David John Tait, Malala Road, Webuye (2026)

05/03/2026

THE REVELATION CHURCHES TODAY

A SUMMARY OF THE GOOD AND THE BAD IN THE 7 CHURCHES

We are used to looking at the good and the bad of individual churches. Here, however, we will combine them to get an appreciation of the potential churches' good and bad features today. For nothing really changes. As the Word says in Revelation 1, verse 3.......

3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

GOOD FEATURES

Deeds, hard work, and perseverance.

Discernment of false apostles and teachers.

Endured hardships for my name

Not grown weary

Know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!

Remain true to my name in hard situations

Love your faith

A few people who have not soiled their clothes.

You have little strength, yet you have kept my word, not denying my name.

GOD’S CHURCH ISSUES

* Forsaken the love you had at first.

* Some who hold to the teaching of Balaam.

* Ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. (Jezebel)

* Hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans

* Reputation of being alive, but you are dead.

* Neither cold nor hot

* Say, ‘I am rich; I do not need a thing.’ But you are wretched

GETTING IT RIGHT!

Two churches in Revelation got it right, with no criticisms. Their similarities were that they were both poor, i.e., Philadelphia and Smyrna.

In my experience, having ministered in a good few countries, the same situation applies today. Where people are poor, they have nothing else to rely upon —but God. They don’t have money in the bank, nor the State to provide welfare assistance; , They only have God for their next meal. Then you surely trust Him!

All but one of the remaining churches had both good and bad characteristics. They followed their Lord in certain ways but went astray in others. Unfortunately, the bad infects the good, like yeast in dough. Without correction, their candles would be removed from the candlestick, and they were doomed.

An interesting feature of these churches was that there were some who followed the Lord with all their being. This is a feature too, in churches today. There are normally some faithful followers of Jesus among all congregations, irrespective of the motivations of the majority. True discipleship is there amongst the many.

This brings us to the final church mentioned, that of Laodicea. Widely recognized as the one most like Western churches, and some in other countries too. The Laodiceans were neither hot nor cold for God. They were, and are, comfortable in their wealth, treating God as an add on, or perhaps church as a social occasion.

These comfortable churches are doomed without God—unless they get their act together now, while they are still able! Sadly, most will carry on as normal and will pay the price of rejection by our God.

Again, I emphasize that there are still some true disciples within them who follow and obey the Lord in their lives. Remember, the path that leads up the mountain of God to His presence is narrow, steep, and rocky, taken only by a few. But the wide and easy path is taken by the majority, who follow it, leads to destruction.

The Lord gave me a picture a good number of years ago now (shows my age!) about Christians on a train, praising, worshipping, being happy and excited. The train came to the narrow gate, and the train slowed right down but didn’t stop. A few hopped off. But the rest of them carried on as if nothing had happened. A little further on, the train drove over a cliff, and all that were in it were destroyed!

A warning, as Jesus gave to the churches of Revelation, particularly the Laodicean one, which applies to our churches today.

The question is, are we going to take God’s Word seriously or not? The choice is up to each one of us. I know what mine is. How about you?

26/02/2026

OBSERVATIONS ON THE CHURCH – Part 7 - THE PEOPLE

In this, the seventh and final observation, we look at the congregation, the people who attend the church.

There are many scriptures about this. Here are a few.......

Hebrews 10:24 encourages us to meet together to spur each other towards love and good deeds.

Matthew 18:20 confirms that where 2 or 3 are gathered together, He will be with us.

Psalm 122:1 talks about the joy we have when meeting together.

Acts 2:42 tells of the church as a place for teaching, communion, fellowship, and prayer, all vital parts of living the believing life.

Colossians 3:16 talks of teaching and worship when we gather together.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages believers to boost and build up each other.

Are we achieving these goals with our church meetings?

Being honest, I think it is fair to say we are missing out on many of these objectives of a vibrant, powerful, spiritual gathering.

What has gone wrong?

LOSS OF VISION

Most church groups and denominations were started by people with an inspired vision, a newly revealed inspiration from God, from which a new group is formed. E.g., John Wesley formed the Methodist Church, and William Booth, the Salvation Army.

