Teach Them to Work With Their Hands — Not Just to Fast and Pray

Many pastors emphasize fasting and praying but neglect teaching members to work. Discover why encouraging work alongside prayer leads to blessings and church growth.

In many churches today, pastors tell their members to fast and pray for breakthroughs—especially when it comes to jobs and finances. But rarely do they encourage them to go out and work. Why is this a problem?

The Danger of Over-Fasting Without Action

Many people want jobs, but searching for one or starting a business is seen as “too hard.” So instead, they fast and pray endlessly, waiting for God to miraculously provide. While prayer is important, the Bible says clearly, “I will bless the work of your hands” (Deuteronomy 28:12).

But if they don’t use their hands to work, how can God bless their efforts?

Pastors Holding Members Captive Through Overloaded Church Programs

Some ministers pack their church calendars so tightly that even business owners are forced to close their shops to attend church. Worse still, some preach that missing these programs is disobedience to God who gave them their jobs and businesses.

This kind of approach is untrained ministry—it suffocates productivity and forces people away from their livelihoods instead of empowering them.

Why I Teach Members to Work With Their Own Hands

In my ministry, I emphasize working with your own hands. When members run their businesses or hold jobs, God’s blessings flow not just to them but to the entire church family.

This is why my church members are radical in giving—they have income from their labor and businesses. We don’t promote idleness or waiting passively for miracles.

Empowering the Church: A Real-Life Example

I once worked with a millionaire in my church who provided small loans to businesswomen. These loans weren’t free gifts but carefully managed credit: women would borrow, pay back three-quarters, and then qualify for another loan every three months.

We ran this program for four years before I was transferred, and many of those women still have thriving businesses and continue to give generously to the church.