Archive for May, 2013
A Pastor and His Calling
There is nothing like the call of God on your life. Within the last few days, I have heard powerful, dynamic testimonies from 58 new missionaries who will depart soon for lands they have never visited before. Each of them has a unique background and journey they testified about. Their commonality is one thing: God called them to go to the nations of the world.
These days have resulted in me thinking about God’s calling in our lives. Since my Wednesday blog is committed to encouraging pastors and God-called spiritual leaders, I want to share with you a few thoughts about a pastor and his calling.
Your Call from God is Unique
Recent days have caused me to remember my own unique journey of God’s call in my life. I had always wanted to be a football coach — high school, college, and/or professional. After I came to Christ, God worked in my life powerfully and it became very clear to me that God was calling me to the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The trajectory of my life changed dramatically.
Pastor, your call from God is unique. Do not ever forget that. God customized your journey. No one else has been on your journey or is on your journey now. There is no reason to demean your call through the human tendency to compare yourself with someone else. This week, reflect upon your call from God.
Where were you when He began to call your name?
What were you doing?
What had you planned to do with your life?
What is He doing through you today?
If you really reflect on these questions, you will discover how great our God is.
Your Call from God is Part of God’s Plan
When the Lord saved you by His grace, He placed within you unique spiritual gifts. Your “gift package” is unique for you and is a part of God’s bigger plan of extending His glory to the corners of every galaxy in the universe. Your gift package is probably not like the one the Spirit of God gave to your spiritual hero. Why?
Pastor, your call from God is unique! We can get so wrapped up in thinking ministry is all about us personally, or our church, or whatever ministry God has called us to. While we may use the word “kingdom,” the conversation needs to be about the Kingdom of God, not our own ministry kingdom. There is one King, King Jesus. This King has saved you, placed on your life a unique calling, and has endowed you with a spiritual package that He wants you to have, all as a part of His big plan. What a mighty God we serve!
Your Call from God is to do His Will
Just as God changed the trajectory of your life when He first called you, don’t get so settled to think He will not call you to do something different. He may choose to really interrupt your life again.
Pastor, always tell Jesus “Yes.” Even before you know the question, the answer is yes! As a Christ-follower and a God-called leader, fulfill God’s will — whatever it is. Try these on when you pray:
*Lord, I am willing.
*Lord, I am available.
*Lord, whatever, whenever, wherever, the answer is yes.
Yes, those are scary phrases. In one way they should be and in another way they should not. When we look back on our calling, it was supposed to be about having the kind of heart that is willing and available to do whatever, whenever, and wherever. By the way, that has not changed.
Your Call from God is to Go Wherever He Leads
I was raised in Texas. I have served 26 years as Lead Pastor of Cross Church in Northwest Arkansas. There have been times it appeared that God was about to call me to somewhere new. Thus far, every time something has proven it was not the will of God. Please understand: Never have I let geography determine my calling from God. Sadly, it sometimes appears that pastors and spiritual leaders often determine where they will go by their own personal preference, rather than by being completely open to God’s will.
Even after all these years leading a wonderful church, having family and close friends with me, and the trust of God’s people, I am willing to go wherever He leads me to go. I will go one step further: I will do whatever He wants me to do. Even though I have pastored all these years, if the Lord would so choose me to do something else, I would do it. You see, years ago I resolved one thing in my life: I am His. I report for duty early every morning. My answer is yes.
What I Have Told my Wife for Years
For years I have told Jeana something and I mean it with all of my heart. We have practiced it. I tell pastors and spiritual leaders this as well. Today, I share it with you:
Always live your life like you will be where you are for your entire life; however, at the same time, always have your bags packed in case He calls your name.
Be willing and be available to go anywhere, at anytime, to do anything.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
Dealing with the pressures Americans face most
Followers of Jesus have long been encouraged that we do not mourn like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Unimaginable comfort has been given in times of mourning from this simple assurance: because of Jesus there is eternal life and the hope of a future reunion.
It seems, though, we do not always think of that simple assurance of His presence when facing daily trials. If the hope of peace comes only when traversing the valley of the shadow of death, our journey will be long and difficult.
Thankfully, through Christ we are promised peace in the journey. Jesus, for instance, promised a peace like no other. “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not like the world gives.” The peace Jesus offers is not merely the absence of conflict or war. It is God’s all invasive presence bringing a peace that passes our ability to comprehend it.
The Apostle Paul tied peace to the absence of worry. “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 HCSB).
It is this peace and assurance of which we can testify to those who do not know it. We live in a world racked with pressures. From our ongoing economic hardships to family squabbles to aging, each day seems to bring its own unique set of challenges.
LifeWay Research and Bible Studies for Life found a large number of “significant sources of pressure” for people across America. Experiencing bias or prejudice, thinking about life after death, and confronting temptation are sources of pressure for at least 10% of Americans. More than 20% of people cite facing criticism, spending beyond their means, and relating to family and friends. Lacking money for basic needs and dealing with conflict each bring significant pressure for more than one-third of Americans surveyed. Less than one-fifth of respondents indicated “none of these.”
On a practical level this means almost everyone we know faces significant pressure in some area or another. We know these are significant enough to lead to marital breakup, depression, and even suicide.
As followers of Christ it is both our duty and our joy to bring the Gospel of peace to people who are crumbling under the weight of life. What better way to do this than bring them to a small group of people who are learning how to apply the Bible to life?
As General Editor of Bible Studies for Life, I was fortunate to be a part of the advisory council of church leaders that framed this new curriculum. We explored how this Bible study could provide for the spiritual needs of today’s men, women, boys and girls – including how to face the inevitable pressures that arise throughout life.
When we apply the Bible to our lives, through a source like Bible Studies for Life, what results is the Holy Spirit changing our attitudes and behaviors. Think now about who you can ask then make contact.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church Northwest Arkansas General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.