Ministry

6 Bible Characters Who Didn’t Feel Qualified For Their Calling

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash

Here are four simple truths. ONE: God uses people. TWO: You are people. THREE: God desires to use you. FOUR: Most people feel unqualified to be used by God.

MOSES

Most of us are familiar with the story of Moses and the burning bush. It was at this dramatic event that he was commissioned by God to be the deliverer of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. We don’t always talk about Moses’ reluctance to tackle his God-given calling, however.

Like most of us, Moses had legit excuses to justify his hesitancy, the first being, “Who am I?” The second, “They won’t believe me.” And the third, “I’ve got this stuttering problem.”

“Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:10)

“And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11)

I can sure relate to this one. Like Moses, I wasn’t raised in the Israelites’ faith. I’ve often said, “The world raised me.” This doesn’t negate the love and provision that was granted me as a child, only the culture of the world that surrounded me.

I know what it is to feel unqualified to teach, write and speak what God has called me to when surrounded by saints who were born and raised in the Church. Who am I, indeed? Yet, just like Moses, God has given me a promise that He will be with me every step if I simply continue to be faithful.

12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.” 

GIDEON

What are the words most associated with Gideon? Mighty Man of Valor! To be clear, he didn’t start out feeling or being a mighty man of valor. His first excuse was that his family was poor, and he was the least in his family. Boy, oh boy! I know what this feels like. Being adopted, and never knowing my birth parents, let’s just say I know what it is to feel insignificant.

“And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

“And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:14-15)

Still, God gave Gideon a promise to be with him every step of the way to victory over the Midianites. Even when Gideon tested God with back to back fleeces, God answered by the supernatural, and affirmed his calling.

And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.” (Judges 6:16)

SAUL

Ahhh…King Saul, the first king of Israel. Surely, he had a confident start to his calling. Actually, not so much. He had previously been anointed to be king, but when the Prophet Samuel came to make him king publicly, he was hiding among the “stuff.” I’ve always thought this word referred to junk or clutter. The Strong’s Concordance number H3627 clarifies its meaning as any apparatus such as implements, utensils, weapons, armor, artillery, instrument, tools, etc. Saul wasn’t just hiding in the clutter. He was staying busy with needful things while avoiding the most important thing.

That sounds like someone I know. Me. I’m someone. I can find endless important things to tackle physically and mentally while I purposely push THE THING to the fringes of my consciousness.

“And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken. When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.” (1 Samuel 10:20-21)

“Therefore they enquired of the Lord further, if the man should yet come thither. And the Lord answered, Behold he hath hid himself among the stuff.” (1 Samuel 10:22)

ESTHER

When the wicked Haman came against the Jewish people to have them slaughtered, Mordecai appealed to his niece, Queen Esther, to intercede before the King for their protection. Understandably, she was more than a little hesitant to do so because of the law stating that anyone who approached the King without a personal invitation could be killed. When he pressed her, she made a decision to push past her fear, and trust God.

There have been plenty of times in my walk with God that I’ve been terrified to do the thing He called me to do. Some times, I allowed my fear to win. Other times, I trusted God, and pressed through.

“All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.” (Esther 4:11)

”Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:15-16)


PAUL

The great Apostle Paul. Previously Saul of Tarsus, persecutor of Christians. (Not to be confused with Saul, the first king of Israel.) I love this guy! Paul only met Jesus once that we know of, and that was after His death, burial, resurrection and ascension into Heaven. It was on the road to Damascus. Saul/Paul was on his way to wrangle up yet more Christians to be thrown in prison, tortured and likely even killed. He was on a mission, for the Lord no less. But when the resurrected Jesus called to him on the road that day by a great light and voice of all authority, he was never the same. It was a Divine Intervention. From that day until his death, he labored tirelessly for the One who changed the course of his life, always acknowledging that he wasn’t worthy.