Sadly, when the visionary dies, those following don't have the inspiration they had. So what did they do? They normalized the founder's vision into rules and regulations that they believe reflected the vision bearer.

So what do we have today? So many dead churches and denominations that would make their founder cry, or maybe scream! Lifeless churches produce, mostly, lifeless followers.

TRADITION

The same way of doing things carries on year after year, with comfortable people in the pews. Until someone suggests a change, likely to appeal more to the people today! Then there is an uprising! You can't change what we have been doing for years, decades, and centuries!

We have a connection with a church like this. A younger couple in the church wanted to change to a more modern approach that a younger generation might understand. Eventually, with considerable outside pressure, the couple have been allowed to implement their ideas and projects in an attached but separate part of the complex. Hopefully, all will be well. The traditionalists have their church, carrying on as it always has, while the younger couple are happy and relieved to be able to do a new thing, appealing to today's generation. The Word of God doesn't change, but the method of presentation must change to connect with a generation whose life experience is so different to ours in every way.

THE LACK OF A TRUE DESIRE FOR GOD.
Sadly most, but not all, people who attend church see it as their religious experience for the week. In my experience, this is more so in Traditional and Evangelical Churches than in those Spirit Filled, but it is present in all.

Going to church once a week is all that is needed to fulfill obligations to God. Yes, you may keep most of the 10 Commandments, but that is all. The rest of the week goes on as normal.

RELYING ON THE PASTOR FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION WITH GOD.

The really sad result of not having a personal relationship with God is that people rely on the pastor to communicate with God for them. This attitude goes back to the Old Testament, where the Priests were the ones who communicated with God on behalf of the people.

Today, however, we are so blessed to live under the New Covenant of Jesus' blood, through the horrendous sacrifice he made for us on Calvary's hill. We are now a “kingdom and priests” or “a kingdom of priests," depending on the translation used.

We are empowered to have a direct relationship with the Father! Amazing! It is so sad that not many use it, relying instead on the pastor to be their spiritual conduit to God.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH EACH OTHER.

The second of the 2 primary commandments Jesus gave, after loving Him, was to love our neighbors as ourselves. This has to do with good works, but firstly, to get to know our brothers and sisters in our church. So many of us go to church, then home, without developing meaningful relationships with anyone. Next week we come back and do the same. Hospitality is a great way to do this. Okay, we live in a busy world, I know, but Jesus and Paul both encouraged us to eat together.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS?

Teaching on discipleship. To get people to understand that giving your life to Jesus is only the first step in an amazing journey in Jesus. We have salvation (Justification), followed by Sanctification with the ultimate goal being Godliness.

Teaching people how to pray, not only to God, but also to prepare them to wait on God to talk to them, and most importantly, do as He says.

Splitting people into groups to discuss what is being said from the pulpit during the service.

Home Groups are good but usually attract the keener believers. Encourage everyone to belong. In a radical church I know of, people were meeting in groups 3 weeks in the month and together in the church in the fourth week!

Shift people around in the church service. Front to back, back to front, changing sides, sitting by different people than they are used to.

And other ways you can think of.

