which a man and woman are united in a sacred wedlock

with the approval of God and their parents. Christian marriage forms the basis of a

home where children are born and nurtured in the fear of the Lord.

Marriage is the oldest institution on earth today. It existed before the fall of

man. Its existence was also at the instance of God. Marriage is therefore God made,

God instituted and God ordained (Gen. 2:18-24)

A Personal barriers Misconceptions of ladies that causes barriers to marriage:

1. Some ladies set their eyes upon a particular brother who might not be

interested in them and because of this they chase other men away

2. Some ladies set their eyes on the rich but forget that nothing one earth is

permanent. A young man can be poor now but possesses the potential of

being rich tomorrow.

3. Some ladies or brothers have line of qualities they desire in ladies or

brothers, which they can’t find until old age. This is chasing the wind

4. Some over-spiritual sister’s or brother’s believe God will bring their life

partner whether they dress well or not. To them the physical doesn’t matter

5. Some ladies place themselves so high and so expensive or even so

arrogant that man avoids them.

B Demonic barriersThe devil and his demons are against the success of any Christians; therefore.

They will attack the marriage with anyone of these problems and difficulties.

Joblessness, curse, poverty, disease and various problems.

Demonic barriers can be hindrances, opposition, obstacle to the lives of

Christian’s brothers and sisters.

Way out:God can make a way, where there is no way:

1. Change of attitude

2. Prayer and fasting and waiting upon the Lord

3. Word of God

4. Depending upon the Holy Spirit

5. Learning on God for direction Prov. 3:5-7

CONCLUSION:Put all our trust in the Lord for the success of your lives Ps. 37:5 says “…

commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass”

SELF DEVELOPMENT – A TOOL FOR EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE

INTRODUCTION:Man’s greatest heart desire has been to succeed and be accomplished in his

life endeavours, be it spiritual or otherwise. This noble ambition atimes becomes very

difficult to realize as a result of some limiting factors in life among which is self-

development.

God has deposited enough potential resources in everyman to make him a

success but your ability to recognize and develop such will determine the level of

achievement and success.

Other limiters of success include lack of planning, lukewarmness, carefree

attitude, frustrations disappointment and ignorance.

Ignorance has remained the greatest enemy of mankind. It is a destroyer of

destiny. For you to be successful you must run away from ignorance.

The best friend of a successful man is information. You need to be adequately

and rightly informed to become successful, because information gives knowledge and

the right application of knowledge result to wisdom. Outdated and out model tools will

result in much labour but little fruit. The Bible says, “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success” (Eccl. 10:10 NIV).

Although success means different things to different people but for the purpose

of this lecture I wish to define success as discovering your best talents, skills and

abilities and applying them where they will make the most effective contribution to your

fellow men and women.

In the words of Longfellow, it is “doing what you do well and doing well

whatever you do”. Success is therefore not confined to anyone part of your

personality but is related to the development of all the parts: body, mind, heart and

spirit. It is making the most of your total self.

Ethan Moore of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, gave a definition of success as follows

“that person is successful who finds what God intended for him to do with his lie,

prepares himself to do it and does it daily to the best of his ability”

Some of the key areas of life where self development is important and highly

beneficial include personal growth, social, financial, health, career, hobbies spiritual

and recreation

SOME INGREDIENTS OF SELF-DEVELOPMENTAs long as you are still alive, you are capable of changing and growing. You

can do anything you want to do, be anything you want to be. If you will listen to some

positive thoughts on how to continue your self-development and then apply them in

your own life.

1. Accept personal responsibility for your own growth, no one can do it for you.

What you do today will determine your readiness for tomorrow. Take time

everyday to do something for yourself. Don’t neglect yourself SOS 1:6

2. Take classes to stay current in your field of expertise. The world is changing

rapidly and you must learn to manage “change” to avoid obsolescence. They

way Will Rogers put this was that “even if you are on the right track, if you just sit

there you will get run over”

3. Never look back to the past – you only can control your actions in this instant, so

what should you be doing right now? The only reference to the past should be to

analyze, in a non-judgmental way, mistakes in which you were involved. It will

help you to prevent these in future.

4. Learn from “other people’s experience” rather than having to try everything for

yourself. It shortens the time needed to learn. Learn from the errors you see

others make as well as from their successes.

5. Never say something cannot or will not be done. Keep looking for ways to do it

(Matt. 19:26).