Even though Paul knew he was unworthy to be called an apostle, he allowed his thankfulness to keep him focused on ministry. I’m ever so thankful for the Divine Intervention in my own life, and agree with Paul that I am the least of these.

“And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:8-10)

MARY

She was just a girl. Betrothed, but not yet officially married. She is approached by the angel Gabriel who tells her she has been chosen to be the mother of the long awaited Messiah. The Savior of the world. No pressure. Talk about feeling unqualified. She wasn’t exactly doubtful. She simply wanted to know HOW??? When Gabriel explained that it would be a supernatural act by God’s Holy Spirit overshadowing her, she still didn’t fully understand. How could she? Yet she placed herself in the path of scandal, and in the hollow of God’s Hands, and responded by saying, “Be it unto me according to thy word.”

I can’t count the times I’ve asked God, “HOW???” When it makes no sense in my head. How? When I can’t see all the pieces in place. How? When others won’t cooperate with the plan. How? When I’m fearful of what others will think. How?

“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be,…” (Luke 1:34)

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.“ (Luke 1:38)

 

IN SUMMARY

We all have plenty of reasons to push back against God’s plan for our lives. Perhaps like Moses, we weren’t raised in the Church. Or like Gideon, we feel insignificant compared to others who are more qualified. Maybe like (King) Saul, we are too focused on being busy for God that we can’t say yes to the thing He’s calling us to. It could be that we are like Esther, afraid to follow through with God’s calling because of repercussions for not following the established rules. Maybe like Paul, we remember where we came from, and everything we took part in before Jesus found us, and granted us a Divine Intervention. Or perhaps we are most like Mary, and love God with all our hearts. Like everyone around us, we’ve waited in anticipation for God’s plan to unfold, and then we realize what that unfolding will cost…us. Perhaps it seems like the most outlandish and impossible plan. More extreme than anything we could have ever dared to dream. I pray we can find enough faith to say, “Be it unto me according to thy word.”

Warm Regards In Jesus’ Name!

~Pat~

 

7 Areas Where Consistency Is Key

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Loh Weytor on Unsplash

 

“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.“ (1 Corinthians 9:25)

Most professing Christians have good intentions toward serving the Lord. It’s the day to day follow through that gets in their way. Neither the enemy of our souls, nor our flesh is ever going to make it easy for us to serve God, and be fruitful. There must be something within us (dare I say it?…) in addition to the Holy Ghost. There must be a resolve to continue, to keep pressing, to get back up. Lack of consistency is a major factor in why good people fall away from their walk with God. Here are seven areas where practicing consistency counts:

1. PRAYER

When a baby is born, we listen for that first cry, and rejoice when we hear it. That’s certainly not the only time that baby cries. His voice is heard from that day forward, and matures into full conversation throughout his life. So it is with prayer. When we come to the Lord in heartfelt repentance, we begin our conversation with him. That conversation continues to develop and mature throughout our lifetime. We should wake up talking to Him, go to sleep talking to Him, and visit with Him throughout the day. In his book The Book On Prayer, Rev. Ken Gurley calls this “practicing His presence.” Becoming consistent in prayer isn’t simply asking the Lord for more and more stuff. It’s Lear I g how to be “with” Him.

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

2. FASTING

Most Christians don’t give the process of fasting enough credit. The world and the devil know its benefits, however. This is another discipline where implementing it only one time will likely make you cranky and frustrated. We must give ourselves to the process of fasting with consistency. Ask the Lord to give you a fasting plan, and then be consistent in the follow through. He has promised in His Word that fasting properly breaks yokes, tears down strongholds and causes our our health to “spring up speedily.” None of this will happen if we only fast once in a while.

