A thought on why many feel called to a ministry/pastoral role when they first become Christians by Ken Leaver Jr.

"I have met many people who when they first became a Christian, that is, they accepted Jesus Christ as Lord for themselves, many after their becoming a Brother/Sister in Christ, they immediatley feel a calling to enter into the ministry/pastor field. When has recently come to mind is, that this calling, is not just some over-reaction to the love, peace, and joy one experiences when one comes to know Jesus Christ as Lord, but is a genuine calling by God for all to be ministers, for all to be in the priesthood, to care for one another just as many see the "pastor" being responsible for, and it's not until this world, which a great deal of the Church sadly has conformed to in many ways, with it's academic pressures, and negative feedback on the basis that not everyone is called to the "ministry" or meant to be "pastors" and are actually discouraged (I've seen this happen not only to others but myself!) from pursuing a career and that the role of "pastor" should be left to the "professionals". "

"But here's the point i'm trying to make. Or at least one of points. There ARE no leadership positions in the Church, other than Jesus Christ as Lord, High Priest, Head of the Body of Christ, Leader of the Church. Yes there are 'overseers/elders" but those are not offices that were created, rather they were more recognition of those who are mature enough to be entrusted to help in the Holy Spirit's work in guiding the Church to the Truth. It would be difficult for someone who is very young, to help protect others in comparison to someone who is more mature in their relationship with God. But being an elder is not being a leader, for we still are all equal. This is why when I say we are all "called" to the ministry, and many interpret that as being caleld to become a Pastor, I am suggesting that, that is exactly what God is calling us to do. That is help each other as we now see how the Pastor is supposed to do. Help in deciding what is sung and for who and what to pray for during worship (as in how many "House Churches" do), sharing what the Holy Spirit has taught you, etc. It's not that we are supposed to abandon our careers. This is in addtion to our careers. You may ask, how can we do that?! Well, I would respond by showing that Paul did it. In addition to "planting" the many churches, he also worked and until his later years when he was in prison, he performed a trade and supported himself. He didn't recieve a salary and he made a point to make it clear that they were not to send him money or other things for it was important for him not to receive for it is better to give than it is to receive. (Acts)"

This Week

Has been rough. Marching Band's been fun, but hard. The show's going good and discipline is no problem for the majority of the band. Which is a far cry from last year. I look foward to bringing God into this activity more as time goes by. I'm trying to start prayer meetings beforehand and witnessing to the other low brass members. I feel so much more confident this year because of the Lord. A verse this week that's really made me happy is James1:2-8

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

God will give us what we need, but we musn't doubt that He can do it. He made the earth in 6 days, what problems and trials do you have that He can not take care of? Besides He works all things for the good of those who believe in Him. Not the good of this life, but the good of eternal life and spiritual growth in Christ. That's what is good to Christians. A believer could have his wife leave him, his children die, and get leukemia, but it is all for his good.

Whenever we fall or face trials it is an oppurtunity for us to grow in the Lord. So when troubles hit, don't curse God for letting it happen, give thanks to God for allowing you to be grown by these events. This has been a great verse for me this week. What verse has made you happy and glad in the Lord? What has made you cry out in praise to Him this week? What's your story?

Sadly

They didn't listen....

