Events occur that challenge our call from God to be a pastor/leader/shepherd to His people in His Church. Pastors quit the ministry because of negative circumstances in their lives, i.e. being asked to leave the church they are pastoring. Others because of the stress of finances or their family because of being a pastor. During this time of pandemic, pastors are stressed out, even nearing burnout because of the strains and pressures of ministry and its unknown future.
With this as a back drop, let’s review our call we have received from God, renew our commitment to that call and be encouraged.
Larry Kreider depicts God’s call in his book, “21 Tests of Effective Leadership,” as His “Sweet Spot.”
What does God say about this “sweet spot”? (All NKJV)
I Corinthians 1:1 – “…through the will of God...”
Galatians 1:1 – “…not from man but Jesus Christ and God the Father…”
Galatians 1:12 – “For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but through revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Colossians 4:17 – “Take heed to the ministry which you have received from the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
Jeremiah 23:29 – “Is not My word like fire? says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks rocks to pieces?”
Moses, Jeremiah and Gideon made excuses about not doing it, but embraced it. Jonah ran from it, and then to it. Saul hid among the baggage. Isaiah responded to it and was told by God to “go and tell” (Isaiah 6:9), and his call was confirmed. Most of us can relate.
It took me 20 years to “come to grips” with God’s call on my life to serve Him as a pastor/leader to His flock of believers. Originally, my excuse was my fear of dealing with death and dying and my inadequacies surrounding it. Over the years I realized that God could use me in whatever circumstances I faced. Then, I was able to “come to grips” with and re-acknowledge His call on my life. Since then I have not turned my back on that call. In His call I have understood and matured in what His call means for me and have sought how to operate in it, only in it, and in His strength and direction.
As one who has been called by God to be a pastor/leader for His people, I will watch and keep guard over His people entrusted to me. I will teach them, care for them, love them and serve them in the anointing and gifting God has bequeathed to me. As I operate in His anointing, I see God’s people become mature believers, willing and able to serve God also. I will demonstrate to them how to function under God’s authority, seeking to help them bring order and discipline to their lives to best serve and do God’s work. Be encouraged, know that He has called you, and be strengthened to move forward as Godleads.