“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21)

3. BIBLE STUDY

Being consistent in Bible study makes an invaluable difference in maturing spiritually. Perhaps you read the Bible every day. But do you study it? We can read God’s Word on many levels. One of the first ways we learn to read His Word is by starting with “Bible Stories” such as David & Goliath, Noah’s Ark. Daniel In The Lion’s Den. Perfect. This is absolutely the best place to start. However, there are so many other ways to study His Word in a deeper way. There are so many nuggets to mine out of the Word. Read deeper. Study deeper. Memorize scriptures. What do people’s names mean? They matter. What do the names of cities mean? They matter. How did a Bible character handle a similar situation to what you’re dealing with? It matters. I’m a firm believer that there is an answer in the Word of God for every question, situation or problem we might have. The answer will either be found in commandment, example or principle.

”Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

”Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)

4. SLEEP

This may seem an odd thing to think about being consistent in. Many will be happy to read it here. The truth is we don’t get enough of it. Sleep is when our body and mind heal, resets and gets refreshed. Our generation stays so stressed and filled with anxiety. We go go go, and fill the rest of our time in front of screens. Bodies weren’t designed to function properly in that condition. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Sick? Frustrated? Undone? Overdone? Anxious? Sorrowful? Go to sleep.

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.”  (Psalm 127:2)

5. EXERCISE

Similar to sleep mentioned above, our bodies need to move. They were not designed to be sedentary. Without going into anything scientific or medical, which I’m not qualified to do, we can simply take a visit back to the Garden of Eden. God didn’t create Adam & Eve, and place them in an office building surrounded by monitors, wires and cushy chairs. He placed them in a garden, and told them to take care of it. From the beginning, their lives were filled with motion and work.Their bodies were, no doubt, healthy, muscle-toned and strong. Their lives were the exact opposite of sedentary.

When we don’t get enough movement, stretching and lifting, our bodies become weak, and depression sets in. Lack of consistent movement affects our mental state. It doesn’t have to be in a gym. I can’t with a clear conscience even suggest that unless it’s a ladies only or men only facility or class time…but that’s for another blogpost. I can suggest, however, that you make time to get outside on a regular basis. Work in the garden, do yard work, walk the neighborhood, take the grands to the park, do jumping jacks on the carport, buy a jump rope…just get moving.

6. GIVING

This one tests our spiritual maturity level, for sure. Christians are called to be givers. The first area of giving we think of is money, and it’s absolutely needful. We are called to give a tithe of our income to the Lord. A tithe is one tenth. Ten dollars out of every one hundred. You might say you can’t afford to pay tithes. Friend, you cannot afford NOT to pay tithes. Scripturally, it belongs to God. We are not only called to pay tithes, but to also give offerings. It is God’s tithe, and our offerings. The Word declares we rob God when we refuse to give.

”Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” (Malachi 3:8)

Beyond tithes and offerings, we have so much we can give. Mainly, our time, attention and energy. When we spend time with people, gifting them one of our most precious resources, we assure them Jesus’ love is working through His people. Make the phone call. Cook the meal. Sit on their porch and visit. Listen to their stories with a smile and a nod…again. Rake their yard. Babysit their children. Do their grocery shopping. The opportunities to give consistently are endless.

”Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)

7. MINISTRY

Here’s an area we need to remind ourselves that takes consistent attention. We don’t say it out loud, but there is an unspoken belief that Ministry will somehow just fall upon us with no effort. Granted, our God-given calling may present itself with no previous thought on our part. God chooses callings. What we choose to do with those callings, however, become ministries. We can sit on a calling, tucking it away unseen, and it will not develop into a Ministry. Or we can focus on it, hone our skills in that area and mature it into a ministry that is beneficial to the Kingdom of God. It’s our choice.

A singer must practice singing. A teacher must practice teaching. A preacher must practice preaching. A writer must practice writing. You get the idea. What are you called to do? What is your gifting? Are you practicing it consistently? Will that song ever get written? Will that lesson ever get taught? Will that message ever get preached? Will that book ever get written? OUCH! I just stepped on my own toes! That thing you’re called to do…practice it daily.

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-8)

IN SUMMARY

Whatever you are called to do, it’s going to take consistent doing. Let’s do a personal evaluation of what we’re called to do, and how we are working to make that happen. It won’t come to fruition without a commitment to consistency.

