Simplifying the Call of Ministry - Ron Edmondson
This past year I have encountered numerous ministers in transition, waiting for their next God assignment. It has been interesting to note how many of them feel purposeless because they do not currently have a paid ministry position.
A verse that those of us who are “called” to shepherd others vocationally need to memorize:
Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15
The role of the shepherd according to this verse is two-fold. We are to:
- Follow after God’s heart.
- Invest in others.
We often try to complicate the call. Sometimes we spend more time and energy trying to figure out the where and how of ministry and less time and energy on our primary calling. Obviously the where and how are important, but it seems to me that if we will concentrate on following God’s heart and investing in others that the where and how will be easier to discern.
Perhaps it would simplify our life and make our ministry more effective if we will do what we have been called to do wherever and however the situation and circumstances call for at the time and allow God to work out more of the details of our call.
Just a thought.
