Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, recently shared a video on his Facebook page where he discussed the topic of “the more excellent ministry of the New Testament priesthood” during a Tuesday leadership development training.
Referencing Hebrews 8:6, Kumuyi emphasized that in the New Testament, believers are called to a higher and more excellent ministry. He highlighted the role of priests in the Old Testament, who were tasked with investigating and separating lepers from the congregation. However, they lacked the power to heal or cure them and could only isolate them to prevent the spread of the disease.
Kumuyi drew a parallel between spiritual leprosy, symbolizing sin, in today’s church. He questioned the common response of immediately casting out those who backslide or go astray and proposed a more compassionate approach. He emphasized the need to offer support, counsel, and help in cleansing and restoring backsliders. While not condoning iniquity, he urged believers to pray for and with those who have strayed, guiding them towards conviction and a turning point.
The pastor advised leaders and church workers to adopt a ministry that focuses on reconciling backsliders and sinners with God. He encouraged a shift from a punitive mindset to one that prioritizes healing and restoration. By extending love and acting as agents of spiritual healing, Kumuyi believes that people will feel more inclined to seek assistance and guidance, allowing the New Testament ministry to be fully expressed.
He said, “We must change and improve on our ministry and not be overly concerned about the backsliders, and we don’t carry about the big stick of chastisement. When they are wrong, we will set them right; when they are sick, we will love to be agents of healing in the hands of the Lord. Then the people will ease up and come to us, and we will help them and have the New Testament ministry upon them in Jesus name.”