Faithfulness and Fruitfulness

Before ordaining an individual, you must examine whether they are fruitful or fruitless in ministry. The scriptures prove fruit to be a by-product of holiness and submission to God. Fruit is produced when the Holy Spirit operates through us to bring another to steadfastness in Christ. It is the evidence that God is working with an individual.

Bearing good fruit requires;

• Self-denial,
• Remaining in steadfast obedience to Christ,
• Submission to apostolic order, and
• Faithfully fulfilling our God-given purpose and ministry.

If these are accompanied with a selfless focus on ministry, God will produce lasting fruit through us. Therefore, if there is fruitlessness evident in our own lives and of those we lead, this should be of serious concern. It is pointless to maintain the ordination of ministers who remain unfruitful in ministry and have shown no efforts to change.

Moreover, if there is fruitlessness, we must also examine the negative impact these ministers are having on the congregation. It is the responsibility of shepherds to protect the flock and to maintain righteous examples before the people. If we fail them in this regard and cause them to stumble, God will hold us accountable for it.

Colossians 1:10

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

John 15:4

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Matthew 25:21

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.