Do you hafta go through the pastor?
 

I have a question I would like to throw out for discussion. Most of you know the conventional path to ministry is to let your pastor know you feel called, have him mentor you some, maybe have him set up some preaching gigs, etc. etc. It's good to have a mentor. I am not against taking this path into ministry in any way, shape, or form. However, I have recently begun to wonder if this established path into ministry is the only path. Take Paul's own words:


15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
Gal 1:15-19 (KJV)


I haven't had the chance to study out the whole timeframe, but it is evident that Paul did not go talk with any of the apostles to get their approval of his ministry until well after he had been preaching.



1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matt 3:1-2 (KJV)


Who mentored John the Baptist?


My question to all of you is this-Do you believe that there are people, who are called of God, that God qualifies as ministers of His Holy Word, apart from them taking the established path I spoke about in my first paragraph?

The reason I ask is because God is calling me back into prison ministry. The conventional side of me is saying it can't be God because I don't have a church home. I don't have a pastor to guide me in any ministerial effort I make. My mind is telling me there has to be some sort of mistake. But there is another side of me saying that I don't need man's approval to take the Word of God to the jails and prisons in this area. This other side is telling me that God has already called and qualified me for this ministry and that I need to obey Him.

I am in a quandry, gang. Everything I have ever been taught about ministry says you can't go out and preach without a church home, without a pastor backing you, without that recommendation. But I see in the Bible where others just obeyed God and went when He said to go. This is hard for me to reconcile. I need to hear some feedback. What do you think? Does God ever work outside the lines?

Rico,

My thoughts go back to the scriptures and the parable of the Talents. One man was given 5, another 2, and the last one. When eveyone doubled their talents by investing in other things they were praised by the master, the one who was afraid, hid his talent and God took the one talent [money] and gave it to the man who had ten. The moral of the analogy being: When you are faithful over a few things God will make you ruler over many.

Rico, it is wonderful that you wnt to do something for God and that may be your God-given talent but until you are faithful to a home church I don't see how you can be successful out there on your own.
Example: When one of the men in prison are looking for a church upon parole and you tell them that you aren't part of one...how is your witness going to hold up and how can you direct this man to a place of worship. People need rooted and grounded/discipled and that is through a church family.

You have to look at the culture of the times in John the Baptist's day. He was the forerunner to lead people into preparation for the Messiah. He took the people as far as he could go, but when the Messiah came on the scene - things changed. The church changed. God has given each of us a commission and set up a way to fulfill it.

I am not saying that there isn't a time that you have to do what God has called you to even if others are holding you back, but even that can be done and stay in the good graces of a local assembly.

You don't have to function alone, why would you want to?

Blessings, Rhoni

I would just ask the "organizations" of brethren to kindly present their letter of authority or marquee signed by God himself. :)

If they cannot, then that means they are only man-made organizations and the only thing the card does is let you park in the special space at the hospital. :)

Sister, it isn't all that difficult to have a list of churches to give someone getting out on parole. I knew an evangelist who didn't have a home church. He basically would visit different churches within a certain radius of his home. There is a church here in town that I have visited a few times I could refer someone to. I like visiting, but I doubt I will become a member there. I'm not "alone" as you would think.

If you would refer them, why not go yourself?

Sorry off topic - request for information.


Hey there sis, is there a TOOTH update?:saycheese

What part of I have been visiting a church here in town did you not understand? :)

I think she read the "I like visiting, but I doubt I will become a member there." and understood it very well. :)

I am disappointed that the so called "ministry" need only tell a pastor they are called and then he sets up some preaching. I feel if they are truely called to minister then they should just start on their own by winning souls, teaching bible studies, asking to do sunday school or other things. Personally I think all Holy Ghost filled individuals are called to minister. They might not all be called to preach.

HO, I doubt I will become a "member" at any church. I'm already a member of the church.