Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40
“The overseer should give opportune orders for keeping the churches in repair, either in reference to the building, or the altars and sacred vessels, and recommend cleanliness and silence in the holy place. Before his departure he should leave in writing the given orders, and rigorously exact their execution, so that everything may be done promptly.”
Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) in The Complete Works of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, translated from the Italian, edited by Rev. Eugene Grimm (New York: Benzinger, 1890) 461.
As I continue to read a document that is about 400 years old which recounts on the role of the overseer in ensuring order in the local church, I found this section as perfect for today.
Why? GTP turns 6 today. Time flies! Click here to see the GTP at 6 infographic. It celebrates God’s faithfulness to GTP in 6 years.
Similarly, our 2024 Annual Report (click for English or Spanish editions) talked about the importance and impact of putting order and oversight going back to Paul’s words to Titus. The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. Titus 1:5
One of the most generous things we can do is help every church and ministry in the world administrate with order and standards and have oversight with peer accountability. When we do that, we make sure churches don’t fall into disrepair, and more importantly, the gospel of Jesus Christ spreads exponentially.
I have arrived safely in Islamabad, Pakistan. And while I am celebrating, I am waiting on the LORD for a miracle.
The opposition to this global work is real. The spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms do not want this work to happen. My co-worker, Prakash Chandra Giri, GTP Curriculum Developer, who was coming to help me activate the two new staff, has been detained at the border.
He lives in Nepal and has done ministry work with me in Bangladesh and India, and so they do not want to allow him to enter Pakistan. Pray for his entry into the country in Jesus name. We have work to do here for God to equip workers to repair His Church.