The past couple of weeks I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit with several young Assemblies of God evangelists. I've been able to chat with them one-on-one and hear their passions as well as their frustrations. I have been able to let them hear my heart and know that someone really does care about them. I even had one evangelist tell me that they had been in ministry for about a year now and no one had ever called just to ask how they were doing - that really weighed heavily on me.
But God has been encouraging me by the young men and women who are answering the call to evangelistic ministry. Even though I hear some say that the day of the evangelist is over - I STRONGLY disagree. O.k., I'm a bit biased in that regard, but I truly do feel that the evangelist is one of God's gifts to the Church - and as a gift we can obviously choose to receive or reject it. There are obviously good and not-so-good ministers wherever you go, but I am seeing a generation of young people passionate about Jesus Christ and passionate about bringing honor and respect back to the office of the evangelist.
Our office has put together a new evangelist information packet that we send out free of charge to those folks sensing the call to evangelistic ministry. We just turned this on last month and we sent out 12 in September and 20 in October! That's telling me that God is still calling men and women to evangelistic ministry! How awesome to see God touching the hearts and minds of those willing to answer the call today and launch into a field of ministry that is challenging to say the least. Today, would you pray for our evangelists - that God would supply all of their personal and ministry needs? That opportunities would avail themselves in miraculous ways if need be? And that God would help give me guidance and wisdom in our national office initiatives - because He alone gets all the glory.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Relationships...
Relationships are such a vibrant part of who we are and can often be the catalyst through which we are able to minister to others. Some time ago, I was enjoying a time of fellowship around a table with some pastors in a particular area. I asked them: "So what can I do to help you?" "How can the national office be helpful to you and your ministries?" The reply I received took me back a bit. A majority of those present said that they would rather "just use my pastor friends." They went on to say, "I know them. I know how they preach. And I know they won't hurt me."
In that moment, the Holy Spirit seemed to speak to me that the reason they were using their pastor friends was because a "trusted" relationship had been formed. They "knew" their pastor friends and trusted them to preach the word of God without causing harm in other ways. It was as if the Holy Spirit turned a light on, illuminating the importance of relationships in life and ministry. I knew relationships were important, but the impact I felt after visiting with those pastors was defining for me. Itinerant ministers, evangelists, and even pastors and lay persons must take the initiative to build "trusted" relationships.
I don't mean that we should only build relationships because we want something - like a service or some other selfish item on our agenda. But we should build relationships because ministry flows out of relationship...relationship with God, relationship with family, relationship with friends. We should build relationships because we truly do care. When ministers work at building relationships, going to sectional, district, or even general council functions, we foster "trusted" relationships - and ministry will undoubtedly follow. When we go out of our way at the grocery store, gas station, bank, or other place of business we frequent, we have the potential to build trusted relationships - opening the door to greater opportunities for sharing the love of Jesus Christ.
In that moment, the Holy Spirit seemed to speak to me that the reason they were using their pastor friends was because a "trusted" relationship had been formed. They "knew" their pastor friends and trusted them to preach the word of God without causing harm in other ways. It was as if the Holy Spirit turned a light on, illuminating the importance of relationships in life and ministry. I knew relationships were important, but the impact I felt after visiting with those pastors was defining for me. Itinerant ministers, evangelists, and even pastors and lay persons must take the initiative to build "trusted" relationships.
I don't mean that we should only build relationships because we want something - like a service or some other selfish item on our agenda. But we should build relationships because ministry flows out of relationship...relationship with God, relationship with family, relationship with friends. We should build relationships because we truly do care. When ministers work at building relationships, going to sectional, district, or even general council functions, we foster "trusted" relationships - and ministry will undoubtedly follow. When we go out of our way at the grocery store, gas station, bank, or other place of business we frequent, we have the potential to build trusted relationships - opening the door to greater opportunities for sharing the love of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Memories...
This week finds me in a part of rural America where I spent quite a few of my “growing up” years. Hauling hay, cleaning stalls, milking our “one” milk cow - even on Christmas day - were some of the memories that flooded my mind as I drove around the countryside recounting childhood mischief and family activities. Hard work, honesty, and the value of a person’s word were values that rural America instilled in me. But many of the old landmarks were gone, and some of the trusted friends and neighbors had moved on as well…just like I had. The lord and life had carried me into another chapter of my life - just like he has, or will, for each one of you.
Remembering is such a wonderful blessing. I know that there are also bad things that happen, which are hard to forget…making memories bittersweet. But there are so many good things in life that remind me of the goodness of God and His grace in my life. The time I first asked the Lord to be a part of my life and the time I finally came back to Him. Remembering the price he paid for my sins on the cross and the many details of my life that he has orchestrated. A wonderful family and good health. Great friends and opportunities to help others. Today just might be a perfect day for you to remember all the good things that have happened in your life as well - and give God thanks for every one of them.
Remembering is such a wonderful blessing. I know that there are also bad things that happen, which are hard to forget…making memories bittersweet. But there are so many good things in life that remind me of the goodness of God and His grace in my life. The time I first asked the Lord to be a part of my life and the time I finally came back to Him. Remembering the price he paid for my sins on the cross and the many details of my life that he has orchestrated. A wonderful family and good health. Great friends and opportunities to help others. Today just might be a perfect day for you to remember all the good things that have happened in your life as well - and give God thanks for every one of them.
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