Rise Up, Church!

Photo by Elianna Gill on Unsplash

Scripture Reference: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9) .
 
We are living in unprecedented times globally, since the pandemic of 2020. For the church aka body of Christ, we are seeing a sharp rise in Bible sales and hunger among young people. In an October 2025 article by Pew Research, there has been a sharp rise in the things of God from February 2024 to February 2025. The data is showing a positive influence of faith on the American life.
 
With this spiritual awakening and growth comes great responsibility for the body of Christ, especially spiritual leaders. One aspect of responsibility that all believers in Christ are called to is being an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Added responsibility and higher standards is mandated for spiritual leaders as the scripture states in 1 Timothy 3:1-10.
 
One of such added responsibilities for Christ leaders is staying up to date on the most pressing cultural issues are and how to shepherd God’s people well. On this latest episode 95 of Oasis of Hope Podcast, we are blessed by the legal expertise of one of the nation’s leading voices- Ms. Regan Van Steenis, as she dives into how churches, the body of Christ and its leaders can be better prepared to meet the challenge of our culture in the area of child safety.
 
Van Steenis brings a powerful blend of conviction and compassion as chief legal counsel at Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen Ministries for over twenty years. She has personally overseen more than $1 billion in transactions and helped hundreds of new churches get started. God is currently using her expertise to equip ministries to flourish without distraction, offering everything from compliance support to strategies for safeguarding leadership and foster spiritual health.
 
It is also great to note that Van Steenis brings a unique perspective as both a pastor’s daughter and a legal expert because she understands the pressures facing ministry leaders and how to help them build strong foundations, so spiritual leaders can focus on growing deeper in Christ, free from fear or compromise that can mar the name of Christ.

This is one episode you want to share with friends, colleagues, neighbors, and especially your spiritual leaders. God’s ways and standards for His kingdom has never changed, even though the culture around us changes. It is time for the church to rise up and be Christ’s empowered and equipped ambassadors.
 
Resources For Episode 95:
1. Visit Van Steenis Consulting to connect and ensure your church or ministry is protected.
 
2. Check out what the laws are in your state for clergy as mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect.
 
3. We love your feedback- so send us your questions or comments: [email protected]

In Christ's Love,

Drs. Johnson & Feyi Obamehinti