Christian Ministry is defined as an activity by Christians to spread or express their faith under the leadership of Apostolic oversight … I have often defined Ministry as “an Overflow of God’s Wisdom, Knowledge, Grace, and Mercy in your own life, and sharing it with others.” Many times I hear the statement in the Religious sector “that he/she is a minister”; over the years I have came to ask this question to that statement, “a minister of what?”
Recently I have had conversations with Buddhist ministers, Wicca Ministers, Occult Ministers, and “so called” Christian faith ministers. All of the above have some kind of credentials declaring them as Ministers. But again I ask, “Ministers of what?” I tell the folks at Haven of Hope that I am a Minister not because I have an REV or PASTOR in front of my name; I am a Minister because God has called me to Minister and under Apostolic Leadership “I Minister – or share my overflow with others!”
About two years ago a gentleman came to me introducing himself as a “Pastor.” When I asked him where he was a Pastor he said, “No where…” Well, a Shepherd is only a Shepherd because he/she has sheep! A Pastor is only a Pastor is he/she has a flock! This is where proper Apostolic Leadership and Oversight comes in to play. You see, not everyone called to the ministry is called to preach or teach! The Bible says, “Some are called to be Apostles, some are called to be Prophets, and some are called Pastors, Evangelist, and Teachers…” I believe that all are called to do something, but all are not called to do the same thing! Some are called to Deacon, Some are called to play Music, and some are called to the arts… See my point? Without Proper Apostolic Leadership we can be led astray and away from God’s calling on our lives! I have seen many good folks walk away from God’s Calling on their lives, to chase a dream of becoming a great Music minister or a Great Evangelist. Greatness can only be found in God’s Will for our Life!!!
Now let me end with some advice for those who believe they have a Call to Minister in their lives! Number One; Find a Pastor – Apostle – Bishop for Yourself! We all need Spiritual Accountability and its VERY Prideful to think differently! Number two; get plugged into a Local Church! If you are truly “Called to the Ministry then you will never need to make room for your ministry; your Ministry will make room for itself!” a quote from Pastor Bryan Lamm… Number three; learn to serve… as a Minister, serving God is Serving Others!!! Learn to Serve the Local Church, Serve Your Pastor, and Serve The Community! Remember, ALL Ministries begin with the “Ministry of Helps!” Number four; learn that your number-one ministry is at home with your family… (Your spouse and kids) I have seen a lot of ministers soar in the ministry but their own family goes straight to hell. If I can’t pray with/ minister to Benita and the girls then I have No Business ministering to others! And last; forget about the titles and prefixes! I was a Pastor several years before I became ordained and licensed. Having papers stating that I am ordained and licensed and/or having a degree in Divinity means nothing unless I’m walking in an overflow of the ministry in my own life and sharing that overflow with others!!!
Now take that Overflow and shine like a light to a dark and dying world!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
National Day of Prayer
The National Day of Prayer is a day set aside and designated by the US Congress and signed by President Harry S. Truman in 1952 as a day when people are asked to come together and pray, for local government, for State government, and for National government. It was created as a floating holiday in 1952 but set on the first Thursday in May by President Ronald Reagan.
Shirley Dobson (wife of Focus on the Family founder, James Dobson) is currently the head of The National Day of Prayer Task Force, a non-governmental organization. The Task force's website says:
"Americans of all faiths are encouraged to participate in the [National Day of Prayer] according to their own traditions. However, the [National Day of Prayer] Task Force provides promotional materials and sponsors several events in keeping with the Judeo-Christian tradition".
This Nation was founded upon Judeo-Christian Values including Prayer. In 1775, the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming our nation!!! I read a story about a reporter coming into a joint session of the US Congress and looking for President Washington. When he asked someone “Which gentleman was President-General Washington?” the man responded, “The one on his knees leading Prayer!” President Lincoln issued a proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863… It was President Franklin Roosevelt who called for our nation to unite in prayer as American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy in WWII… And just 7 ½ years ago it was President G.W. Bush who asked our Nation to Unite in Prayer after the Sept. 11th Attacks on our country! I remember there after seeing signs in public school yards, Government buildings, yards of Homes, on automobiles, and church yards saying, “God Bless the USA – and Pray 4-our Nation!” WOW how quickly we forget!
