We love telling you about pastors around the world who have a deep hunger for God’s Word. But, it’s not always so. Some pastors, frankly, couldn’t care less – they think they already know everything!
Pastor Gupta*, a key leader in India, is one who has learned to faithfully teach and preach God’s Word. But he has certainly met one or two of these guys along the way. . . .
Gupta began his story by describing what happened as he finished preaching at a local church:
“The pastor came rushing up to me afterwards and said, ‘Where did you learn to unpack the Bible like that? You brought up so much depth from the Word that I have never seen or heard.’”
Pastor Gupta told him about his rich experience with WordPartners’ training. The pastor immediately asked Gupta to start a new pastor training group at his church, which Gupta was delighted to do. Gupta continued his story. . . .
“One of the pastors came with folded arms, seeming to communicate, ‘I know everything; I don’t need this training’!”
However, as they studied the book of Jonah together, this pastor – the one loaded with attitude – realized he was Jonah, knowing God in his head but not in his heart. By week’s end, he asked for forgiveness.
Pastor Gupta is a remarkable leader. He told us,
“I have a calling from God to bring a movement of His Word into northwest India. People are perishing because of the lack of Biblical teaching and preaching. India has had Christianity and missionaries come for many years, but sadly, the Church remains weak in the Word. They are caught up into signs, wonders, and healing, but not the Word of God. I believe I have found my purpose as a pastor and equipper of pastors.”
Please pray for Pastor Gupta as he seeks to lead a movement of God’s Word in India. Pray for this group as they continue training, and for that one pastor, in particular, who is now hungering to learn more of God’s Word.
