Grief and the Holiday’s!

       

It is amazing to me how grief and the holidays seem to go hand in hand. I’m sitting here reflecting on all the things I need to finish up over the next week before I spend time with family for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Thinking about presents that I haven’t bought, those cookies I need to help my wife bake, the few more cards I need to mail and the people I need to reach out to share a Christmas greeting with. 

          However, the reality even in all this holiday excitement, there are feelings of grief throughout this holiday season for those individuals that are not around.  It has been 10 years since my parents passed away, and I still find myself thinking about needing to call and see what they want for Christmas, wishing I was making plans to drive to Flint, Michigan to just sit and visit with over Christmas Dinner, and driving around town looking at the lights.

          Someone asked me the other day. How do you deal with the grief over the holidays? 

          I simply said “Memories” …

It doesn’t matter if I’m reflecting on the grief of the loss of my own parents 10 years ago, or the loss of my mother-in-law just over a year and half ago, that answer is the same … I will always focus on the memories, the things that always made the holiday special with that individual. With my mother-in-law it was always the love she put into Christmas Dinner for the family and friends, with my mom it was simply watching the Red birds out the window on Christmas morning in Flint and then looking around the house at the all the Red birds she had on the tree and shelves for the holiday.  The memories are about remembering the amazing life and reflecting on the awesome heritage they gave us to live out life until we see them again.

 
 
 

Announcement!

We are so excited to announce the release of my new book

“Grief: Helping Christians Coping with the STORM of Loss”

Throughout this short book I provide professional insight from over 40 years of pastoral experience, combined with personal stories of struggles of coping with Grief.

Please download your Kindle e-book copy today @ Kindle Edition ....

You can order your Paperback copy today @  Paperback edition

You can check out our other books and workbooks @

www.amazon.com/author/revdonallenjr

My top 5 books …

I thank God every day for my Amazon Kindle account, Google Books, and other apps that allow me to carry hundreds of books with me everywhere I go. Then of course there is the dozen of paperback and hardback books sitting on my desk in my office, on the bookcase at home, and stand beside my chair in the living room.

Yes, the reality is I love to read, I think it can be traced back to my Grandma Argue, when we lived with her while my dad was overseas with the Air Force, she would have me sit and read for a half-hour to her before anything else got started. Of course, she set the example by reading one to two books a day.

Today, I average around a book a week in addition to reading portions of other books as I study various topics, in addition there are the dozen of articles I read to help prepare sermons, teaching outlines, etc.

However, there are 5 books that have been my favorite over the years, and in my opinion a must read for everybody.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
The Jesus Letters: Seven Secrets That Can Change You and Your Church by David Ravenhill
The Preacher and His Models by James Stalker by James Stalker
Breaking the Spirit of Poverty by Mark W. Pfeifer
Failing Forward, Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success by John Maxwell
Ok there is one more and it will surprise most people it is not an individual book, but a collection. Honestly, I’m even shocked myself that I’m adding it to this list. Since High school nearly 40 years ago I have read maybe one or two fiction stories. However, recently I downloaded to my Kindle (what I thought at the time was a biography) a book entitled One Night in Tehran: A Titus Ray Thriller by Luana Ehrlich, the author has gone on to write a half dozen books in this series about a CIA operative that finds Christ, and his life is turned upside down, I can’t wait for the next story to be released.

Ladies and Gentlemen everybody has their favorite authors, and books. This list is simply mine. However, for me, it’s not that you read my favorites it’s simply that you READ and LEARN

A Prayer request ….

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have an amazing opportunity to speak on Veterans Day (November 11, 2019). However, it is not what most of you are thinking. I’m not speaking at the memorial event or a Veterans Day celebration.

            I have been asked to present a two-hour lecture on Pastoral Theology via Zoom (isn’t technology amazing) to a group of over 80 pastors in Kenya. I will be teaching from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time), and it will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. there in Kenya. 