Warm Regards In Jesus’ Name!

~Pat~

 

What Is Your Ministry?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
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”But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5)

These words were written in a letter by the Apostle Paul to his son in the gospel, Timothy. He wanted to insure that upon his passing, his young protege’ would be equipped with the tools he needed to fulfill his ministry to his generation.

The truth is every Christian is called to minister in some capacity. This thought brings up mental images of fiery preachers or Bible teachers who can expound on any topic from Genesis to Revelation. The word “MINISTRY” simply means to be an attendant or to serve. If this definition makes you think of a busy waiter in a restaurant at lunchtime, you’re on the right track.

No individual is without value in the Body of Christ. God has a place and a purpose for every single person. He didn’t save you just so you could be saved, and that’s all. He brought us out of the world so that He could bring us in to the family of God, and give us purpose.

He brought us OUT to bring us IN for a PURPOSE.

IDENTIFYING YOUR MINISTRY

God puts unique interests within each one of us. As we acknowledge those interests, and press into them, they become skills or talents. When we hone those talents, and use them to benefit the Kingdom of God, they become ministries.

Ministries can begin simply by asking ourselves a few questions:

-What do I enjoy?

-What am I interested in?

-What am I good at?

-What are people always commenting that I should do more of?

-What makes me feel rewarded and fulfilled?

These are likely the things that God wants to develop within you for ministry purposes.
Using myself as an example, I’ve always enjoyed reading since I first learned how. I’ve always been interested in books. I am naturally good at writing. Through the years, people have commented over and over that I should write a book. Getting something written that people are blessed, encouraged, inspired and taught by is very fulfilling to me. Writing is one of my ministries. How do I use this ministry for the Kingdom? I write Christian blogposts, articles, lessons and hopefully books.

You can use this same pattern over and over. People are not one dimensional; neither do our ministries have to be.

ENDLESS AREAS OF MINISTRY

Not all ministry is done behind a pulpit. Actually, most is not. You may never have a pulpit ministry or position, but you most definitely have a place to minister in the Body. Referring back to our definition of “Ministry” being to attend or serve, we know that anywhere there is people, there’s opportunity to serve.

Think about your local church. What do you see people doing every service? Pastor is preaching. Sunday School teachers are teaching. You may not be called or ready to do either of these ministries. But there are so many other activities happening. Someone takes up the offering. Could you do that? Someone probably greets people as they arrive to service. Could you do that?

What about behind the scenes? Someone creates the colorful classroom bulletin boards. Someone mows the grass, weeds the shrub beds, sweeps the porch, cleans the bathrooms, brings snacks to the students in Sunday School, decorates for holidays and special events, works in the nursery…The list goes on and on.

Think about outside your church building. Do you love to cook or bake? Could you make food and deliver meals to the elderly, shut ins, or first responders like the fire station, police department or National Guard Armory?

Do you have a way with the elderly? Could you make regular visits to the nursing home to bring comfort and joy?

Do you love to crochet? Could you crochet warm hats for chemo or dialysis patients?

Do you love the Word of God? Do you love hosting people in your home? Could you teach a home Bible study and serve a meal or coffee and dessert?

Do you love to give? Could you support a missionary with a monthly offering?

EXPANDED MINISTRIES

God does call people to ministries beyond their local church and community. Every missionary, evangelist, church planter, sought after musician, Christian author or conference speaker was once a person wrestling with their own interests, talents, giftings and callings. They didn’t start out their ministry by traveling to other countries and preaching to thousands. They started by painting bulletin boards, keeping the nursery and  cleaning the bathrooms in their local church.

ARE YOU READY TO MINISTER?

1. Make sure you attend a local church that teaches and preaches the Truth of God’s Word. (You can find one in your area HERE.)