On May 7, 2009 we as a Nation will celebrate our 58th Annual Observance of The National Day of Prayer. As a Local Pastor and a Regional Chaplain I join with the Barbour County Ministerial Association inviting all of Barbour County to Unite in Prayer for our Nation!!! These are uncertain times we are living in, and the United States needs above all things for her people to come together before God and in the spirit of our forefathers; seek His Wisdom and His Blessings!!!
Shirley Dobson (wife of Focus on the Family founder, James Dobson) is currently the head of The National Day of Prayer Task Force, a non-governmental organization. The Task force's website says:
"Americans of all faiths are encouraged to participate in the [National Day of Prayer] according to their own traditions. However, the [National Day of Prayer] Task Force provides promotional materials and sponsors several events in keeping with the Judeo-Christian tradition".
This Nation was founded upon Judeo-Christian Values including Prayer. In 1775, the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming our nation!!! I read a story about a reporter coming into a joint session of the US Congress and looking for President Washington. When he asked someone “Which gentleman was President-General Washington?” the man responded, “The one on his knees leading Prayer!” President Lincoln issued a proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863… It was President Franklin Roosevelt who called for our nation to unite in prayer as American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy in WWII… And just 7 ½ years ago it was President G.W. Bush who asked our Nation to Unite in Prayer after the Sept. 11th Attacks on our country! I remember there after seeing signs in public school yards, Government buildings, yards of Homes, on automobiles, and church yards saying, “God Bless the USA – and Pray 4-our Nation!” WOW how quickly we forget!
On May 7, 2009 we as a Nation will celebrate our 58th Annual Observance of The National Day of Prayer. As a Local Pastor and a Regional Chaplain I join with the Barbour County Ministerial Association inviting all of Barbour County to Unite in Prayer for our Nation!!! These are uncertain times we are living in, and the United States needs above all things for her people to come together before God and in the spirit of our forefathers; seek His Wisdom and His Blessings!!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Commitment
In today’s society the word Commitment is seen as the ultimate threat. This fear has filtered itself into the Church House and our Christian walk. The word Commitment by definition is: a promise, a pledge, a vow, loyalty, and dedication… Wow, when you think about you can see how the word Commitment is a threat to the humanistic society that the US has become. Humanism is being absorbed by secular concerns and self interest, Christianity is being sold out and totally dedicated to God and not self. See the conflict? The Bible teaches us to kill our selfish desires each day and to renew our Commitment to God and to Our Spiritual Calling. But it seems that today’s culture has taught us not to be too committed to anyone or anything, what’s wrong with us? I ask this; without Commitment what is our society becoming?
In the religious realm this lack of or fear of Commitment has really had its toll on the local church. Christians have developed this lazy attitude that “I’ll Commit to God, I’ll Commit to church as long as it’s on my terms.” Again, being a Christian is all about God and His Terms, not ours!!! If you want to see God move in a mighty way in your life you must first renew your Commitment to Him, then put to rest these Humanistic thoughts that has been leading you down the wrong path.
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Where is the place (Church, Ministry, etc…) that God has called me to?
2. Am I in the place that He has called me to?
3. What is My Commitment to God and the Ministry that He has placed me in?
4. How can I be less Committed to my human desires and more Committed to Gods will for my life?
5. How can I be more Committed to My Local Church, My Local pastor, and the folks in need who live in my community?
As you answer these questions, begin to renew your Commitment to God, Renew your Commitment to Your Local Church / Pastor, and you’ll see your walk with God soar to levels that you can only dream today. Remember, Greater Days are ahead!
Love Ya ALL
Pastor H
In the religious realm this lack of or fear of Commitment has really had its toll on the local church. Christians have developed this lazy attitude that “I’ll Commit to God, I’ll Commit to church as long as it’s on my terms.” Again, being a Christian is all about God and His Terms, not ours!!! If you want to see God move in a mighty way in your life you must first renew your Commitment to Him, then put to rest these Humanistic thoughts that has been leading you down the wrong path.
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Where is the place (Church, Ministry, etc…) that God has called me to?
2. Am I in the place that He has called me to?
3. What is My Commitment to God and the Ministry that He has placed me in?
4. How can I be less Committed to my human desires and more Committed to Gods will for my life?
5. How can I be more Committed to My Local Church, My Local pastor, and the folks in need who live in my community?
As you answer these questions, begin to renew your Commitment to God, Renew your Commitment to Your Local Church / Pastor, and you’ll see your walk with God soar to levels that you can only dream today. Remember, Greater Days are ahead!
Love Ya ALL
Pastor H
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