            I will be sharing with these pastors’ tools to develop a Biblical View of what it is to serve in the local church as a Pastor, Minister, Elder, and Deacon. I will be providing an overview of the various topics included within the Academic Study of Pastoral Theology: Homiletics, Ethics, Pastoral Care/Counseling, Church Leadership, Sacraments/Church Ordinances and one that has become accustom to adding in my teaching on the topic Personal Evangelism.

            Can you please pray with us for four things?

1.      That each pastor’s life is touched through what I share …

2.      That each pastor can take something back to his local congregation that will change the lives of individuals within his/her church.

3.      That nations throughout Africa are changed by what I share.

4.      That God gives me the wisdom to share HIS truth, clear and without error.

Update from GCOTV School of Ministry

Wow! That is really all we can say when we look at how God has blessed over the past six months. On March 29^th, 2019 Grace Church of the Valley School of Ministry e-mailed out the first “Study in the Life of Christ and the Gospels” free of charge to pastors and college presidents to help them educate their ministers, and members.

Six months later we have seen God do so much with this study (Life of Christ):

• Currently being used in 43 Countries
• 114 ministries/churches 
• 30 college/Bible Institute and Seminaries.  
•  With 19 students completing the study and receiving their certificate of completion in four countries.
• August 19^th, 2019 we also made available the “Study in the Book of Genesis.” However, this study we are unable to provide a certificate for, it available free of charge as well.   

God has expanded our vision, over the past six months God has allowed me personally to use my talents and education to help colleges throughout Africa and India to train their pastors and ministers. We have written a facilitator and student manuals that are available to Bible colleges, seminaries, Bible institute, and school of ministries.  Allowing your local instructors to teach courses on “Christian Counseling” (This study is currently already being used by 22 schools in 13 countries). In addition, a course on “Addictions.” should be released within the next month.

What does God have planned? Besides are continuing work here at Grace Church of the Valley School of Ministry local campus, which we are seeing some amazing things happen with our students.  We our currently working on several projects for our students internationally. Some educational resources to watch for:

• A Study in the Book of Acts, this will be designed like the Life of Christ Study and the Book of Genesis study (no certificate will be offered).
• A Facilitator and Student guide are being developed for:
• Excellence in Leadership
•  Pastoral Theology

Friends, if you’re interested in any of these studies please e-mail me at gcotv.schoolofministry@gmail.com …. Please share what study you are interested in as well as your name, where you are from, and name of your ministry or school.

Another exciting announcement is that in the Spring of 2020 I will be traveling with my dear friend Dr. Charles Travis to Uganda to speak both at local churches, but to educate minister to pastors and church leadership in Pastoral Theology. More details coming on this soon. 

Reflecting on Generals of Faith!

Sitting here at my desk reflecting on the upcoming weekend, as my son (Rev. Ethan Allen) and I prepare to host the Logos Global Network – Greater Cincinnati Regional Fellowship and how that I’m going to be allowed once again to spend time with one of the Generals of the Faith (Dr. Charles Travis).

I have been blessed to have known Dr. Travis for just over 17 years, and I personally consider him one of my pastors, friend, and mentor. We have stood and cried together at Ground Zero, we have prayed together at the many alters, and we have shared stories of success and yes even some failures.

Honestly, I have not met many men or women that I would personally call Generals of the Faith, because when I look at the General’s of the Faith the list starts in Hebrews 11, and then moves to include men like Apostle Paul, Apostle John, then through out history men like Spurgeon, Wesley, and Finney. Men that stood the test of time to reflect the values of Christ in their life. As I reflect over the past 40 years of ministry, I have had few Generals of the Faith in my life. I personally think of Dr. Lougheed, Dr. Rawlings, Dr. Webb, and others. However, I have many more "Fellow Soldiers" and I will forever be thankful for both.

As I reflect on the legacy of the few Generals of the Faith that I have encountered I have noticed three key traits … (I pray as men and women think of me, they will see these same traits, not as a General of the Faith but as a faithful pastor)\

• You can tell that they have been in the presence of Christ today and have a direct connection with Him.
• They understand the Word of God and know how to make it alive to everyone they encounter.
• They love Jesus and it shows in everything they say and do.