2. Be faithful and consistent to all services, classes and events.

3. Get involved! Begin to use your interests & talents wherever you can.

4. Establish a strong relationship with the Pastor.

5. Allow the Pastor to help guide you in your ministry decisions.

IN SUMMARY

You are uniquely you. You can minister in ways that others cannot. You can reach people with your giftings that others will not be able to reach. Being a servant in the Kingdom of God is more rewarding than all the accolades of the world. There are endless areas and opportunities to minister, and God most certainly wants to use you.

”For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Psalm 84:10)

Warm Regards,

~Pat~

Unpacking The Fivefold Ministry

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
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”And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Within the church, there are many areas of ministry that individuals can choose to take part in according to their interests. The core framework of ministry, however, is what we refer to as the Fivefold Ministry. Each one of these five is not only a calling, but an office filled by those selected by God Himself. These offices come with much responsibility, and should also be given appropriate respect.  No one of the fivefold ministries is more important than the others. The Apostle Paul lists them in his letter to the  church at Ephesus. They are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Let’s unpack each one.

THE FIVEFOLD MINISTRY

1. APOSTLES OVERSEE

Jesus’ original 12 disciples became apostles after His ascension into Heaven. (Judas Iscariot was replaced by Matthias after Judas betrayed Jesus, and subsequently hung himself.) As such, they were overseers of the new Christian churches and works. An apostle may start a church in an area, but will most likely establish a local pastor over the work when it is stable enough to do so. He might travel to the churches under his oversight on a regular basis, as Paul did. In modern times, an apostle is likely to stay connected to the pastors of the churches under his covering via avenues of technology such as phone calls, text messages, emails, FaceTime or Zoom calls. When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth, he listed many of his trials, tribulations and hardships including “the care of all the churches.”  A true apostle thrives on seeing churches established, and the pastors and congregations under their spiritual covering working together to build the Kingdom.

“Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” (2 Corinthians 11:28)

 

SIDE NOTE

My husband and I have traveled to Malaysia twice on missions trips. It was there that we met Pastor Clement. He pastored the local church, but had also started over 40 churches in other areas. Even though he pastored, he was also an apostle, overseeing all of these works. When my husband came to preach, he would fly all of his pastors in to attend the services. He was a true modern day apostle, and has since gone to be with the Lord. Those 40+ churches still thrive today because of his apostleship.

2. PROPHETS FORETELL

In the Old Testament prophets were often called “Seers” because God showed them information via dreams and visions. This remains true today. Just as in the Old Testament, prophets today reveal information that God has shown them to those it is intended for. This information could be to encourage, inform, redirect, confirm, prepare or warn. A true prophet thrives on knowing the people whose lives he speaks into are taking the information to heart and acting on it while seeking God’s Will in the process

”And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” (Numbers 12:6)


SIDE NOTE

I remember 35+ years ago when my husband first began having visions. One day he asked me, “Do you see things? “ I asked, “What kind of things?” He immediately replied, “Never mind.”  He didn’t have a mentor who could instruct him in this matter, so he wrestled alone with the Lord for a few years. The Lord took him though a season of schooling where He would show him something, or reveal a bit of information, and then my husband would have to learn how to process it, and what to do with the knowledge. One day we were driving down the road. When he glanced over at the car beside us, and the Lord gave him a name. My husband followed the lady to a gas station, got out, and asked her if her name was what the Lord had given him. She affirmed that it was. He told her God loved her, and to have a nice day. In this same manner over a period of years, he learned how to trust the process, and step into the prophetic calling.

3. EVANGELISTS DECLARE

Evangelists are called to proclaim the gospel wherever they go for the purpose of seeing people born again. While this should be the focus of every minister, an evangelist will have a special anointing for this purpose. While they have a home church that they base out of, evangelists are known to travel wherever there is an open door of opportunity to preach the gospel message. Some evangelists minister predominantly within specific people groups such as children’s evangelists. A true evangelist thrives on seeing people respond to the gospel message, be born again according to Acts 2:38 and remain faithful under a pastor’s care.

