For me the hands down number one thing you need to make it for the long haul in children’s ministry is an overwhelming sense of calling. I have talked to many people in ministry who have lasted over the long haul nearly all of them can point to a specific sense of calling, an event where they felt God was leading them to do what they are currently doing.
Many times I have felt like quitting. The thing that keeps me every time is knowing that when I was 12 years old God spoke to me in such a profound way calling me to do what I currently do that I can’t shake it. I know that I know that I know. If you are going to survive all the ups and downs the disappointments and the triumphs you have to have that calling that centers you.
I remember when I was 12 years old I attended a Phil Driscoll concert with my parents. While Phil was playing his trumpet I felt God speak to me that I was going to be a pastor and work with youth. I was upset because growing up a pastor’s kid I had no illusions as to what that meant. I told God that if that’s what he wanted me to do I would need a confirmation that what I was feeling was God and not pepperoni pizza. Right then Phil put down his trumpet and pulled out a letter. Before he started to read the letter he explained that he doesn’t normally do this but felt he needed to. Phil went on to read a letter sent to him by a young man that attended one of his concerts and while Phil was playing his trumpet this young man felt God speak to him that he was to enter full time ministry. I felt numb, tears filled my eyes, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I knew then with the same assurance that I know now God wanted me to spend my life speaking, training and leading the next generation.
When you are sure of the call of God on your life it helps you to see past the day to day struggles. Do I have bad days? Oh ya. Do I ever doubt I am doing what God created me to do? Never.
If you want to make it for the long haul know your call.
God called me in a Steve Camp concert.
Why does God use bad CCM to nab his pastors?
I think being called at a Steve Camp concert is slightly less embarrassing than Phil Driscoll. Both of which had some sort of talent I wouldn't blame God. Now if there were lots of pastors being called at Carman or One Bad Pig concerts then you would have a very valid point.
haha…that's awesome. i think i still have a one bad pig CD somewhere. and carman, of course, is my favorite christian talker.
Ha! Carman christian talker. That is stinkin hilarious.
It brings a smile to my face that you're familiar with One Bad Pig. I still have one of their tapes… but no way to play it.
God called me in a Steve Camp concert.
Why does God use bad CCM to nab his pastors?
I'm embarrassed. God never spoke to me at a Phil Driscoll, Steve Camp, Petra, Carmen, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Imperials, Michael W. Smith, or Mylon LeFevere concert…
This is a great series Sam!
God spoke to me one day as I watched a group of kids gather around an adult and lay hands and pray for him. This man was broken and crying before God and the kids I was watching came up behind him and held his hands up as he cried out to God.
I told my wife that day that I knew God wanted me to teach kids how to have faith like that. I remember it like it was yesterday…and it was 10 years ago! Know your call and NEVER let the enemy put doubt into your head that it doesn't exist!
-JM