As I spend time this weekend, I will not only spend it with Dr. Charles Travis, I will also spend it with the gentleman I currently call pastor who will argue that he doesn’t fall into the ranking of General of the Faith. However, I will argue that, for me Dr. Roger Webb, Pastor of Grace Church of the Valley and Chancellor of our School of Ministry is in the same category with Dr. Travis and other men of faith.

New book ...

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have just republished “Christian in Recovery: “A Supplemental Workbook for Individual Counseling Sessions” this workbook was originally published in 2002 and we are now offering on Amazon Kindle for only $.99 … The workbook is designed to help Pastors, Counselors, and other professionals successfully help individuals dealing with addiction.  Providing activities, suggestions, and resources. Please download your copy today 

https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Recovery-Supplemental-Individual-Counseling-ebook/dp/B07XYK5MG8/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Don+Allen+drug+addiction&qid=1568744253&sr=8-3

The tragedies of Suicide keep coming:

 The news was released today of Megachurch pastor Jarrid Wilson, known for his mental health advocacy, dies by suicide. (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/megachurch-pastor-jarrid-wilson-known-his-mental-health-advocacy-dies-n1052301)
This heart-breaking story coming as we are in the mist of National Suicide Prevention week (September 8^{th – 14th, 2019).}

I’m always amazed how many people believe that pastors don’t struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The reality is that pastors, their wives, and children are more likely to struggle than the average church member (that is not based on any scientific research, simply my observation).

I believe that there are three key reason pastors, and their families struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, and that suicide becomes a means to cope with the pain.

1. Isolation … To many pastors today are separated from people that should be giving them support and encouragement. Over the years I have watched pastors who claim to have best friends. However, have never shared with them their personal struggles of depression, anxiety, and other personal issues due to the fact they did not want to look weak in their faith, or fearful of being judged as not faithful enough to do their job.
2. Ego … (Get over it) Yes, I’m talking to pastors, I have been in pastoral ministry for 40 years and I’m guilty of this as well. I can’t share with the congregation what is happening in my life because I need to be strong for them. I was recently with a pastor that had been going through a crisis in his personal life (his brother had recently passed), outside of a Facebook post to the church about the funeral he never shared anything with his church about the events leading up to the death, in which his brother had been in hospice for 5 weeks. Ironically, this same pastor had recently got on a church member for not calling him when the individual’s mom was in the hospital. 
3. Failure to get into God’s word … When I was in Bible college a dear professor shared (not sure if this a director quote, but close) "You will never be able to take on the challenges of life, if this book (Bible) is simply a Text Book, and not your Life-Giving Book." I have found myself too many times looking for a sermon, an outline for a class, or reading for the next assignment and not reflecting on the passage that is helping me personally deal with life issues in front of me.

So how do we change this …

1. We find a minimum of 5 people that we can talk to about what is going on in our lives and we get honest. (Bold statement here … Only one of these should be a pastor). Individuals (we should also limit the amount of people on this that are family), that will not only pray with us but will go with us to get help if we need it, will stand with us when there seems to be no hope. Yes, even will go to the medical professional and hold us accountable for the medication that is prescribed.
2. We learn about our illness and how its effects our thinking … When I was diagnosis with Attention Deficit Disorder at age 47, (yes we all knew something was going on long before that) I spent a lot of time attempting to understand how my thinking was different from others, and what I could do to off-set the rapid thoughts that got me in so much trouble way too many times, or inability to sit still and focus. I learned to work with my wife, children, best-friend, and pastor to find skills that allow me to accomplish the task assigned as well as not getting caught up in the negative thinking that often comes. In learning about ADD/ADHD I was able to better understand how it was treated and skills to cope.

Number Three is for the Church … Get off your high horse and come down to reality. If we prayed for, encouraged people, walked with people, and supported people with mental illness the same way we did someone with cancer, heart disease, knee pain, etc. We would not see the crisis that we are currently seeing. I know individuals that are scared to death to mention they have depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, or another mental health illness because of being judged as weak, having lack of faith, or in some cases even being demon possessed. Please stop the madness and provide the support to help people heal and recover from these illnesses and be an active productive member of our churches.