”But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5)

4. PASTORS SHEPHERD

A pastor is over a local assembly of believers. Not as a dictator, but as a loving shepherd watching over his flock. Other than a parent or spouse, a pastor is the next level of spiritual authority in a person’s life. It is the pastor’s responsibility to oversee the spiritual care of each person in his assembly. He or she will feed them the Word of God regularly so they may grow in knowledge. He is called to be aware of and assist in their spiritual maturity at all times, always watching for any danger that would come upon them. A true pastor thrives by seeing the members of his flock learning and applying the Word of God in their lives, showing evidence of spiritual maturity and being content in working together to bring others into the fold.

“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.“ (Jeremiah 3:15)

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.“ (Hebrews 13:17)

5. TEACHERS INSTRUCT

Believers who are called by God to be teachers cannot get enough of His Word. They are consumed by it. A teacher will look for opportunities to explain the scriptures. A seasoned teacher has often spent time teaching all age groups. There is an unspoken respect given to preachers, but not always teachers. While both are necessary, a teacher is one of the fivefold ministries; a preacher is not. A true teacher thrives on moments when their students’ eyes light up with understanding of God’s Word.

”These things command and teach.” (1 Timothy 4:12)


PURPOSE OF THE FIVEFOLD MINISTRY

1. For The Perfecting of the Saints

Our walk with God is like a journey, and we are all at different points in our pilgrimage. The fivefold ministry is in place to assist individuals in the Body of Christ to be born again, learn, grow, mature and be firmly established as productive saints in God’s Kingdom. This process is ongoing throughout our lives.

2. For the Work of the Ministry

The fivefold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers provide the foundation, structure and guidelines for all other ministries.

3. For the Edifying of the Body of Christ

The word “edify” here means to “Build Up.” Through the fivefold ministry, God has established the means whereby individuals in the Body of Christ are continually instructed, encouraged, nurtured and guided consistently.

IN SUMMARY

Much attention and acknowledgement is given to evangelists, pastors and teachers in our modern church culture. Sadly, hardly any acknowledgement is given to modern day apostles and prophets. It is often either ignored or discouraged when ministers who fill either of these two offices actually proclaim themselves to be such. This is especially true of modern day prophets.

If it is encouraged, and even applauded, when an evangelist, pastor or teacher declares their calling to these offices, it should  be the same for an apostle or prophet. It is God who established these offices within the church, and He did so for the specific purposes listed above. Without all five of these offices functioning properly, the Body of Christ cannot be fully perfected, have effective ministries or be edified. We must begin to normalize the acceptance and promotion of ALL FIVE of the fivefold ministry…

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:13)

Warm Regards,

~Pat~

MINISTRY MONDAY HANDBOOK: A Book Review

~ Pat Vick ~ 4 Comments

I’m a reader. A prolific reader. It’s in no way an exaggeration when I tell you I haven’t read a book in years that captivated me like Ministry Monday Handbook by Rev. Brian Labat. The subtitle of the work is 52 BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR PASTORS, PREACHERS, AND KINGDOM BUILDERS. I’d like to focus on the last people group, Kingdom Builders, just in case your eyes read the words Pastors and Preachers, and decided this book can’t be for you. If you want to be more than saved and that’s all, if you want to draw closer to God than you currently are or have ever been, if you want to be rooted and grounded solidly in your Christian walk, if you want to be effective and beneficial to the Kingdom of God, this book is for you!

As the subtitle suggests, there are 52 chapters. Don’t panic because each one is only a few pages in length. You could easily read one a day, or even one a week to spend a full year mastering and applying these principles in your life. That was my initial thinking, anyway. However, I will warn you that I couldn’t put it down. Every single principle, page and chapter kept me glued and connected. I would finish one, think I should move on to a daily task, and then find myself turning the page to read just one more…and then one more.