Kmart told me after marching camp this morning (which I couldn't take part in because of my ankle.) that people were going to McDonalds. Kmart, Smokey, Dreads, Josh, Smartso, and the New Trumpet kid. So we all go down there along with some other people who left later. We all get our food and sit down and talk about band for a little while. Then they start getting worldly in the conversation. I feel kinda awkward because these people expect me to join in, but I'm sitting there looking uncomfortable eating my food. Then tell jokes and end it with "hahaha, I'm going to Hell." "Yeah me too. Front row ticket!" "I gotta apartment down there! Hahaha." "For real man!" And they're all laughing and joking about Hell. All I can think of is them burning forever and how much Jesus did for them all and how they're sitting there laughing about Hell. I know they were joking, but that's not something to take that lightly. Their fruits were thorns. Their view was worldly. Not just because of that, but also because of other parts of conversation. So, I pray. Father, if you want me to speak to these people, let the table get quiet so I can bring You up. A few minutes later it gets quiet, and just as I muster up the courage to speak, they start talking again about fluffy worldly things. Darn it. Same prayer. Same results. This time I get out the word, so. Then they start talking again. This time I pray for quiet, strength, boldness, and quickness. It gets quiet, and I ask....What is the leading cause of death of drivers in the US?....various answers....I say wrong, wrong, wrong....TREES! They all laugh. I say what's the only fish that can blink with both it's eyes. Some one guesses it right the first time. They all laugh. I say, what's the most dangerous job in America. Steel workers, crab fishermen, police officer, etc. Wrong wrong wrong I say, the president! They laugh, and I start to ask the most important question, but there they go off on a conversation about Abraham Lincoln. People check their clocks. OH NO! I thought. I'm not going to be able to give them the gospel! What if they die in a wreck as soon as they leave!? Who knows if I was brought to McDonalds for such a time as this!?!?! I go for it.

Me:So "Smokey". Do you really think you're going to Hell?
Smokey: I'd hope not, but I don't know.
Me to the other people at the table: Do you? Do you? Do you?
Them: Maybe, you can't know really, I don't know, no. YES!!!!
Josh: I'm going to heaven because I confessed he's my lord.
Me: Well, Jesus said that whoever says Lord, Lord will not enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my father shall.
Them: random talking about how you can't know for sure. And how they pray and that means they're good. Dreads was talking about how cool Hell will be.
Me: Well, there's a way you can know for sure. You know what God's standard is, right? His perfect standard is the 10 commandments.
Then I led Smokey through 4 of the 10 commandments, and asked him if God would find him guilty or innocent on Judgement day. Guilty I guess, he said.
Then, as I was preparing to go into the good news and salvation and fruits and how you can know if you're saved and going to Heaven, Satan struck. Dreads said, "So you guys gonna see Pineapple Express?" And boom they jumped onto the other topic. They didn't want to hear any more about God. I was sad. Oh well, I thought, I planted a seed or two. Maybe someone will think about what I did manage to get out. God will do what He wills with them and I did as much as I can do right now. There's always later. I was happy at least that they didn't stone me with hamburgers. Please pray for these people. Then I left and went and sat with Smartso who was sitting with Lannom. We talked about government, religion, salvation, evangelism, and lots of other stuff. Hahaha, I'm glad God gave me smartso to talk to because that conversation cheered me up a lot and I learned a lot about Smartso. Then everyone left. I gave Dreads a tract called 7 false ideas about Hell, hopefully he'll read it. I prayed a lot for these people. They're people who I used to look up to and have fun with, but now I realize how worldly they are. I love them dearly, but they are so worldly! I tried to be polite as I could and nice as I could, but they just wouldn't pay attention. Later Kmart told me that some of them were slightly offended. At what?

Did I do something wrong?
Your thoughts?
Ideas?
Advice?
Prayers?