Friends, I don’t know what Pastor Jarrid Wilson was thinking the day he chooses to step in to eternity. However, God knows the pain that he was feeling emotionally that drove him to this decision, and where his relationship was at with HIM (God) at the time. The question I have is who else knew and who is accountable within the church for failing to be the friend, pastor, and prayer warrior that should have provided a safe place to talk and find help.

The reality is with over 45,000 suicides nationwide, this is happening way too much, and it’s time for the church to step up and help focus as a non-judgmental place of support, encouragement, prayer, and friendship.



　

 

God help me stand in your place today!

I was reading Proverbs 25: 6-7 today … what a powerful passage of scripture. When you read those words in Christian Standard Bible they jump off the page: "Don’t brag about yourself before the king, and don’t stand in the place of the great; 7 for it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here! " than to demote you in plain view of a noble."

I’m fearful that too many preachers are promoting themselves above the place that God has called them to be. I was taught humility as a young preacher and even today I still hold on to these truths.

I always allow the minister where I’m preaching or teaching to give my title that will be used such as Reverend, Doctor, Pastor, Bishop or Minister.

I always sit on the front row or with my wife if she is there until the pastor asks me to come to the platform.

I always respect the position of authority over me (Pastor/Bishop). I’m a guest at his church and acknowledge their position, and never assume that I have some special anointing or right to be there.

I fear that too many preachers/pastors have come to believe their own press releases on Facebook, LinkedIn, or their Website. It is time we sit down and be humble in the presence of God and allow him to promote us to his place of prominent.

Folks don’t misunderstand me, I’m very proud of who I am: President of a School of Ministry, having been active in ministry for 40 years, having earned three doctorates, and taught in churches and conferences throughout the Midwest and Northeast. However, all that doesn’t compare to when a Pastor allows me to humbly come into his pulpit and share God’s word. Remember, it is not about what you did yesterday, it’s about what you’re doing and peaching today.

Rev. Don Allen, Jr PhD

Grace Church of the Valley School of Ministry

1709 Nowlin Ave. Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

Dear Family & Friends:

            As Lee and I write this letter Spring of 2020 seems a long way off. However, the reality is, it’s not that long.

            We would like to share with you an amazing opportunity that I (Don) have this coming Spring (2020). I have been given the opportunity to preach and teach in East Africa. I will be traveling with my dear friend Dr. Charles Tavis; President of both Aidan University & Logos Global Network. While in East Africa I will have the opportunity to minister to Pastors in a Conference on Effective Pastoral Ministries, as well as preach the Gospel to hundreds of church leaders who in turn will then reach thousands.

Over the past several years this has been a personal dream of mine to teach pastors around the world. With the recent launch of our directive study program through GCOTV (Grace Church of the Valley) School of Ministry currently reaching 41 countries with over 110 ministries, and untold number of students involved in using the study.  This trip will also give me the opportunity to meet with pastors and students that are engaged with GCOTV School of Ministry and using the Life of Christ Study, and other studies we are currently developing and plan to share soon.  

            Now the reason for this note, we need your help. The need is Two-fold, (1) We need your prayers that all required plans come together as we move forward, (2) help in covering the cost to go and minister. The total budget for this very extensive trip is only $4500.00, all inclusive. We are asking you to pray about what God would have you to do in helping make this trip possible.

Friends, we have made arrangements with Grace Church of the Valley so that your donation can be tax deductible. If you go to  https://gcotv.com/give/ and go to Mission, then make a note in the memo line for Don Allen’s trip, and the funds will be applied to the account. Or you can mail a check or money order to GCOTV @ 1709 Nowlin Ave. Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 with the same designation.

Sincerely

Don Allen, Jr.