MINISTRY MONDAY HANDBOOK is also very easy to read. The writing is without fluff and to the point. Each principle is delivered in the most practical way possible. Here’s another warning…Once you read each one, you will see it and know it, and you won’t be able to unsee or unknow it. That being said, you’ll have to make a choice of whether to apply it to your life, or not.

I read it with a highlighter, and had to make myself not highlight everything. Here are a few of my favorite points:

CHAPTER 20: LET THAT BE YOUR PRAYER

”If you expect the Lord to do anything about it, then it must concern you enough to pray about it. If it doesn’t concern you enough to pray, then don’t expect anything to change or shift in your life.”

***This one changed my life…my prayer life, which affects my whole life. It answers the question of, “If God knows what I need, why do I have to ask? If He’s a good God, why doesn’t He just do or give what we need?” Could it be He’s waiting to see if it’s important enough for us to actually pray about?

CHAPTER 21: GET UP AND GO ON

“You don’t have to be perfect to be a “just man,” you just have to have as many get ups as you do fall downs.”

***This one made me giggle a little bit over its simplicity, and absolute truth. Just get back up!

CHAPTER 35: THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT

”Notice, Jonathan didn’t wait for David to come to him. Instead, he went and found David. He was deliberate, purposeful, thoughtful, calculated, and determined to help David get through this trial.

Jonathan didn’t wait for an open door or for the time to be just right. He saw David in his struggle and went and found him for the sole purpose of encouraging him.”

***People all around us are discouraged to the point of giving up. Don’t make it any more complicated than it has to be. Say the words. Send the card. Run the errand. Pat the back. Give the hug. Just go be salt and light for goodness sake.

CHAPTER 43: THE CENTER OF IT ALL

”In generations past, the church was their life. Everything revolved around it.

You didn’t miss church. You didn’t lay out of church. You didn’t pick which church services you were going to miss. You didn’t move somewhere if there wasn’t a church.

We have a generation today that sees church as the circumference and not the center, the perimeter but not the epicenter, and the fringe but not the core.”

Also…

”And the reason we need to stay close to the church is because the church is the only thing going to heaven.”

***The church isn’t a side hustle…It’s the only thing going…Mic Drop.

CHAPTER 48: STAY THERE

”We have to know the difference between God redirecting us and the enemy trying to remove us.”

***This is one of those lessons we usually learn the hard way after we’ve allowed the enemy to move us from our god-ordained place, purpose or ministry.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (as described on the book cover)

Brian Labat is the husband of Ginger Labat and the Father of Brielle Lewis and Ashlyn Matthews. He is a pastor, musician, singer, song writer, and author.He has a passion for leadership and church growth and desires to empower the next generation of leaders.

IN SUMMARY

MINISTRY MONDAY HANDBOOK has my highest recommendation. There are 238 pages, and every single one will bless, instruct, encourage and empower you. I can only hope the author has the next volume in the works.

***Remember to leave a comment! The link is located under the article title.***

ORDER YOUR OWN COPY OF MINISTRY MONDAY HANDBOOK HERE.

 

 

Why The Church Is More Like Waffle House Than Outback

~ Pat Vick ~ 1 Comment

One of my and my husband’s favorite places to eat is Waffle House. Don’t judge. Of course, we enjoy all the wonderful food, not least of all, the syrupy delicious waffles, but it’s not just about the meal. Truth be told, it’s more about the atmosphere. I’ve told him before that I would like to work at Waffle House for a day. It seems like such a great avenue to meet people, and minister God’s grace day to day.

Let’s just be honest. People who frequent Waffle House know what they’re going to get. Good food cooked and served by real people. They know it’s not Outback. They don’t expect catchy slogans or meals named after exotic places. They come for the experience.

Let’s talk about the atmosphere. Again, people who frequent Waffle House don’t expect to be seated by a hostess wearing an evening gown. It’s more of a, “Come in, and make yourself at home. I’ll get to you as quick as I can,” kind of place. Some mornings there is lots of joking and laughter. Other mornings, the atmosphere is quite tense. Take our last visit, for example. The tension was thick. There were lots of dynamics at play.      

