Founder and leader of Spiritlife Revival Ministries, Bernard ElBernard Nelson-Eshun, has shared a powerful reflection on his 18-year journey in ministry, revealing the single greatest lesson he has learned since starting his church in 2008.
The Beginning: February 24, 2008
On February 24, 2008, at SUNNY FM Prayer Café in Kanda, Bernard ElBernard Nelson-Eshun held the first Sunday service of Spiritlife Revival Ministries. At the time, he had conviction, passion, and what he describes as a strong sense of divine mandate — but little experience.
Eighteen years later, after seasons of growth, battles, miracles, mistakes, expansion, criticism, celebration, loyalty, betrayal, provision, and pressure, he says one truth stands above everything else.
The Greatest Lesson: Absolute Dependence on God
According to the pastor, vision alone is not enough to sustain ministry. Gifting, charisma, and strategy may open doors, but they cannot carry a calling through storms.
“Time will humble you,” he shared. “Time will teach you that what sustains ministry is not brilliance. It is absolute dependence on God.”
He explains that absolute dependence means waking up daily and admitting you do not have all the answers. It means praying before speaking, waiting before moving, and consulting heaven before making announcements on earth. It also means allowing God to interrupt personal plans.
The Cost of Dependence
The seasoned preacher acknowledged that dependence on God is uncomfortable for human pride. It confronts ego, challenges self-reliance, and dismantles the desire for constant validation.
However, he believes it is the very thing that protects destiny. “Absolute dependence means you are not addicted to praise and you are not destroyed by criticism. Your identity is not in trends but in calling. Your confidence is in obedience,” he emphasized.
He further noted that when a leader truly depends on God, everything changes — movement becomes intentional, speech becomes measured, recovery becomes faster, and even silence becomes strategic.
A Message to His Younger Self
Reflecting on his early days at SUNNY FM Prayer Café in 2008, Bernard ElBernard Nelson-Eshun said if he could speak to his younger self, his advice would be simple:
“Do not rush to prove yourself. Do not rush to impress people. Do not rush to defend everything. Stay close to God. Hear Him clearly. Obey Him fully.”
Beyond Numbers and Recognition
After nearly two decades in ministry, the pastor says his greatest achievement is not measured by church growth, buildings, conferences, or public recognition.
Instead, he considers his biggest victory to be learning how to lean fully on God.
Styled by Jacinta Stevens with wardrobe by Jast Mode, the reflection has resonated with many followers who see it as both a testimony and a mentorship message to young ministers navigating their own journeys.
For more inspiring faith and leadership stories, visit GhanaMedia.net.
Discover more from Ghana Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
