timelygospelpro 
Many years ago, in the early years of the Star Christian Center, I recall feeling frustrated because the growth targets I had set were not being met. I approached my mentor, Dr. David Oyedepo, for advice. I asked him, “What do you do when you’ve done everything you know to do to grow the church and it still refuses to grow?” He replied, “This growth is a seasonal thing. That’s why it’s written in scripture, ‘Let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.’ As long as you continue to plant seeds, you’ll get the harvest in due time. But if you stop planting out of frustration, God will have nothing to multiply for you.” He encouraged me to keep doing what I was doing.
I will never forget that conversation, as it shifted my perspective. Similarly, I remember speaking to Dr. Oyedepo about an event I had attended. I was excited about the powerful delivery by the guest speaker, but Dr. Oyedepo reminded me that I shouldn’t rely on guest speakers to grow the church. He said, “Don’t think you’ll grow that church on guest speakers. That church cannot outgrow you. You are the shepherd God has put over it. Why don’t you become the person people want to listen to?” His words were challenging, but also spoke to my potential.
At one point, I even considered giving up on pastoring and took a retreat with my wife to ask God for clarification. He confirmed that I was meant to continue in my role. It’s been 25 years now, and I’m glad I didn’t give up. I encourage you to never give up, no matter how difficult it may seem.