David Tait

Walking With Jesus Ministries

wwj.org.nz

29/01/2026

OBSERVATIONS OF THE CHURCH – Part 6
THE USE OF TITLES
The New Testament (not David Tait), in Ephesians 6:11-12 tells us.......
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the people for works of service so that the body of Christ msy be built up.
The interesting point is that these are job descriptions, not job titles. Interesting too is that Paul starts his letters with position, not a title......
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus..... (Ephesians 1:1)
Paul, an apostle....... (2 Cointhians 1:1)
Paul, called as an apostle....... (1 Corinthians1:1)
Paul, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, called as an apostle....... (Romans 1:1)
Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle (Titus 1-1)
And so on. Paul, the most effective apostle to the Gentiles, was met specially by Jesus, He was humble in his introduction to his letters. In fact, he was humble all the time! Paul wasn't good-looking nor powerful in his speech and presentation—as per the boy who went to sleep. Incidentally, Jesus wouldn't stand out in a crowd either! That was left to King Saul! Again, he was replaced by David, not a big guy, but who had a heart after God.
Yet in today's church, we often have well presented speakers who are orators. They come with a plethora of titles and qualifications. Interestingly too, more titles than we have in the world! Perhaps similar to the army. But we are to be a spiritual army, marching in humility into battle.
The world does have Doctor Jones, who has earned their title through qualification. However, in companies and organizations, even the largest ones, you are known by your name, followed berhaps by your title. eg. Bill Brown CEO.
Why is it, then, in the church, we have so many titles?
Most likely, it goes back to Roman times, when Emperor Constantine became a believer. He saw his new faith as a means of controlling his people. He built magnificent cathedrals, looking like heaven to the uneducated peasants that attended. The pulpit was high above the people, giving extra awe and authority to the titled man preaching.
Then came the Reformation. Martin Luther, in posting the 93 Theses on the church door, was the match that started the fire of discontent, already growing among many people. He didn't want to leave the Catholic Church, just to reform it.
When he was excommunicated, he reluctantly started the Lutheran Church, retaining much of the structure from the church he reluctantly left. Bishop and Archbihop etc., remained as titles and positions. Some other churches, eg Anglicans and Episcopalians, for example, followed the same pattern. You might say, halfway in and halfway out.
Other churches dispensed with these titles, appointing mainly, pastors. The appointees called themselves Pastor Brown, a hangover from the Roman Catholics. Some churches, eg. Brethrens, went away from titles altogether, following strictly to the New Testament principle of no titles, as we all are one in Christ.
What is the result of this? We have a layer of ministers above the people. Today these people aare appointed through training in a Bible college of some sort and receiving a qualification. They are not necessarily called by God.
A classic example of this! I was going to a church that was part of a large group of churches. I was invited to go to their annual conference 2 years in a row. After the second one, I received, most unexpectedly, a minister's accreditation for the group in the mail. A few days later, my pastor came round and wanted to take the accreditation off me, as I hadn't done the training required, as his assistant had!
I didn't mind, as I hadn't asked for it. He was surprised that I gave it back so easily. The interesting part, however, is that 6 months later, his Bible college-trained assistant had an affair with one of the church staff and had to leave! Oh dear! Training does not beat the pastoral call. Ultimately, I was pleased that God organized things that way. I have no pastoral gifting, but today I minister to all believers, everywhere.
I have ministered in many countries to pastors and leaders and have found they feel themselves a 'cut above' their people. A big element to this is the title they carry, causing their people to look up to them. Instead of being servants to their people, they act as the boss of the church.
This is not a criticism of pastors, but of the system, as many do excellent work under difficult circumstances.
To make a change, we need to do away with the titles and choose people with a humble, pastoral calling to run our churches. Jesus came in humility; Paul was a classic example, too.
We need to change our attitudes to leadership. From one of being the boss to one of humility. There are some good examples of servant leadership, but they are a small minority.
For the 'church' as a whole to meet its full potential, titles and leaders' attitudes toward leadership must change. After all, Jesus was the ultimate example of servant leadership, to the extent of dying on that terrible cross, to bring you and me back into relationship with God our Father.
David Tait
Walking With Jesus Ministries.

