“He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:10-13

Dear Jesus, After you shouted “It is Finished!” from your cross, you were anything but finished blessing us. Now, from your seat in heaven, you whisper in the Father’s ear and talk to him about me (Romans 8). You rule over all things all over the world for the good of your church (Ephesians 1:23) and here you tell me that you dole out leaders for the church to grow people into your likeness. I have had many teachers and pastors who have done your bidding to disciple me into who I am today. All along it was you that sent them. You knew what I needed and brought them into my life. I will be forever grateful. Thank you for continually sending more and more soul shepherds to your earth. You once told us to pray for more laborers (Matthew 9:35-38), and so here I am asking for you to increase the workers in your vineyard in these last days while so much spiritual darkness is being puffed out all over the world. Amen.

If you have been touched spiritually by any church leader ever, you have Jesus to thank.