Time for the Next Great Awakening …

Throughout the late 1800’s there was political nightmare happening in America. This nightmare eventually erupted into a Civil War. However, what is also interesting it also ushered in some of the Greatest Revivals in history. As I sit today reading the news, listening to people talk, and realize we are once again in the midst of a political nightmare. I listen to the President talk and yes even tweet (personally I wish all their tweet accounts were shut down), I hear presidential candidates, Senators, Congressmen and Congresswomen, political advisors, and sadly, Pastors commenting back and forth.

Realize, just as with the events of the mid-1800’s the only true survival for America is a great move of God, Yes a real National Revival, from the White House to the Farm House, from the Department of Education to the classroom, from the Pentagon to the local military base. Yes, even from the National Cathedral to the local church. It is time once again for America to seek a real solution, it is time for Men and Women of prayer to stand up and pray for revival. It is time for so called Men and Women of God to go into their prayer closets and seek God and shut up in public.

It is time for Men and Women of God to step into their calling and preach repentance to a nation as John the Baptist did, it is time for these men and women to preach the truth of scripture and not a personal interpretation of the scripture. When we look at the Great Revivals of History there is one consistent theme "Scripture is the Word of God, and Confession of Sin and Repentance"

We want to see the political battles stop, racism stopped, the violence in the streets stopped, the abortion of unwanted children stopped, we must stop tweeting our opinion, and do it God’s way "First Chronicles 7: 14 .. the King James Version puts it this way "If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land"

What I find interesting in this passage is that he is talking to the believer, the Baptist, Methodist, and Assembly of the God, Church of Christ, and Charismatic non-denominational and yes even the Catholics. It is time for the CHURCH to seek HIM (Christ) and let him do the healing. It is time to simply pray, seek, and repent.

I’m convinced that the Greatest Revival is yet to come, the only question is how bad will we allow it to get before we seek it?

New Certificate Program

We are excited to announce a New Certificate Program this fall at GCOTV School of Ministry. If your in the Greater Cincinnati please join us and earn your “Certificate in Leadership Excellence”

Hard to believe it is the 4th of July!

         I was sitting here reflecting on tomorrow and the meaning of the4^th of July.  As I share with my family and friends it appears to mean so many different things.

         To me it is a celebration of the history of the United States of America, the good, the bad, and yes even the ugly. As a nation we have endured 243 years of successes and failures. We have seen the peaceful transition of government (both the presidency and congress), and some would agree that others were totally out of control.

         Historically, 13 colonies sent men with different religions, political beliefs, and yes even different views of human rights. Yet they were able to come together and form a political system that has allowed for a Nation that has accomplished so much not only here within our borders, but around the world.

         We have freedoms that other countries only wish they could have because of those events 243 years ago. I personally thank God daily that I have the privilege to live in the United States, a country that has sent more missionaries around the world than any other nation in history. A country that has given more in humanitarian aid around the world than will ever be known, a country that fought for the freedom of other nations as well as our own. 

         The 4^th of July is not only about celebrating this country’s history, it is about celebrating how God has blessed this country. As you reflect on this day, do me a favor!

Read your Bible, Read the Constitution, Study History and pray that God continues to bless the United States of America!

Amazing Day!

              Yesterday was Father’s Day, for our family it wasn’t a typical Father’s Day.  Yes, it started out with me sharing a message on what it is to be a Biblical Father in chapel at the hospital. Then heading to church to hear a message by our guess speaker.

              However, that was the end of similarity to previous Father’s Day. Understand that this is not a complaint, in fact it is the opposite, it is a tribute to my amazing wife, and my son, daughter-in-law, and my daughter. Because they didn’t make it about me, they made it about family!

See one year ago yesterday (June 16, 2018) an amazing lady passed away, my mother-in-law took her final breather here on earth.  Our relationship was unique we didn’t always see eye to eye, and we both had our moments of being stubborn. However, there was one thing we both agreed on is we loved the same people. So, at 3:00 p.m. on Father’s Day we stood at the Graveside of this amazing lady with all her children, daughter and son in-law’s, grandchildren (all but one, who lives out of the area), and great-grandson.