16/09/2025

OBSERVATIONS OF THE CHURCH – Part 5
MINISTRY QUALIFICATIONS
A person has a revelation from God. They build up several followers, who are enamoured by the person and believe in the revelation they share.
Usually, a new denomination is formed. For example, John Wesley provided a 'method' of belief, and the Methodist movement, which later became churches, was formed.
When Wesley died, no longer having Wesley's inspiration, his followers formulated his revelation into a doctrine, with differences from other doctrines of the time. Thus, the Methodist Church of today was formed.
Naturally, as the following generations lacked Wesley's inspiration, they formed a Bible College or Seminary to teach the principles of Wesley to them.
Of course, these teaching schools presented their graduates with a certificate describing their qualification.
The denomination recognized these people as having the Church's teachings, and they were appointed as Ministers in the Methodist Church. As more graduates qualified, it became compulsory to have this qualification to lead a church in their denomination.
I experienced this personally. I was attending a Pentecostal denominational church and attended a couple of their conferences. I also ministered overseas at a conference on their behalf. After the second local conference, I received a Ministerial Appointment for the denomination in the mail.
A few days later, I had a visit from my pastor, who wanted to take my card back as I had not gone through their 3-year, denominational Bible Degree as their Assistant Pastor had just completed. It wasn't fair that I should get this without the training! I was easy about this and gave him back my card. He commented that he didn't expect it to be so easy to get it back! Six months later, the Assistant Pastor had an affair with the Office Secretary! I was amused!
God's plan for me was for all believers everywhere, so He worked it out well.
The issue, though, is that formal training is so entrenched in the church that it is more important than the character of the person and their calling by God.
Another situation I have had described to me before these people died of old age was the introduction of the Holy Spirit-led movement, which arrived in New Zealand with the meetings of Smith Wigglesworth in 1924. People were healed and filled with the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Of course, being new and strange to the existing churches and to the p***c, there was limited acceptance of the movement. These believers met in homes where those with the Godly anointing of pastors and teachers (see Ephesians 4:11-16) taught and looked after them.
The enthusiasm and godliness of these people were amazing, and similar to those of the believers at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13), hence they were given the name, Pentecostals.
The denomination I mentioned earlier grew in the same way. It expanded, churches were formed, and pastors appointed. Then a Bible School was started and people were trained until, as you read above, a degree became compulsory to be a Pastor, by most of the churches.
Sadly, our churches have turned into businesses, where qualifications are required for senior positions. Each of us needs to prayerfully consider this situation and act, either within or outside of the church organization, to change back more towards the churches in Acts and throughout the rest of the New Testament.
Let us take particular notice of the churches mentioned in Revelation, chapters 1 to 3, where Jesus, through John, detailed the issues within the churches formed in the era AD40-100.
The church in Laodicea needs particular attention, as it is the church most similar to ours today.
May the Lord bless us with wisdom and strength to make changes, among the opposition that will surely follow.
David Tait
wwj.org.nz

28/08/2025

OBSERVATIONS ON THE CHURCH - Part 4
CHURCH IS UPSIDE DOWN!
Today, we have a church, generally based on authority from above. Our hierarchy places men or women in positions above the people in the church.
Ordinary people look up to those in positions above to lead them in their Christian walk. You have the head of the denomination or grouping, who is the boss of the hierarchy below. The extent of the hierarchy levels usually depends on the number of adherents it has. Hence, the largest church worldwide, the Roman Catholic Church, has the Pope at the top, and layers of authority below him. Most other churches may have a similar system, either formal or informal.
Of course, the Reformation was intended to overcome the issue of top-down authority structures, but the reality is that they have reemerged, as this is the way the world works.
Sadly, today reminds me of the Old Testament Priesthood. A priesthood, where the priest was an intermediary between the people and God, but which Jesus came to replace. The Priesthood was to be the descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses.
Unfortunately, by the time of Jesus, it had evolved into an annually elected position, which was bought, not inherited.
The true last descendant of Aaron was John the Baptist, and it was fitting that he should pass over the priesthood to Jesus at His baptism, the final priest who still today, and thankfully, intercedes on our behalf with God the Father.
Jesus came to bring a different way, for which He paid the ultimate price on the cruel, but victorious cross at Calvary, dying for your sins and mine.
Unfortunately, though, most of the church has slipped back into the ways of the Old Testament Priesthood.
Jesus came to bring a new way, one where we can have a personal relationship with Him. No longer are we to rely upon priests, pastors, or ministers to relate to God on our behalf. We have direct access to our heavenly Father through Jesus. Wow! Amazing! But we have to make the effort to build a personal relationship with Jesus, through the Word, prayer, listening to what God has to say to us personally, through prophecy, words of knowledge, and in other ways also.
God wants to speak to us. We have to listen to Him. Then do what He asks us to do! Scared? Don't be, for He will never ask us to do anything beyond our level of faith.
The reflection in the mirror in the illustration below shows how the church should be. Instead of the boss at the top of the inverted pyramid, the people are.
The leadership, at its various levels. It is there to serve those who belong/attend the particular church with Jesus as head.
The PRINCIPLE OF SERVANTHOOD is not very popular today, when kingship is being promoted. Unfortunately, this is not what Jesus, talking about the Gentiles lording over the people of Israel, says.......
But this is not how it is among you; instead, whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. (Mark10:43-45)
There needs to be a huge change in church leadership today to serve, and not to be served, following the example of Jesus when he was on the earth.
David Tait
wwj.org .nz

