Thought for the Fall Quarter 2003
When Things Seem To Fail

It is far from a stretch to say, "the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry". Sometimes our real life doesn't match the spiritual plans we prayerfully laid out on paper concerning our personal ministry or church life.

What should a pastor and staff do when these things happen? What should that sincere soul do when trying to follow the leading of the Lord for his or her ministry? Let's look at a few things that might prove helpful.

Re-examine Things Through Your Long Term Vision

Every pastor should have a genuine feel for what God has called him and his church to do. Of course it goes without saying that the main purpose of the church is to convert sinners to Christ and disciple them. This is a broad definition of ministry. How that mission is carried out becomes the pastor's long-term vision for his church. Paul knew that his calling was to reach the Gentile world. He later proclaimed that he had not "been disobedient" to his "heavenly vision."

Does one use television and if so, in what way? What role does small group ministry play in the every day life of his congregants? Is he building his church through children's ministry? What role does youth or college and career play in the outreach of his church? Is his emphasis on the inner city or the suburbs? Since our population is aging, what role do seniors play in church life and how do we successfully minister to their needs? Sometimes programs don't work when they are not in tune with what God is calling that church to do.

In the same manner, long term vision is important in ones personal ministry. It is critically important for one to minister according to his gifts and callings. I am firmly convinced after fifty years of full time ministry that this is a most critical factor. One must be genuinely confident of their God given "gift mix". This allows one to minister in their strengths.

While I do prophesy on occasion, I am not a prophet. I receive words of knowledge often, but that is not my primary gifting. I often do the work of an evangelist, but I that is not my calling. I walk in "apostolic anointing" particularly when I travel internationally, but I am not an apostle.

My calling is that of a pastor/teacher. Here is where I find fulfillment and I am confirmed by those who listen. Therefore I do not have to feel threatened or dwarfed by others in the five-fold ministry.