Ouch

I hurt a lot. My ankle is twisted, my shoulder hurts if I move it, and my body in general is sore. Walls of Jericho was fun, but it was tough! I drove the Singer, Orangey, and the Hunter in my truck. It was 2 miles down (hour and a half walk) to a little swimming hole where we stayed and had lunch and I almost caught a Crawdad! There were tons of fish and tadpoles and I found some cool rocks and an Arrowhead! It was fun. The water was so COLD! Oh man! I jumped off the cliff into the water and it was crazy cold and I hit the bottom and scratched myself. Then we climbed up to the top area and Scott gave us a mini-sermon about going with God's Will like an Eagle with the wind. Then we ate lunch and I changed into my dry clothes and we walked back up. The walk back up was hard. So at the start of a 2 mile hike uphill I twist my ankle.....yeah. So I had to go the whole way on it, and my ankle did not like that one bit. We got back up to the top after about 2 hours and when we got in the truck my left ankle just got real big and my left leg's muscles locked up. But then we stopped at a gas station and I got a Vault and....guess what!....Have you guessed?......I got....FREE PIZZA! Only me though. I asked for some of the pizza they had behind the counter and the guy said I could just grab as many pieces as I wanted. I was a little hesitant because the way he said it sounded like he meant for free, so I asked him if it was free. He said yes. And I made sure again, then thanked him profusely and took 2 pieces od the sausagey, pepperoni-ey, cheesey pizza.. Hahaha, I gave Chase a piece when we got in the truck. Then we drove home listening to the Revival Hymn! I got home and my ankle was killing me. I told my mom and she told me to go down to Tenders and see if I could do anything sitting down. I did and they said not to worry about it since I did so well Tuesday and I was training. Then the manager told me to go on home and rest. I thanked him and went home. Then I got hom eand there was a man who I had seen a few times before and my mom and he were having a conversation. I wasn't paying too much attention until I realized that they were talking about God. Then I joined in on the conversation. Hahaha, I always know when I'm talking to a good Christian when we both are trying to talk because we're so excited and also trying to apologize and let the other go first because we want to hear. Hahaha, we talked about a little New Testament book he'd given my mom, and about the different translations of the Bible, and salvation, and a little more, but then he left before I could really start talking. :-(. Oh well. So when do ya'll want to go witnessing. Saturday ok with everyone? Any ways, so here I am and my family is out to eat with my Uncle Jimbo and Aunt Kathy. They're bringing me back some catfish!!! YUM!!! I love catfish.

It's starting again.

Marching Band! Whoo! It's a lot of fun. Especially playing tuba. That's the coolest part. :-D


I don't know if that's the drill but that's the music for the show.
The last song has a Tuba feature! I'm excited.

But enough about that.

I just finished reading Ecclisiastes today. And no, I wasn't copying Ms. Brenda. I've been reading it for a few days. Trying to slow down my reading. It's a very good book. It helps a lot with some things that have been on my mind. It's really calming, comforting, and great when you pray for God to show you something when you read His Word and then BAM it happens and it's just what you need. His Word is totally sufficient and fulfilling. I'm excited about Marching and being able to share the gospel with people in marching band. I just pray God will let me if it's His will and I pray for Him to give me and all of us oppurtunities and open doors for us.
What's been going on with ya'll?
Hmmmmm?

Hmm,

God's amazing. I need to spend more time daily with Him like today. I've realized a lot. I'm sad I missed reunion group though. I hope it went well. I was feeling unwell earlier, but I was just being childish and silly. Some great verses:

1 John 4:4

4You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

1 John 4: 7-9

7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
8The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
9By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.

I love ya'll.

Thursday and Friday

It was feirocious. It was angry. It was deadly. And It was coming straight at me. Running at full speed at me. Jaws gnashing at me, reaching for just one little piece of my skin to rip open. What did I do? What could I do? I hit it with a screwdriver and put the rock back down. I hate Black Widows. I found one Thursday because I wanted to go fishing, but had to find worms. So I listed up this rock, and boom there it was. Anyways, that's enough of that. These last few days have taught me a lot about trusting God and how much I need to. Tiffany and I broke up. I'm barely sad about that now. God made it abundantly clear it was His Will I think. I was just too deaf to hear it. At least our last day together was a lot of fun. We went to Dinosaur Uproar, something we had been trying to do since March. I feel like she wanted to give me that day as a good last day. We went and we saw tons of dinosaurs. I got my picture taken by Tiff with a T-Rex and made a loud joke about Coconuts and watermelons. I took a picture of Tiff beside a Maiasaurus and an edmontosaurus. It was pretty cool. Then we went to pizza hut and ate. It was fun. VBS was pretty fun, the moon bonce deflated twice, but we figured out why and fixed it. It was a lot of fun. I was praying alot that night, and mommy came and talked to me. Hahaha, her and Bailey cheered me up. I was sitting on the bench outside praying with my eyes closed, and I heard a sound, looked up, and Bailey was standing there with a crazy grin saying, Jacob. Whjat's wrong? Turn that frown upside down!" That made me laugh.

