Scripture Foundation: Matthew 16:18, Philippians 4:19, Proverbs 22:7, Romans 13:8
INTRODUCTION:
Jesus said in Matthew 16:18:
“I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
But today, many pastors—out of pressure, comparison, or impatience—have taken God's work and placed it on man's shoulders, borrowing from LAPO, gurumi, cooperatives, even personal loans with interest.
What was meant to be God’s responsibility has now become a burden of survival on men of God.
IF GOD CALLED YOU, HE WILL PROVIDE FOR YOU
Philippians 4:19:
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
You don’t need to manipulate, beg, borrow, or run into debt to prove your calling.
If it is truly God’s vision, it will attract God’s provision.
DEBT TURNS PASTORS TO ROARING LIONS
Proverbs 22:7:
“The borrower is servant to the lender.”
Pastors who owe loans begin to:
- Shout on the pulpit, not with fire but with financial frustration.
- Threaten members to give or face curses.
- Twist scriptures to justify forceful giving.
- Avoid creditors and lose personal peace.
The altar becomes a place of pressure—not presence. The man of God becomes a man of debt.
EFFECTS OF LOAN-BASED CHURCH BUILDING
- Loss of Spiritual Authority – Debt silences the boldness of many ministers.
- Compromise – Borrowing leads to manipulation and wrong doctrine.
- Shame and Scandal – When payment fails, public disgrace follows.
- Division – Conflict in the church over money, broken trust, loss of members.
- Health Problems – High blood pressure, anxiety, depression follow the burden of debt.
Romans 13:8 says:
“Owe no man anything, but to love one another.”
THE DANGEROUS SHIFT – FROM PASTOR TO PRESSURIZER
God called you to feed the sheep, not to fleece them.
Many pastors now raise 7 offerings per service not because God asked, but because LAPO is calling.
This is not ministry—it is bondage in the name of vision.
GOD'S PATTERN – STEP BY STEP, NOT DEBT BY DEBT
- Jesus never rushed to build anything. He followed God's timing.
- Paul built churches and left no debt trail.
- God’s projects go in phases—from tent to temple, from upper room to nations.
- God sometimes uses the wilderness to test your faith before the promised land.
ADVICE TO PASTORS:
- Repent from impatience and pride-driven building.
- Don’t start a church project without divine peace and direction.
- Stop comparing your ministry to others.
- Build with what God provides. Delay is not denial.
- Trust in God's process. One small, debt-free hall is better than a big, cursed auditorium.
TO MEMBERS:
- Support your pastor with honesty, not pressure.
- Encourage slow but steady building.
- Don’t promote loans just to “compete” with other churches.
CONCLUSION:
Don’t kill your calling with credit. Don’t silence your voice with interest.
Let God build what only He can sustain.
Psalm 127:1 says,
“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, help us to trust You and not man. Deliver Your servants from the trap of debt. Teach us patience, faith, and obedience. Raise up divine helpers and prove Yourself faithful in every true calling, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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