Calling and Preparation
Abraham Lincoln once said, “If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six hours sharpening my ax.”
The Gospel Ministry is not so one dimensional as chopping down a tree. Nor is preparation for ministry as one dimensional as sharpening an ax. The complex, multi-dimensional nature of ministry requires a multi-layered level of preparation for the work those called of God to this extraordinary and vital vocation.
Having said that, vocational ministry is not unlike other vocations in the necessity for education, preparation, and skill development. Medical doctors, lawyers, and other “professionals” go through a rigorous educational program and must pass challenging exams to qualify to practice their vocation. Furthermore, many professions require ongoing professional development. This is especially necessary in our ever-changing fields of endeavor.
Preparation for the Gospel Ministry is part and parcel to the good shepherding of God’s people. When I finally surrendered to God’s call to ministry, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I wasn’t ready by any means to assume the mantle of ministry. I knew, therefore, that my next step was to enroll in a reputable seminary known for preparing those called to a lifetime of service with a solid theological training. That is, a thorough knowledge of and understanding of God’s written revelation from Genesis to Revelation. My experience in theological education was phenomenal and one I treasure.
But looking back over the course of my life and ministry, much of my preparation, education, and personal development fell more into the informal category. Although I didn’t know it at the time, I believe the Lord began preparing me through my parents, grandparents, and family circle; my childhood experiences; and church background; along with many “teachers” who were instrumental in my personal development, my values, and my worldview.
In fact, I don’t think God wastes any experience or opportunity to train us for the work of ministry. For example, when I consider the necessary interpersonal skills involved in shepherding God’s people – all kinds of people with all kinds of personalities, problems, and perspectives – I recall what I learned during my seminary days in Fort Worth, TX, not at the seminary, but at Sears Roebuck Company as an employee in the Customer Service Department. I quickly became a student of human nature and learned a lot about dealing with unsatisfied, angry, and manipulative customers. What I learned at Sears during those years was of inestimable value to me later in ministry.
Speaking of inestimable value, what I learned from older men in ministry, mentors, and spiritual fathers about the roles, responsibilities, and relationship between a pastor and his people is priceless. I thank God that as a Timothy I had a Paul in my life. His name was Norman Gillespie. He taught me by example and exhortation to preach the Word. He could have well said to me what Paul wrote to Timothy: But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (II Timothy 3:14-17 NIV).
Although I feel like I’m still preparing for what’s before me, the Lord has blessed me at this stage of my life with the privilege of being a Paul to a Timothy or two in our day. And that is a great source of joy for me and one for which I am very grateful.