Dealing with a problem helps you learn patience and strengthens your

management skills, it is good mental exercise

6. For all your learning experiences, whether it is reading, seeing, thinking or

attending; apply the R squared and A squared formula (R2 A2)

7. Cultivate the reading habit. The only requirements for getting a good education

are the ability, the desire and the willingness to read. Reading is the key that will

unlock the doors to all kinds of new opportunities.

Failure to acquire a desire to read and failure to learn to read properly are the

major causes of dropouts.

8. Develop a “master – mind” group of four of five people with whom you can

openly discuss ideas in a non-judgmental way:

Identify some “models” and observe their style ad actions. Do not copy them but

learn from their experiences.

9. Do not be afraid of failing at something. You can learn and change as a result of

it. One of the most basic needs of human beings is the need for security. To

achieve security, people try to “play it safe”. Many people will not act or make

decisions at all for fear they will fail

10. Always keep your goals in mind as you start a new activity. You should never

wake up in the morning without a goal. Having goals to work for will add

direction and purpose to your life.

11. Work for balance in your life goals: family, financial, professional, social, spiritual

and recreational

12. Challenge yourself to learn something new everyday. Seek new information on

projects for which you have responsibility. Look for new “ah-ha” ideas all the

time.

13. Fill your mind with positive ideas, thoughts and aspirations and you will have no

room left for the negative.

The mind functions somewhat like a computer. What is programmed into the mind

sooner or later will be expressed in actions, speech and feelings. If you spend time with

successful people, you will begin to train your mind in success attitudes Prov. 13:20

14.We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Learn from those people who get more

done than you do. Perhaps you can find a way to improve what you are doing.

Learn to manage your time wisely. Eliminate time wasters from your life.

15.Remain flexible and constantly adaptable. Be open to others and sincerely

interested in them. Learn to appreciate others Rev. 2:2

16.Work on overcoming personal, non-productive habits: for example, overeating,

smoking, gossip, alcohol, drugs etc.

People who manufacture, sell and promote alcohol, tobacco and drugs are in it for

the money-they do not care about you or your future. BE WARNED!

ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES IN THE YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

INTRODUCTION:Finance is an important tool in any business or spiritual organization. It is

equally vital in any human activity (Eccl. 10:19). Funds or income generated and

expenses made there from have to be recorded properly on permanent records so as

to see clearly the inflow and outflow of such funds. This art of recording business or

organizational transactions in such a manner that the financial position of the concern

can be ascertained readily at a given time is known as book-keeping

ACCOUNTINGThis can be defined as the art of identifying measuring, recording and

communicating information derivable from the available records. It encompasses the

book-keeping aspects and the information obtainable from it.

From records kept, projections unto the future can be made and this will give the

concern’s management such needed encouragement to put in more in all areas or

departments and achieve the desired goal.

As for spiritual organizations, profits are not expected but management may still

need to know the financial position of the ministry. Equally the usage of the meagre

resources in the right way will interest them. To achieve this, some accounting

procedures and records are to be maintained or kept. These include the following:

MAJOR RECORDS TO BE KEPT(a) CASHBOOK: A cashbook is a ledger account for cash transactions. It serves

the dual purpose of a book of prime entry and ledger account. It is ruled like a

ledger account with debit and credit sides. All cash received are debited and

cash paid are credited as illustrated below:

Illustration 1 – A CASHBOOK

DEBIT SIDE

Date Particulars Receipts

No

Amount DETAILS

Offering Donation Monthly

Contributions

National

Conference

Etc

CREDIT SIDE

Date Particulars P.V

No

Amount DETAILS

Entertain

ment

Photocopy Traveling

expenses

Financial

Aid Honoraria Etc

(b) INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT: This is the profit and loss

account of a concern. It contains only revenue items. Expenditures are

debited while incomes are credited as received within a specific period. The

final balance of an income and expenditure account represents the excess

of income over expenditure or vise versa as the case may be. The balance

is similar to the net profit or loss of a trading

Illustration 2 – Income and expenditure account

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31/3/05 EXPENDITURE INCOME

Photocopying xx B/f xx

Entertainment xx Contributions

Traveling expenses xx vigil xx

Financial aids xx bible study xx

Honoraria xx purchase of land xx

Ministers allowance xx Donations xx

Printing of programmes xx Offerings xx

Xxx Monthly contributions xx

Excess of income over exp. Xx xx

xxx xx

B/d xx

(c) PAYMENT VOUCHER: This is the payment authority detailing expenses to

be incurred and the costs. There would be a column for approval by

relevant authority before such expenses can be made as illustrated thus:

Illustration 3 – payment voucher

(d) RECEIPT BOOKLET: This is the official document to be issued for all

income received. It contains the date, payees name and address, the sum

paid in words and in figures, kind of payment made, receivers’ signature and

the address of the fellowship. Receipt can be issued by any unit receiving

money on behalf of the group. Printing is to be done centrally and the

NATIONAL YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCHMotto: ONE FOLD, ONE SHEPHERD

C/O P.O. BOX 2028, DUGBE, IBADAN

PAYMENT OF VOUCHER

Date Particulars Amount10/10/05 (a) 2 steel cabinets for the National Coordinator’s

Office at N5,000.00 each N10,000.00(b) 5 reams of tying sheets at N500.00 each N2,500.00

Total N12,500.00

…………………… …………..………..Officer purchasing Approval & Date

custodian should be the National Treasurer. See illustration 4 below as a

sample:

Illustration 4 – Official receipt

(e) IMPREST REGISTER: Departments/units are not supposed to be carrying

huge sums of money about but rather depending on degree of need,

departmental/unit heads are to apply for approval for imprest to be kept.

Amount to be approved may not be more than two/five thousand naira for

immediate running expenses such as fuel, photocopy transport, GSM card

for official purposes etc that are not capital in nature.

Any officer particularly the departmental/unit secretary with proven integrity may be

appointed to keep the departments’ imprest. Bulk sum will be given on first installment

but will not be exhausted before applying for reimbursement. For reimbursement to

be given, receipts for expense incurred are to be attached. This will be checked and

approved by the accounting officer in the department/unit.

Illustration of this is to be made in the hall

NATIONAL YOUTH FELLOWSHIPCHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH

C/o G.P.O. Box 2028, Dugbe, Ibadan

Date:………………………Received from……………………………………………………………………….Of…………………………………………………………Assembly/District/ZoneThe sum of………………………………………………………………………….Being payment for………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………

…………………..

Received by

N : K

ACCOUNTABILITYIn any organization each officer is accountable to either his/her employer or the

superior officer(s). Depending on skill, volume of work, nature of assignment or

responsibility, a degree of trust or confidence is supposed to be given to some of the

subordinate officers while the overall supervision lies on the most superior officer. The

most superior officer is the accounting officer in the establishment. For instance in this

fellowship (C.A.C. Youth Fellowship) the Accounting officer is the National Youth

Coordinator who will have to be reporting detailed activities and programmes of the

group to the supreme council and the executive arm of the mission (C.A.C. worldwide)

Each unit head is accountable to the National Coordinator and is to approve

major expenses to be made on behalf of the fellowship

Equally, each unit state officer is responsible to their National heads of

departments or units. For example, the state secretary is responsible to the National

Secretary etc. Collation of various activities from each of the state will be done by the

National secretary when reporting his activities to the National Executive headed by

the National Coordinator.

WHAT HAPPENS IN SCHOOLS/CAMPUSES

It is better to introduce fellowship/Christian education to make the youth

Christian knows that they are free, yet bonds for Christ sake.

There are adulterated/scientific oriented programmes with other gospel is

painted to persuade minds of the youth. Here tolerance is necessary but not given

room for the devil so we should not compromise.

There are challenges in the campuses for various kind of business/marketing.

Youth should hold to their principles, prayer power, God-given talent/Bible contents in

order to promote the gospel.

Their different social groups/fellowship a viz. palm wine drunkard/clubs. The

youth should study his/her interest and allow God to direct him/her. Joint the Christian

fellowship that ill prompts your faith/gospel of Christ.

THE BENEFITTING LIFE IN THE CAMPUS SHOULD BERom. 12:1-11; II Pet. 1:5-10

a. Biblical/not scientifically. Base all principles on Bible teaching

b. Be spiritually power packed, prayerful/Christ like

c. Be lively with songs unto God i.e. praise clapping/using musical

instrument-glorifying God

d. It must be total the fellowship in the campus must touch the soul, body

and spirit, ways of life, your needs, career, hopes, academics/your

heaven

e. Harness the gifts/talents bestowed on you as youth by God as a believer

to propagate gospel/not for a social life but for the glory of God

f. The life of youth in the campus should be for a positive challenge, glorify

God/lift the soul of people towards God/Heaven. It is to make God’s

kingdom to expand in the mind of the youth

May God bless you/be worthy of Heaven (Amen)?