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johncanalesusa
Posts:52
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Posted:05/23/2006 2:37 AM |
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I have a passion to lead people and teach people about Christ, but I suck at studying. I suck at the Old Testament. I want to everyone know the Christ I have in my right hand... but it's my left hand that causes me to sin... because I am still holding on to my sins of choice. I am just struggling to be restored and discipled.
How do I know if I should peruse the life of a master teacher???
How do you lead a church if you have never been to seminary… cause I can’t afford to go, but I want to learn more?
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gfike
Posts:237
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Posted:06/04/2006 6:52 PM |
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Hi, John.
There are a couple of scriptures important to consider...
"If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task." 1 Timothy 3:1
So Paul encourages Timothy to raise up godly people to lead the church. The verses that follow need to be seriously considered by anyone who has this desire, so I encourage you to read the chapter in its context. In fact, both books to Timothy and the letters to Titus and Philemon deal with pastoral issues. 1st and 2nd Peter and Jude also are excellent books to read if you are considering the call to be a leader in a chuch.
"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." James 3:1
This verse has an important warning and an important word... The more visible your area of gifting is, the higher the standard you will be held too. That is not intended to inspire fear, but humility. When your desire is to lead, your pride must be examined daily. The important word to chew on is "presume." A personal "call" must not be presumptious. People who desire influence with others may do so out of less than pure motives...
"Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains..." Philippians 1:15-17
It is so imporatnt to examine our motives for serving in the capacity of pastor/teacher. The temptation is to meet our own ego needs (which are not necessarily evil) by the response we hope to get from people. It is important to be accountible to other teachers as we are learning... but then we are learning all our lives!
I'd encourage you to meet with one or more of your pastor/teachers and get accountible to them for your teaching gift and your personal discipline.
Pastor George
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bfairchild
Posts:9
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Posted:06/12/2006 10:09 AM |
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John, thanks for your question, and George, for your reply. I've been in the process of seeking discernment and HIS will on this for years. John, I first want to reiterate what George encouraged you to do: find one of the pastors who would be willing to meet with you to help you discern your call. I started doing that did that several years ago and it has really proven invaluable.
Second, seek opportunities to serve in the gifts you have if you're not already doing so. Our church is an amazing place that allows us opportunities to discover and develop our gifts for kingdome work - and that IS MINISTRY. Also know you DO NOT have to go to seminary to be an evangelist or a church planter or pastor. There are definite benefits to the formal education, but it's not a necessity. Be faithful and keep seeking God's wisdom, and He will open the right doors at the right time - even if it is seminary, which is expensive. Remember God's bigger than that expense.
I'm in seminary, and can tell you it is one of the toughest things I've had to do. It has challenged my pride, and it has forced me to my knees in seeking God's face and His guidance. I honestly feel like the things I've learned most so far in seminary - and I'm just beginning - are not the things from the books or the classes. I've learned about myself and my own heart, and motives through the process, which are both things George urged you to continue to check and be clear on. Perhaps at some point in the future it would be beneficial to get together all the folks who are considering and/or pursuing some sort of vocational ministry to just talk about these things and voice questions, struggles, etc. Many blessings guys!
Brian
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johncanalesusa
Posts:52
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Posted:09/07/2006 2:10 PM |
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Since I have posted this I look back and see how much God has moved me in such a short amount of time. I mean moved in a physical way more than emotional way. But I am sure that this leadership calling if from God and not out of pride or to grab all the attention...A group of friends showed me a book by Matt Redman. We talked about the idea of being undignified as a worshipper. When you are undignified... people notice your undignity befor the King. But the worshipper isn't trying to act undignified for attention... they just are undignified. Shame-less about the way they move, the songs they sing, the words they say about and for God
but my want is to protect the sheep. It's a side of our leaders my eyes have been closed to. I never knew that action was such an intimate part of a leader when leading the bride. It's so simple. He wants me and I want to serve Him. I am so inadequate but my want to serve God is so great I don't care how inadequate I am and neither does He. I understand this "choose me, I will go" type thinking. I am undone.
Thank you all who have gone before me. Your lives teach me.
jc
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