Is there any reason fwhy aithful, inspired
disciples of Jesus Christ can't start a
church planting movement. The only thing
that can prevent that is lack of faith and
unwillingness to do the work. Certainly,
this is not something that everyone is
Called to do. Although one need not be the
most vibrant and charismatic of sorts, it is
essential to be humble and obedient.
The truth is that we live in a lost and
dieing world that desperately needs the
truth of God's Word. While some argue about
whose fellowship is right and whose is
wrong, people are killing each other on high
school and college campuses. What can you do
about it?
If God is Calling you into the pastoral
ministry, I believe the answer is clear.
Obey. Many reasons abound for why otherwise
qualified disciples resist God's Call to the
ministry and a
church planting movement. Some are still
in the embrace of worldly things. A job,
good salary, prestige and appearances are
what matters to them.
Others are more concerned about what their
friends and acquaintances will say. Still
others wonder if perhaps God isn't wrong to
put it on their hearts to serve more
sacrificially. The problem is not simply
paralysis by analysis. It goes even deeper.
It's rebellion and lack of faith.
On the other hand, some believe that God is
Calling in to the pastoral ministry when
that is not really the case. How can you
tell the difference? While I'm not a
theologian, per se, I can tell you what my
experiences as a church lawyer has taught
me. Those whom God has truly Called to the
ministry reflect that in all of their being.
They reflect love and encouragement. They
love the Lord and His Word. They hurt for
people and tirelessly reach out with the
Word. And they do all this particularly when
they are not expected to, or called to do so
by church people.
Those who are not truly Called by God into
the pastoral ministry will know it because
they resist more than give in. They think
too much about their talents and fail to
place all confidence in God. They are
concerned about succeeding or failing. They
think the ministry will rise or fall on
their abilities. Can you just imagine the
sad
church planting movement these attitudes
would generate?
If your Calling is true, that will be
obvious to you and those around you. So, all
you have to do is ask mature and spiritual
disciples if they think the pastoral
ministry is for you. Be ready for brutal
honesty because this is an area in which
people are quick to point out fitness for
the ministry, or lack thereof.
When you're ready to move forward, take a
closer look at this amazing church-starting
resource...
