A Fair Warning About First Love Fellowship

I have been saved for over thirty-five years. It all began on January 14, 1989, when I surrendered my life to Jesus—though at the time I had no idea what I was truly stepping into. After I believed, I wasn’t urgently hunting for a church; I simply kept living. Then one day my grandmother dragged me to a new non-denominational congregation. There, for the first time, I heard a preacher faithfully teach the Word of God. That was my real introduction to the Christian life. No one walked me through the baby steps of growth. No mentor appeared—at least not at first. I just showed up, heard a good sermon, and went home. It wasn’t until years later that everything changed. My pastor looked at me one day and said, in essence, “You are my Timothy.” He began pouring into me intentionally and relationally. From that moment on, everything shifted. I became ravenous to know Jesus deeply and fully, all because one imperfect but obedient man was willing to take me under his wing and point me to Christ.

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV)

Fast forward to today. Megachurches, viral personalities, parachurch ministries, and the ever-present “prophetic” voice on social media all compete to define what discipleship should look like. Tragically, the biblical value of pastoral, relational discipleship has plummeted. Most believers are no longer accustomed to being singled out and lovingly challenged to grow. When a leader gently asks, “How is your walk with the Lord right now?” it can feel intrusive—like someone is “getting in their business.” We’ve traded the ancient path for a more comfortable question: “Did you see what so-and-so posted on Instagram?”The truth I’ve learned over three-and-a-half decades is this: left to themselves, most Christians will attempt to disciple themselves. They hear a message, nod in agreement, and then…keep living exactly as before. They set their own goals, establish their own standards, and too often treat spiritual growth like that third gym membership they never use—because they lack the one thing that changes everything: a coach who truly cares.But God gives us more than a coach. He gives us shepherds after His own heart.

“And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15 NKJV)

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV)

Herein lies both the strength and the “warning” about First Love Fellowship.When you walk through our doors, you will not simply hear a sermon, drop an offering in the plate, and go home to manage your spiritual life alone. Discipleship here is intentional. Leaders—especially those aspiring to eldership—are expected to reach out, ask questions, get close, and do life together with the flock. We will lovingly inquire about your prayer life, your Scripture intake, your battle with sin, and your love for the lost—not to be nosy, but because we believe the Great Commission still stands:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV)

This approach surprises many, because most churches today do not operate this way. According to recent Lifeway Research, only 24% of pastors say discipleship receives top time and effort in their congregations. Resources pour into salaries, facilities, events, and digital reach—yet far too little is invested in the actual spiritual formation of the saints. We refuse to follow that pattern.Yes, the laborer is worthy of his wages (1 Timothy 5:18), and we will gladly compensate faithful ministry workers as the Lord provides. Yes, we will secure property and tools for the mission. But we will never build buildings or platforms at the expense of building people. So here is the honest, loving warning about First Love Fellowship:

We are not a “regular” church.

• We will pursue you relationally. 
• We will ask the uncomfortable but life-giving questions. 
• We will care more about your conformity to the image of Christ than our attendance numbers, our building fund, our conferences, or our follower count.

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.” (Hebrews 13:17 NKJV)

When I answered the call to pastoral ministry, I knew it would never make me rich in this world’s currency. But every time I witness a life transformed, a marriage restored, a prodigal returned, or a timid believer boldly sharing the gospel, I remember: it is worth it. It is worth refusing to be ordinary. At FLF, your growth in Christ is infinitely more important to us than the expansion of the ministry. We love this church deeply—but we love you, and your walk with Jesus, even more.

That’s the warning. And that’s the invitation.
Come grow with us.
Come be discipled.
Come help us win the church to Christ. 

For Zion’s Sake,
Pst. Niral