Question number one.
“How and when did your ministry begin? “
During the crippling recession of 1981-82, I found myself out of employment. This long season of struggle to provide for my family became a great tool in Gods hand.
It forced my wife, Paula, and I into a season of intense soul searching. We confessed every known sin and asked God to make us aware of any hidden sin. We also asked God to help us know what He wanted for our lives. He certainly had our attention, and to His glory, He was faithful to us, sending us enough “odd jobs” to meet our monthly financial obligations.
At this same time, Paula and I were involved in a “Master Life” discipleship class that God used to shape our lives. We grew exponentially through our Master Life small group. On one particular afternoon, I had decided to press the question, and asked, “God, what do you want for our lives?” I was asking on the strength of James 5:16, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much.”
I believed we were faithfully living out this passage, and when I pressed the question, God made it clear to me that He wanted me to surrender to full-time ministry, and more specifically to the pastorate.
This call was confirmed through the reading of John 15:16. “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.”
I shared this call with no one knowing God would not call me without calling my wife also. So, before making this calling public, I asked God to further confirm it through Paula.
He did! Several weeks later, on a hot summer night, as we laid in bed talking, Paula asked this question. “Larry, do you think we are called to ministry?” I was quick to tell her yes, and gave her all the details of that afternoon when I pressed the question and God answered. I might add that our call was further confirmed by church staff members and others with whom we walked closely.
Question number two.
“As you reflect on your service what are some of the highlights? “
There are many highlights.
The long-term and durable relationships are certainly at the top of the list. Making and maintaining long-term friendships has been a true source of joy for my wife Paula and me. For in the context of real relationships, a Pastor feels as if he is truly part of the church family, and not just the “hired hand” so to speak. That relational connection makes serving more rewarding and more desirable instead of feeling as if it’s just part of the job.
Another highlight would be the gospel impact we have had internationally. Without forsaking giving to the Cooperative Program, our church members have pulled together on numerous occasions to do hands-on mission work.
Some examples would be: building houses in Mexico, doing mud-out and rebuilds in flood impacted zones in Missouri and other states, sharing the gospel on the streets of cities in Brazil, Chile, Jamaica, and Belize, and under the leadership of Sharon Baker, in partnership with World Vision, submitting enough funds to purchase 900 plus goats at $85.00 each for needy families. This “goat ministry” is our international effort to help stop human trafficking and modern day slavery in impoverished areas of our world.
Locally, we have handed out hundreds of “Human Trafficking Awareness” cards with contact numbers for help, we have served inner-city families by giving away school supplies and back packs, we host an annual “Christmas Store” allowing parents to select free gift items for family members, we have participated in inner-city street corner prayer meetings, served women sheltered at Forest Avenue, supplied local food pantries with food items, partnered with new church plants providing resources and doing renovations to buildings, provided people resources for city programs and hosted numerous “on grounds” community outreach events.
We also served outside of our community helping small town churches complete building renovations, hosting community barbecues and doing door-to-door evangelism.
For me, a ministry highlight will always be ministry done with our hands and feel. “Be ye doers of the Word.” James 1:22-27.
Question number three.
“What are some of the greatest challenges?
Leading people! People are people, and they came with various concerns and needs. If a church is truly a hospital for the spiritually sick, then the Pastor must be wise, patient and compassionate.
It takes time and effort to lead spiritually unhealthy, weak, or immature people to health and strength. However, it is important to do so in order to build the leadership base.
Spiritually unhealthy, weak or immature believers cannot handle the heavy load of leadership. Just as an upside down triangle will topple when a load is placed upon it, so will well intentioned believers topple under a load of leadership. Training and spiritual growth broadens the foundation, providing a solid footing from which to bear the rigors and demands of leadership. (1 Timothy 3:6)
It’s also a challenge leading those who are settled-in and have become sedentary Saints. It is important to teach “pew sitters” the joy and satisfaction of serving. I have long maintained that Sunday is an “everyone serve day.” In addition to Sunday serving, everyone should have a ministry to which the belong or lead.
Leading the spiritually “on fire”, “go getters”, or “highly motivated” also requires effort. Vision and guidance provides the lane for serving which helps minimize “loose cannon” efforts, increasing the potential for a more cohesive and effective effort in achieving the church vision. I choose to see these folk as an extension of my church staff, which is what they truly are.
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of leading is through conflict. In any gathering of people, there are as many opinions as there are attenders. Each one holding tight to their own perspective and idea of what the church should be or do.
My counsel would be to lead slowly, wisely and with as much open and honest communication as possible when sailing through troubled waters.
Keep the temperature low with sincere love, inclusive dialogue and understanding. And certainly try not to have casualties. In conflict, there doesn’t always have to be a loser, although that’s how we have been trained to think since childhood. Aim for the win, win, seeking to bring everyone through the tunnel of conflict, wiser, healthier and more in love with Jesus and one another than ever. A true challenge!
Question number four.
“Is there any advice you would give to someone beginning their ministry?”
Yes!
1 Be certain of your call.
Ministry is not an alternative career choice for those wanting to escape secular employment. Nor is it an easy way to make a living, or a “walk in the park” so to speak. There is a reason the Apostle Paul warned a young Pastor named Timothy to endure hardship. Ministry is tough!
However, when a Pastor is certain of his call, when the tough times come, and they will, instead of turning-in his resignation, he can turn to that sacred calling and find reassurance.
A wise seasoned Pastor once told me, “ if you are truly called, God will sustain you.” After 35 years, serving two churches in Missouri, one rural and one urban, I know He does and He will!
2 Surrender your all to Jesus.
Be ready and willing to go whenever and wherever God chooses to send you. God alone has the right to send you wherever He desires. I am of the belief that a minister is not fully ready to lead and serve until he reflects the mindset of Isaiah in chapter 6:8, “Here am I, send me.”
Part of a Pastors spiritual preparation is learning to be submissive to the Lord. God has a place of service for each of us. To get us to that place of service, we best follow His lead!
3 Never stop growing in Christ.
Christ is our all in all. As a fish needs water, so we need Jesus to survive and thrive in ministry.
4 Always tell the truth in love.
Resist the temptation to preach down to people. Never present the truth in a condescending or holier- than-thou way. A young Pastor should know there will be people in his congregation who know more about the scriptures and how to walk strong in the Lord than he does. Avoid a painful humbling experience and pursue humility yourself. Love is never arrogant.
5 Love your people.
A wonderful and effective Pastor once told me that he believed a Pastor could stay a church as long as he wants if he would just loves his people. I recently spoke with a gentleman who told me his Pastor had just retired, after 60 years of loving, faithful service at the sane church. Something to think about for sure.
Larry Heenan