08/08/2025

OBSERVATIONS ON THE CHURCH – Part 3

THE CURSE OF THE CHURCH – THE PROSPERITY DOCTRINE

This insidious doctrine, grew in the 19th century, as a result of an elderly Scottish lady's dream. It was latched onto by unscrupulous preachers and teachers seeking popularity and money, Their names do not matter, for this article, except for an example, is about the doctrine, not people.

The essence of the doctrine is to give, to get. Many preachers have become very wealthy through expousing it!

It was, sadly, picked up by the Pentecostal movement in the USA, not at its inception, but as the 20th century progressed. It spread like wildfire with the introduction of TV,. Today, it has spread round the world, moving from Penteostal to most other churches, albeit in a watered down form.

The principle that you can get money and riches, or live a comfortable life by becoming a Christian, is palpably false. If this was so, everyone in the world wold become a believer! This is not the case, is it!

Jesus Himself taught that it 'is harder for a rich man to get to heaven than for a camel to get through the eye of a needle.' We see that as impossible in our experience of a needle, but at the time of Jesuus, the small gate, inside the main gate into the walled city, was called a needle. The camels of a rich man had to go down on their knees to get through, when the main gates were closed. How do we come to God? On our knees!

I first came across this doctrine as I was growing up, as a churchian, not a true believer in Jesus. This was a long time ago! LOL! It didn't make sense to me even then, through observation.

When our eldest son was getting married in Scotlnnd to a lass from the Isle Of Skye, we took our 2 youngest sons to Disneyland in Los Angeles, as it was on the way from New Zealand. On the way to our hotel, I saw a big sign. saying Keneth Copeland was taking a series of meetings at the huge Anaheim Convention Centre, We went along. Kenneth Copeland came on the stage and said he had inviited his friend Creflo J Dollar, to speak.

Creflo gave his story of giving away a very small car and being given a bigger one in return, until finally he ended up with a Rolls Royce! The people there, mainly poor black Americans, clapped and cheered. At the front was a section for pastors, and they cheered the loudest. Then people came up and started throwing money at his feet. The pastors cheered, but geve no money.

It was so sad to see poor being manipulated to make the preacher rich. Afterwards, we went down to the carpark, where we saw old jalopies, not rich mens cars!

I cried to myself. This couldn't be be God! Surely! It wasn't! Poor people were being manipulated to make a few rich!

Unfortunately, this teaching, in a milder form, has permeated most churches, around the world. Preaching is of what God will do for us financially and otherwise, rather than the sacrifces desired by the Father, up to losing our lives for Him, as the Bible teaches.

We are living in the day of the Laodicean church of the book of Revelation. People had lost their first love for Christ because of the riches they had. The Bible teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and our daily needs, not our desires, will be given to us.

True Christianity is putting aside the things of the world that distract us from Jesus and the Father, being prepared to live our lives completely for Him, even to not shrink from death.

There have been many maytrs for Jesus over the past 2000 years. Are we prepared to give our lives completely to Him today, and die for Him, if it is required?