Witnessing and Work

So, witnessing tuesday wasn't that good. It was short and we didn't talk to many people. Handed out a lot of tracts. Oh well, you go out, make mistakes, and try again. Try, try, try, and try again. Remember that school thing? Try, and try again. If that fails try again. That's the Christian life this side of Heaven. Try to live like christ, try again, try to obey him, try again. Over and over and over and over. Our evangelical attempts Tuesday might have seemed like failures, but we don't know. We might have reached someone. As long as there is the chance someone will hear us and come to Christ, I'll be going out. Hopefully once a week. I'd like to have ya'll with me. Try, try, try, try, try, try to go out and spread the gospel to all creatures. So, who wants to go next time? Anyone? Does anyone still read this? So work was fun. Lots of dishes to wash. I washed a lot of dishes. Lots of washing dishes did I. I cooked some chicken adn bread too. That's about all. 5 hours of dishes, chicken, and bread. That's all I work this week too. :-(. Oh well, more time to do more important things.

God's beginning to tell me something I think.

A Few Little Things

The last few days have been pretty fun. I have a few things to talk about though

1. I've handed out almost all of my tracts! :-) I started by going through the McDonalds drive-thru and handing them to the 1st and 2nd window people. I did this twice with the million dollar bills. It scared me at first. The girl went to my school. Oh no I thought. What if she slaps me, or makes fun of me at school, or yells at me, or spits in my food!? I handed it to her as she handed my change to me. I laughed and said here's a tip and I drove away quickly with my heart pumping furiously. Later I sent her a message and she said it was nice what I did because of various reasons and that it helped her. I'm praying for her, and I hope God works in her life to draw her closer. I've given out other ones, and it's a lot of fun, but the best part is witnessing one-on-one with someone.

2. I LOVE analogies. Which is a big reason Tiffany is my favorite girl. She's great at making analogies. I read a great analogy on a blog at http://www.evtales.com. It told about how going into the public to share your faith is like a battle. There are 4 different types of soldiers on our side:
Prayer Warriors: They speak to the commanding officer behind the lines.
Foot Soldiers: They do the hand-to-hand combat by distributing lots of tracts on the front lines.
Snipers: These are experts in one-to-one conversations. They target the sinner and nail him in the heart with the 10 Commandments, then finish him off with the Gospel.
Airmen: They carpet bomb by dropping their Gospel message wherever people are gathered.

I liked this analogy a lot, and going by what I like to do most and what I'm best at so far, I think I'm a sniper. What are you?

3. Ian called me Jacob today! Well, kinda like Shaychub. But close enough to be Jacob.

4. God's been answering my prayers in such an obvious and blunt way that it's shocked me. It's pretty amazing when you pray to be alone with someone for a few minutes to start the topic of God up in conversation, and immediately everyone else has to leave the room. Praise God. :-) It may seem small, but it's an amazing thing. I was so excited and joyful. My Lord had heard my prayer and had answered it. Oh, what a feeling.

So the last few days have been nice. So much more, but I'll talk about that later. Tomorrow we're going witnessing at 2. It'll be a lot of fun. More on that tomorrow, or the next day. Tomorrow is also my first day of work.

Pretty funny.

John Wesley would train up those who thought they were called to preach the Gospel. He would teach them, train them and then send them out. When they came back he would ask them two questions: “Did anyone get saved?”
If they answered yes, he would keep them in his ministry. If they answered no, he would ask them another question:
“Did anyone get mad?”
If they answered no to this question he would tell them, “You are not called to the ministry!”

Complexities

Why can't things be simpler? Why do things always have to be so darn complex? I'm so worn out because of everything. I need to be still and know He is God, but why is that so hard? I feel Satan's hitting me pretty dang hard right now guys. Pray for strength, perserverence, and patience for me please. I'm sitting here worried about my interview tomorrow, worried about my sister, worried about my dad, worried about Tiff, worried about myself, worried about band, worried about school, worried about so much stuff that I know God has a handle on. Why can't I stop worrying about it? I don't know?! You know what? I just realized I just need to put that stuff down. Just pray for God to take it from me and He will. I feel better now. I love you guys. Please pray not only for me but for God's Will to be done in my life. That whatever I do and whatever happens in my life will be for His Glory. I'll pray for you as well, if you ask me. God is good, all the time. All the things going on in your life, or my life, or any believer's life is all for the good of not only that person but for God's Glory. Good night.