Ever noticed that the largest churches also happen to be the most "entertaining" churches? That even non-believers won't mind pretending to be a believer just to be there, well accepted and well liked? Not to say that non-believers are not accepted in church in fact non-believers are most welcomed in church. However, let it be a reminder also that the church and the pulpit serves one and only one purpose. For the delivery of God's message. It's not to inspire cheers, clapping, awe of the preacher nor is it a position to invoke emotions of helplessness, remorse or even desperation. That could be the result of the delivery of God's message but it should definitely not be the intention of the Pastor. Some may mistakenly characterise the size of a congregation as a measure of truth and doing God's work. I would like to draw an example (not to victimise) but to portray what I would most assuredly call the misappointment of the pulpit (personal opinion and comment, if it offends those in his ministry).
Is it fair to draw a conclusion based on 1 sermon? I have on 3 separate accounts heard this man preach. Here are the 3 most critical aspects of his preaching which I would like to draw my comment on. You can find them on all accounts of Pastor Mark Ng's preaching
- Poor illustration and delivery. Ideas are generic and make no specific reference to God's word (Rhema).
- Usually topics chosen are meant to entertain more than anything else. Points of reference also meant to entertain. In other words, draw laughter, cheers etc... Similar to watching David Letterman, in bad English.
- Constant reference to "suck up" to his "boss" the senior pastor. Pastor Prince ministry. I wonder if that's the reason he's made a pastor.
"I am very honored to be under his ministry. Because under Pastor Prince ministry you know why I am grateful or not? Because my life being transformed. The ministry under him let us be able to see Christ under the old testament. He really reveal Jesus beautifully. It really warm our hearts and under his ministry really give me the annointing able to unveil Jesus in the chinese ritual, culture and custom something like that ...... I am really grateful to be able to preach to them because able to set them free. Because Jesus is the truth, the truth will set them free......"
I know most will prefer that I'm restrained in my comments especially towards Church leadership. However, I'll like to make one comment about the difference between show biz and pastoral service.
Pastoral service, while the purpose is towards the salvation of others, unlike record sales, this cannot be quantified. The job entails the preaching of the word of God and the guidance of those entrusted in your care. It's a job more like an elder brother than a TV star. The duty is to encourage those who are down, and not to create a feel good environment to attract others to your words.
I am refrained from making any more examples. But do know it's not entertainment, it's not about pleasing the crowd, and drawing audiences. It's clearly about speaking the word of God. Sometime people will love you for it, sometimes they hate you for it. But it doesn't matter... Because it's God's word.
Note: The word is sometimes. Not that some people love you for it and some people hate you for it. People often have that mixed up.
God bless and God permit...