              For me is was bitter sweet, because as we stood at Mom’s (yes that is what I called her) graveside my mind went back 10 years ago in 2009 when in May of that year my mother passed away, and 45 days later my father passed away (Ironically, we would bury my father on his birthday June 17, 2009) so for me as I prayed with the family, I heard my own voice crack, and the tears start to run down my cheeks as I reflected on the greatest lesson these three people taught me (my mother and father, as well as my mother-in-law.

Here it is …. Love your family despite what they do, because it is the only one you have.

              I realized a long time ago; Father’s Day is not about all that the kids can do for me. It is about my Family and how I’m able to encourage them to stay close to one another and God. Three things I pray every day for my family.

1)      That they know Christ as Savior, and I will see them in Heaven!

2)      That God has and continues to wrap a hedge of protection around them and keeps them safe.

3)      That God blesses them spiritually, physically, and financially.

The challenge of education!

            I recently have been talking with individuals about their personal educational goal and objectives. What do you want to learn? Also focusing on how are you going to accomplish this?

            It is amazing to me how many people don’t have an educational goal or the desire to achieve beyond where they are currently in their life. Now understand I’m not talking about necessarily going back and doing another degree. However, I’m talking about learning something new that is going to move you forward in your career or within the church structure, or in your personal Christian walk.

            Most people know that I have multiplied doctorates (yes, I know all that and $5.00 will get me a cup of coffee at Starbuck, maybe). However, what most folks don’t realize how disorganize my thinking is when I’m attempting to study on my own. So, I have used my college education, as well as the studying for Certificates, and my Licensures to help me focus on learning things that will benefit my career which for me happens to be Preaching/Teaching about Christ and being a Christian Counselor, and Chaplain. Over the past 40 years of ministry and within my professional work as a Counselor I have learned three essential of learning.

1)     Focus on your passion, and then move from there!

a.       What is it your passion about and want to relate to others, then begun to study the topic and consume everything you can on that topic. When I became Director of a Drug Treatment program, I went back to school to complete my Bachelors, and changed my major from Pastoral Ministries to Christian Counseling and would go to consume everything I could read on the topic to the conclusion of receiving a PhD in Psychology and Christian Counseling.

 

2)    Find people of like to passion to challenge you to learn!

a.       I will never be able to thank men like Dr. Jeff Baker, Brack Strong, and Gary Sweeten that challenged me to learn about Christian Counseling and helped me become the counselor I am today, as well as the presenter that I am within the professional community. What ever you desire to be, surround yourself with people that are doing it right, asked them to direct you in your learning process.

 

3)    Finish what you start!

a.       Like many of you I have a real struggle finishing what I start, I get sidetracked easily with family, friends, and ministry opportunities. It takes people such as my wonderful wife of 33 years to keep me on task and moving forward. I didn’t quite even through there was times it seemed impossible to complete the degrees or achieve the licensure for various programs. As a result, we have seen wonderful opportunity for ministry and professional achievements.

 

If you can do these three things you will be able impact your world around, you. The foundation to learning is simple “Get Started, Keeping Going until finished, and then find a New Challenge, and do it again” As I sit here and write this blog post I’m contemplating what the next learning challenge is in my own personal life, and honestly the future looks bright.

 

Amazing Graduation ....

Yesterday, May 19^th, 2019 was an amazing day at:

I was given the privilege to share in the Graduation of Grace Church of the Valley School of Ministry, preach the message in the morning service, and share the State of the School and it was an amazing time of celebration and reflection.

Let me share some of the highlights …

We celebrated our 2^nd graduation class (completing our 3^rd year of study) four ladies received their “Certificate of Christian Studies”

 

 

and six individuals from Ethiopia received the “Certificate of Completion in the Basic Study of the Life of Christ and the Gospels.”

 

We currently have students working on the “Basic Study in the Life of Christ and the Gospels” in 19 countries, representing 40 ministries/schools, with over 300 students working on the course. We truly are having a global impact. 

