Serving as a pastor is all I ever wanted to do. I’ve been doing this since 1980. Now, whether or not I’ve been a good pastor is for others to judge. I must admit that when I judge myself I get discouraged. I’ve never succeeded in building a mega-church and I’m not in demand as a camp-meeting/conference speaker. By the contemporary standards of Pentecostal ministry, I’m about average. But, according to my colleagues and supervisors, I’ve never fit the pastoral model. Since I was a young man I’ve had to defend my call.
As a young pastor, I asked a lot of questions that were born out of serious study of Scripture. Paul exhorted me, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). But my sincere questions were often interpreted as being non-conformist, or even rebellious. My subsequent longevity and faithfulness should demonstrate my commitment.
As a young pastor, I believed in the authority of Holy Scripture (I still do). Because Scripture is authoritative I wanted to be adequately prepared. Paul encouraged me to “stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught” (2 Thes 2:15). He reminded me, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you” (2 Tim 1:13-14). It has been suggested that because I’m “academic” I’m not suited to be a pastor. Really? If pastors are to be the primary teachers of the local church, should we not be trained in the Word, theology and church history? In the words of Paul, I have kept the faith.
As a pastor, I’ve learned that before you can lead people you must love people. There are many models of shepherding in the Bible. Here I will mention only two. First, Moses sought to lead God’s people from Egypt into the promised land. However, they did not want to go. They complained, they kept looking back towards Egypt, and they blamed the Moses for all of their problems. But when God determined to destroy the people Moses interceded in their behalf (Exodus 32). Likewise, Jesus was the good shepherd who gave his life for the sheep. Although the people were sinful and self-righteous, Jesus was always moved with compassion for them. I hope I have loved well.
As a pastor my greatest responsibility is to encourage babes in Christ to move from suckling milk to feasting on the meat of the Word (1 Cor 3:1ff). If the people in my charge don’t increase in the knowledge of God, then I have failed. I have found that my most enthusiastic audience has been among teens and young adults. They ask probing questions about sexuality, philosophy, science, and even theology. They appreciate my willingness to engage their questions and the candor of my answers. I am not ashamed of the Gospel – it is the power of God.
As a pastor I’ve been honored to participate in ecumenical discussions with Christians of all tribes. I’ve done this in local ministerial associations and in international academic forums. Why? Because pastors are called “to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith” (Eph 4:12-13). In these ecumenical endeavors I’ve striven to be an ambassador of Christ, and a faithful representative of Pentecostalism.
As a pastor I’ve endeavored to lead our congregation in engaging in the local community. One of the marks of a pastor is “a good reputation with those outside the church” (1 Tim 3:7). Going into all the world means being involved in the various spheres of influence in the community – political, business, health, education, media, NGOs, etc. I’ve served as volunteer chaplain, prison ministry, and substitute teacher in the public schools. Involvement means influence.
Anyone can take a picture, but photography is an art. When we are engaged in everyday activities, the camera on our smartphone will do. But, on special occasions – graduations, weddings, etc. – we want a photographer. Photographers understand the nuances of light and shadow, body language, and poses that transform a picture into a portrait. As a pastor/teacher I’ve always wanted to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a treasure, a masterpiece – something that provokes hearers to consider the grandeur of God’s mysteries. I have a few more years to serve. I hope I finish well. Paul’s prayer is my own:
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe (Eph 1:18-19).
