For now three months I have been sitting in what I call my "sabbatical". As each day passes, I yearn to be in a place of ministry within the local church again. I am confident of God's call to leave First Baptist Church of Satsuma back in November, although my love for them will always remain. Those were strong days, an incredible chapter in ministry. Whatever success we had in ministry there was all God-driven and He often worked in spite of my shortcomings. Yet, I know now more than ever that a greater chapter awaits.
I have often struggled to communicate the perspective that God has given me because I have shyed away from certain situations. I have been passive when I needed to be assertive! I don't imply that I should have been a bull in a china closet, an overly aggressive jerk. However, I backed down when I should have spoke up. The Lord is answering my prayer for boldness and confidence in Him!
Let it be known today that the church does not look as God looks or see as God sees. We have, unfortunately, done what was right in our own eyes. We have made the house of God a den of thieves and exchanged worship for entertainment. Where is the life change? This week our powerful convention, the Southern Baptist Convention, decided to rename itself (kinda) with a "nick-name", the Great Commission Baptist. Please don't take these statements with contempt, for I am proud to be Southern Baptist for I believe that it is the closest denomination to the full Biblical Truth in doctrine and in polity. I agree with Michael Catt, however, that most churches in this convention can't put that name on their sign because they haven't been about the Great Commission for years! A name change isn't going to fix it! It has to be a change of heart! It has to be revival!
I've learned alot in the classroom, but the greatest truths about ministry have been learned in real life. In this short sabbatical, I have witnessed the attitude of many churches as we have visited. Some have a sweet spirit and are genuinely interested in people. Seemingly, others could care less. They aren't interested in the visitor, their community, or the lost. It's a social club that promises comfort and a "get out of jail" free card! It's my "fire insurance"! Woe to the church that hangs their salvation in their membership! Membership in the KINGDOM OF GOD is begun in faith in Jesus Christ and lived out in making disciples! That's a Great Commission church!
Unfortunately, people's perspectives are even skewed when it comes to their pastor. In my frustration, I write these words. It seems that many churches want a man with many plaques on the wall, with 30 years of experience, and that "looks" the right part to keep their social standing in the community. I'm 30 years old. I am working through my Masters of Divinity program now and have already completed my BA in Religion/Biblical Studies. I've only been in ministry for 11 years with no senior pastor experience. I have a young family. My conscience is clear that nothing in my background should hinder me from being in a pastor/overseer role as described in 1 Timothy 3. Yet, the opportunities are few and I live in faint hopes. But today I stand confident. I do not boast in myself but in the Lord! He always qualifies the called! He has called me to be a senior pastor. God, please open doors.
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV
May we see as He sees, perceive as he perceives, love as He loves, and go as Jesus commanded!
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