The 2019/2020 School year kicks off September 11, 2019 with our Wednesday Night classes, and at we are excited that we will have several individuals that will be working on completing their “Diploma in Christian Studies” this year, along with a new group of students completing their “Certificate in Christian Studies.”  We are also excited that Dr. Roger Webb (Chancellor of GCOTV School of Ministry) will be offering a 15-credit hour “Certificate of Excellence in Leadership” this course will meet on five Saturdays (five hours each) throughout the school year and will include reading and homework assignments.

In addition to these awesome reports, this coming June (2019) Dr. Webb will be ministering and providing training for pastors and community leaders leading to a “Certificate of Completion in Excellence in Leadership” in Kenya, and I will be traveling with our dear friend Dr. Charles Travis of Aidan University to Uganda & South Sudan (April 2020) and providing training and  a “Certificate of Completion in the Studies in Pastoral Ministry” to pastors and ministers there.

Please pray for God continue wisdom and blessing on this ministry as we attempt to train leaders within our own church, community, and around the world.

 

What is your ministry challenge?

          Please understand I feel that there is a difference between ministry challenge and ministry desires. I have come to believe over the past 40 years that my ministry challenges (what God had me doing at that moment in time for him) was not always my desire. However, it was my calling for that moment.

          The Apostle Paul puts it best in Acts 16 where Paul desire to go certain places an preach, and the Holy Spirit said No. Was the desire wrong, I don’t personally believe so. A statement that is used around our church is “Is it Good or God” there can be some Good ministry opportunities, but it is not in God’s plan for you.

          Within the first 10 years of ministry I attempted to pastor 4 churches. Honestly none of them were what any of us would call successes. However, also within that time I served as Associate Pastor of some churches with what many would call successful. Now having been in ministry for 40 years I have realized that Pastoring is not my calling. However, excepting the Ministry Challenge of serving as 2^nd man is.  

          Ephesians 4: 1 I have come to believe this verse should be the foundation of our Ministry Challenge … Do I walk worthy of my vocation? It is ironic that the Greek word for vocation is also translated “Calling” … Paul had a vocation or calling to minister where God lead within the opportunities and talents God gave him. Paul was a Greek trained, Jewish Pharisee that God prepared to minister to the Gentiles throughout the region. Paul could have stood in the same rooms as Aristotle, Socrates and challenged them to think differently.

          Forty years ago, I took my first Associate pastor position at just 19 years old, since then I have thrived within this position always having a sense of purpose and joy. Within that position of Associate, I have been involved in the educational process of believers whether serving as a youth pastor, children’s pastor, men’s leader, or president of a local church school of ministry with a world-wide impact.

          

Ladies and Gentlemen, I go back to my original question: What is your 

ministry challenge? God has a ministry challenge for you personally, and he will reveal it and use you personally in great ways as you walk worthy of your vocation (calling) …

However, we need three things to be successful in the vocation (calling).

1)     We need a personal relationship with God the father, his Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Be willing to listen to them speak and move us in the calling they have, not the calling of my parents, pastors, friends, or well-meaning individuals. As Pastors used to say when I was in Bible college “We have enough Momma called Daddy sent preachers and if you are one of them go home and don’t waste our time”

2)    We need a group of individuals that you trust (Mature Christians … This should include pastors and lay-people) that can speak honestly about what God is saying to you and pray with you to hear the voice of God and not of men.

3)    We need to become a Student of the Word of God, and by doing this we see how God moved in the past lives of his saints and we will see how he can and will move and lead in your personal vocation (calling).

Friends, today I have embraced my vocation (calling) with all my education and experience I still serve as the 2^nd man to an awesome pastor. Yes, by title I’m the President of a School of Ministry a title I resisted for several years. However, if you ask me personally “what is your ministry challenge” it is simple “Help Dr. Roger Webb reach a world for Christ through the Ministry of Grace Church of the Valley. Yes, it is true that God has seen fit to give me the additional Ministry Challenge of impacting lives within a Mental Health Hospital as a Chaplain, ironically, I view that as a great teaching opportunity.

Ladies and Gentlemen, find and accept your ministry challenge and move forward with what God has for you to accomplish.