Month: April 2020

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WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL, HIS LOVE PREVAILS–A Tribute to Pastor David Wilkerson

The Rev. David Wilkerson, the founder of Teen Challenge International and Times Square Church in NYC, died in a car accident nine years ago today. “Pastor Dave” was well-known for his prophetic ministry–not necessarily foretelling what would happen in the future but more of a “thus says the Lord” to today’s culture.


It was a great honor to have the opportunity to spend time with Pastor Dave several times during his last years. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying we were friends. He just seemed to have a soft spot for those seeking mentorship.


This is a quote from his last blog post. “To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness, you will soon hear the Father whisper, ‘I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.’


Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.”

This is such a fitting tribute to this wonderfully human, servant of God.

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Something Needs To Change And It’s You

“You can’t get there from here.” How many times have you heard this common expression? I have discovered that many people want to see course-altering change take place in their organizations, but they don’t seem willing to experience the personal pain necessary to make it happen. After all, you have to grow on the inside before you can grow on the outside. Likewise, you have to change inwardly before you can lead effectively outwardly.

Mark Sayers recently quoted his mentor, Terry Walling, on the Carey Neiuwhof Leadership Podcast, saying, “Personal renewal proceeds corporate change.”  I believe this to be true. Most church leaders I know are doing a fine job of responding to the current crisis. Services have moved online, ministry continues in creative ways, and efforts are being made daily to help attendees become part of the community. All of this is good.

BUT…those leaders, and the churches, businesses, and organizations they lead that will come out on the other side of this crisis more dynamic than they entered it, will be those who allowed it to break them–driving them to their knees. 

We’re all praying about how we should respond. Here again, that’s a good thing. BUT…more importantly, we should be asking God to use this to make us who he wants us to be. 

As leaders, we’re often asked to speak to a situation. That’s a good thing, but I want to be the man who spends more time listening to God and less time speaking to people. Only then will I have something to say that is truly worth hearing.

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Love Expressed Makes The Message Believable

There has been much talk over the last few years of death to self and the possibility of martyrdom for the sake of the unreached. This is needful and appropriate, and surely we need to give priority in our proclamation to the unreached as they will never cry out for the gospel on their own. Of course, no message is ever complete.

Today, I’m reminded again this morning that “if I give my body for the sake of the unreached but don’t demonstrate love for my neighbor, I am nothing.” It isn’t here or there. It’s all about doing what he says (lordship) where he directs (Spirit-led) in a way that honors him (glory-focused) by loving all in tangible ways (Christlike).