The Call to Ministry

1. God has counted us faithful, putting us into the ministry.

I Timothy 1:12
2. It is a tremendous calling and appointment.
- Ephesians 4 Gifts to the church
3. Following the OT system of Priesthood and Levites, though all of Gods
children are considered Priests, have access to Gods presence and are
expected and equipped to serve in the ministry.
Our belief is God still uniquely calls, equips, and places certain men and
women into these NT offices for the edification of the body of Christ.
4. Comparatively, we are called to endure hardship as a good soldier of
Jesus Christ. (II Timothy 2)

We have used David even as a king to teach this calling.

He established worship order
He consulted with the people about the return of the ark.
He administered order and justice in the kingdom.
He blessed the people.
Gathered resources for the temple.
o Nehemiahs governship teaches us Pastor leadership.
o Ezras commitment to the Word and a disciplined, holy separate lifestyle.
o There are some businessmen qualities to emulate.
Though fewer, because the church is not a corporation.
We even have the athlete, training and his trainer/coach.
Probably the greatest calling/occupation comparative to the office of
a pastor is Shepherd.
The Shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
He cares for the flock.
He loves the flock enough to count, and search for those
missing.
He leads you to pasture lands and encourages your rest.
He watches for your soul, standing against your adversary the
devil.
He facilitates squabbles and contentions in the sheepfold.
Providing counsel, meditation, and instruction.
He attempts to mend, nurture, and encourage the weak.
All the while, raising his or her or their own family.
It is a holy calling to serve Gods people as a Pastor/
Shepherd.
5. There are great challenges that Pastors are facing in our generation.
The changing ever-evolving changing nature of the culture.
o From design of facility, to structure of worship, ministry outreach,
song selection, style of worship, sermon topics, style of preaching,
attire in church, on stage.
Avoiding preaching on world/national events every Sunday.

o Because our nation is so divided politically, and our access to

media, whatever side of the political issues I am on, it is difficult not
to address these issues weekly.
o It is not my goal to offend truly born again believers. Nor use my
pulpit as a bully pulpit.
o However I still do not understand how genuinely born again
believers can support the party that supports the liberal agenda of a
unisex society, support for the homosexual/transgender agenda/
and abortion on demand.
o Now, affection for Islamic doctrine and practice.

We/I struggle with competing numerically with the churches whose

identity/mission is more evangelistic.
o They use more contemporary means, but their doctrine is not as
divisive, nor as distinct.
o As I have said before, the shallow end of the pool has more people.
o Yet we often get measured by our numerical growth, rather than our
spiritual maturity.
How to make dress/attire and lifestyle choices relevant.
o Scripture teaches in the Pastoral Epistles about womens dress
(primarily) and lifestyle choices.
o How do you do that, how do you speak openly about modesty in
attire, and a holy lifestyle that purposely avoids a lot of our secular
entertainment and social drinking.
o How do you present in such a way that it is biblical, relevant,
reproving, correctional, and instruction, without being labeled a
sexist #1 Legalistic
#2 Old fashioned/outdated #3 or bully Pastor #4
How?
How do we maintain or continue in our heritage of Pentecostal /Charismatic/
full-gospel /spirit empowered people, when fewer and fewer are willing to set
aside time to receive Gods spirit, respond to Gods spirit and then live a
lifestyle that does not grieve or quench the Spirit?
How do I address/teach on the issue of abortion and homosexuality without
offending or hurting someone who either has previously had an abortion or
has a family member who is homosexual.
How do you reprove, rebuke, and exhort.
6. The things I long for the most for you and your family.

Stability at home, defined roles in marriage and the family creating a

healthy, loving biblical family unit.

For you to grow in your knowledge and understanding of Scripture.

o
Ephesians 3:4 When you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery
of Christ.

For each of you to unlock the anointing within you and to receive an anointing
upon your life.
o II Cor 1:21 God has anointed us.

o Moses had it, Samson had it, Deborah had it, David had itthe
disciples had it, Paul had it, the early church had it, our spiritual fore
fathers had it, Jesus has it and you can have it!
For you to find family and fulfillment in this fellowship.
o
Much, much more than attending First A/G.
o
Rather, we become a family, you find fulfillment.
o
When you are not here, you are thinking about us!
o
Your gifts and callings can be developed and you help build the kingdom as
you serve in this fellowship.
For you to be faithful.
o
God counted us pastors faithful.
o
Jesus said-who is that faithful and wise steward.
o
He commended faithfulness- well done thou good and faithful servant.
o
It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.
o
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ.
o
Scripture exhorts us to be faithful to:
God
To our spouses and family
To our employer
To our church body- to each other
To our worship services- neglect not.
With our resources- If you have not been faithful in handling
your money, how can God commit to your trust true
resources.
o God is faithful- His words are true and faithful. Jesus is a merciful and
faithful high priest. God counted us Pastors as faithful, putting us into
ministry- Rev 17:14 They that are with him are called, chosen and faithful.