29/07/2025

OBSERVATIONS ON THE CHURCH- Part 2
COUNTRY CULTURE IN THE CHURCH
Once again I have been blessed to travel to many countries, and ministered lots of churches. The culture of each country is different, sometimes even differing between areas in a country.
Whether we recognize it or not, culture plays a big part in our churches.
My mother was born in Ireland, coming to New Zealand when she was 3. Dad's parents came from the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland. Yet my sister and I have grown up as true 'Kiwis', New Zealand's unique flightless bird, our national symbol. Other immigrants come here, from very different cultures, and assimilate within 1 to 2 generations.
Are we ebullient in our worship, as is generally found in Africa, or more reserved, as in many churches in the Western world, such as here?
Where do the congregation sit? In many countries, looking towards the front, men sit in the much smaller left side, while women are to the right. Of course the aisle is not in the middle! All over the world, there are at least twice as many women in the church as men. So sad.
In some cultures, only men are allowed to participate, while in others, it depends on the rules of the particular church. I was in one church in Nigeria where a young lady in our party spoke for a few minutes. I thought nothing of it. However, later I found out that this was a real honour, being the first time a woman had spoken publicly, in this large church.
Often we equate loud worship to Godly worship. I was caught in that trap until one day I realized that this was cultural, the ebullient nature of the people. It was wonderful to see, and participate in, but may or may not really be of the Lord. Worship in India can still be worshipful, even though the culture is less boisterous.
Speaking too, follows the same pattern. Africans are loud in their presentations, which the people there are used to. I always remember in our home church in Kenya, where we lived for 5 years building a hospital, speaking one day and becoming really forceful and loud. After I spoke, the pastor said I was becoming an African! The people laughed.
But if I did that in New Zealand I may well be not invited back! LOL! But if an African came and did it here , it would be acceptable, as they were African! LOL!
The question really is, WWJD! (what would Jesus do)? Middle Eastern culture is different again. The Bible tells us about worship in the Temple and the Synagogues, pre Jesus of course. Paul too, gave instructions for worship, but we do wonder what those early churches, house groups really, were like.
Let us remember, when we criticize other cultures, that our culture is different to them also!
May we learn to separate culture from Godliness.
David Tait
Walking With Jesus Ministries
wwj.org.nz

21/07/2025

OBSERVATIONS OF THE CHURCH- Part 1

WORSHIP

What an unusual place to start! Yes it is. But in my experience in 78 years (young!), the first key element in a church meeting, Sunday or otherwise, is worship.

Without Spirit-led worship, the meeting is just going to be an ordinary one. May be if some interest if the speaker is good, or more likely to put you to sleep, if they go on too long!

A bit radical! YES! But it is built from a pretty long lifetime of experience, both good and bad. I have been in many meetings, of all hues, over my life, as a listener or speaker. Good, bad and indifferent. From Traditional, to Evangelical, to Pentecostal/Charismatic.

I have slept in many, been interested in others, and inspired in all too few. Part of it has been my stage of walking with Jesus, of course, most of the sleepy ones, for I didn't truly give my heart to the Lord until I was 43. In the 35 years since, God has worked miracles in my life and incredibly to me, in other lives as well. Praise the Lord (PTL).

I have spoken in many countries and been inspired by God to write a number of books, with an emphasis on “the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven”.

My greatest experience of the heavenlies was in a Nigerian village. The power went off. Then the generator ran out of fuel. What did we do? Go home, or continue worshipping We elected to continue, and heaven came down to earth! It was an incredible experience! No need to share the word after that, for God had superceded it!

The essence of Revivals is worship, where the presence of God fills the building. Very little needs to be said, for God speaks directly to individuals.

Worship is not singing a few hymns, choruses, or songs. The purpose of worship is to release the presence of God in the meeting. Worspip needs to come from deep within our heart, from the Holy Spirit, yours and mine, to be effective.

Pentecostals have come up with a pattern that does work – thanksgiving songs, followed by praise songs, and finally worship. It works but it is not essential. Worship songs though, surely are. But worship ones surely are. For we should be here or there to worship our God with “all our hearts, soul, mind and strength” for that is the worship our God desires.

Again, my experience speaking and listening over all these years, has shown that, without the Lord's presence, the message will not be a truly memorable one for those hearing it.

Finally, I ask people to stay in the Spirit when I speak. For too many speakers think that their message is the most important event of the meeting, and cut off the Holy Spirit's presence, with a few words. Not deliberately, but is the reality. All who speak need to consider the worship as an integral part of the meeting, not just an add-on.

I worship you Lord, with all of me.

How about you?

David Tait
Walking with Jesus Ministries

David John Tait

05/03/2026

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16/09/2025

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