The Calling
In 1994, God called me into the ministry. I didn’t expect it, didn’t want it, wasn’t looking for it; but He called me anyways. I never thought I would be a pastor. My dad was a pastor and at 18 I had enough of church. Church people were weird and in my experience they were mean and self-righteous. Growing up in a pastor’s home, I saw some of the ugly of the church(as I’m sure my kids have seen). I saw the way that people treated my dad and I experienced how much we moved. We never lived anywhere more than 3 years. I saw how cruel people could be but I also saw how grace-filled the church could be when it acted like a church instead of a country club. After seeing all of that, there was no way I was going to work in a church. I left for college to study for business and for 3 years I only went to church on Christmas, Easter or when I went home, which wasn’t often. Even when I got married and had our first child I only went once a month because I worked the other three Sundays.
Somewhere along the way Jesus began to draw me back to the church, back to serving. I have served as a Sunday School teacher, youth director, kids director, janitor, trustee- you name it i’ve been it. I even filled in for the song leader several times. As He was drawing me back an older pastor I knew, Alfred Hanna, began to bring me articles for sermon ideas. I loved Alfred, he was a pastor and church planter and started many churches in the midwest but I thought he was crazy because there was no way I was going to be a preacher/pastor. Jesus began to work on me and I began to wrestle with His call to ministry. My main objection is what it had done to me and I didn’t want that to happen to my kids. I didn’t want them to experience the moving, the meanness of church and be turned off of church (unfortunately that has happened for one of them). So I prayed and studied the scriptures until one day it became crystal clear and at 25 years old I said yes. I told Janet and she said she already knew, that God had been working on her as well. When I told Alfred he said “What took you so long?” So, I began down the path towards ordination.
The "call of ministry” seems mysterious, but God has been calling people to do His will from the beginning. He called Abram to “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you” Genesis 12:1 . So Abram went and out of him, God produced a great nation and did the miraculous because Abram said yes. That’s what it’s about really- God calling and the person saying yes. The answer is always yes to God because to not do so would be to sin against him and to miss the blessings he will show you. During my preparation time I committed to God what Isaiah promised “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8) I would go anywhere He told me to.
Preaching has always come naturally to me, it’s one of my gifts. Over the years I have worked at it and refined my style and study habits, but the one thing that hasn’t changed is the passion of which I speak the word of God. I have preached in front of thousands and also in front of 22, 4 of which were my family, and Janet can tell you that I still preach with the same conviction no matter where I’m at. Why? Because that is my calling. The venue doesn’t matter, what matters is the opportunity to present Jesus to people and to see their lives change. I have never understood pastors who don’t bring their all or who act like it’s a job. It’s not a job it’s bigger than that. Ministry is not convenient, it’s not a 9-5 or 7-3 position. There really aren’t any days off because crisis or ministry opportunities are seldom convenient. If I run into someone at Walmart who needs to talk to me or to pray with them I can’t say sorry it’s my day off. I’ve known pastors like this. I knew one pastor who said if he wasn’t in his current church then he wouldn’t do ministry anymore. I was shocked when he said this. The call is go where He sends me not where I want to be.
I’m now in a different season. I’ve gone from well funded, permanent building to a portable church that sets up and tears down every Sunday. I get in with the setup crew at 7:30 to get ready for the 10 am service. It’s not convenient. I’m older now and not as limber, but when I take the stage it’s the same as it has always been. I preach Jesus with everything I have. Why? Because it’s my calling- I’m a preacher and pastor and as Jeremiah says in Jeremiah 20:9 “ But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!”
The payoff of following this call has been incredible. I have seen thousands give their lives to Christ. I have witnessed God save people in third world countries, I’ve seen him save kids at VBS. I’ve seen the hardest of men fall to their knees to pray for salvation. I’ve watched people with no hope find hope that transforms their lives. I’ve had the honor to sit with many as they took their final breaths before entering heaven. I’ve stood with parents who have been told their children have died and tried to comfort them. I’ve been part of some of the most incredible times of worship and praise and I have watched God build His church to heights that I never thought possible. I’ve pastored three great churches, each with their share of joys and struggles. I’ve been accused, cursed, threatened, fired, praised, talked about, ridiculed, and laughed at, but I keep going. Why? Because I’m called. Ministry is not for the faint of heart. I was told long ago that if you can be happy doing anything else go do that.
So, why am I starting a church at 53? Because I’m called.It’s as simple as that! Hell is hot, time is short and people need Jesus. That’s what He called me to do 28 years ago and it is what I will do until I die because I want one thing at the end- to hear Him say “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ (Matthew 25:23)