One regular patron commented to the egg cook about being short staffed. That’s all the tall servant needed to turn around and engage in 15 second’s worth of conversation. “Bruh,” he said, hanging his head and shaking it at the same time. “BRUH,” he emphasized his frustration with a smile on his face, “Short staffed everywhere.” I had caught a glimpse of his kind but stressed personality as he turned back to his labor.

The hash brown/toast/pancake lady was the apparent veteran. She was harnessing every ounce of scathing reproach that she longed to unleash upon the bacon lady and the hostess’s lackluster performance. 

The untitled servant seemed to have no official designation, but was best at being directly in the path of every other employee. Her skill set seemed to be in the area of helps because her very presence kept them all swerving, dodging, eye rolling and blinking in rapid fire precision.

I feel a bit guilty to admit that I enjoyed every minute of this observation, all the while enjoying my perfectly cooked breakfast. I would have also enjoyed chatting with each of them, and giving them a word of encouragement. Unfortunately, none of them had time to stop from their labors, and even in all the tension, they worked as a team, and provided the service the patrons had come to expect.

The Church is a bit more like Waffle House than Outback. It’s staffed with real people who, just like you and me, are pressed on every side with the stresses of life, yet doing their job admirably 99% of the time. 

When you come into the Church, don’t expect it to be perfect. Instead, enjoy the atmosphere, and the good spiritual food cooked by real people…Oh, and compliment the staff when you have the opportunity.

“But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” (Luke 10:40)

What’s In Your Hand?

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

So often we feel too inadequate to be beneficial to the Kingdom. We think about all that others seemingly have that we don’t. Talents, giftings, finances, more free time, great singing voice, people connections, charismatic personality.

The list goes on and on, even though Paul taught, “…measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” (2 Corinthians 10:12)

The truth is God just needs you to be willing to be used. He can and will use anything that you make available to Him.

When Moses was afraid to go speak to Pharaoh, and lead the Children of Israel, God used what he already had in his hand to work miracles. What’s in your hand, Moses? Just this stick that I use to walk with. Great! I can use that!

When Jesus wanted to feed the 5,000, and there was no way to get food, he used what a young boy carried in his hand. What’s in your hand, son? Just this sack lunch my mom made me. Great! I can use that!

We need to stop fretting over what we don’t have, and figure out what we do have. Each of us has something, even if we think it’s not much.

What is it that you like to do as a hobby? Can you make that and sell it to raise money for Global Missions?

What’s that in your hand? A paint brush? Great! Can you paint Sunday School posters, or do art with the kids in Sunday School?

What’s that in your hand? Brownies? Great! Can you make several batches of those and deliver them to new families in the community with church business cards taped on top?

What’s in YOUR hand? Great! God can use that. It’s just up to you to be willing.

“And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.” (Exodus 4:2)

“There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” (John 6:9)

GUEST POST by: Katie Davis The Opportunity of Singleness

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by icon0.com from Pexels

There is a stigma among women today where many think ministry doesn’t begin until they are married to a “preacher.” They wait around their whole lives, praying that God would send a “good man” to them and they forget the mandate Christ gave us in the New Testament to spread the Gospel to the whole world.

Another scripture they tend to forget is 1 Corinthians 7:34, “There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.”

Every day we young ladies are bombarded with how we should look, dress, walk, talk, style our hair and what type of man we should marry to achieve life-long happiness. Society tries to dictate to us what should be most important. As Christians, our first and foremost responsibility should be to follow Christ and obey His word. We know from another portion of scripture that in doing so, “these things will be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33)

When we put God’s agenda before our own, He will add to us the things our hearts desire such as a husband or children. He is simply wanting us to be wise with our seasons of singleness.

Singleness is a unique blessing given to us in which we grow emotionally and mentally while learning to depend on God as our relationship deepens with Him. Like the scripture said, as a single person we have more time and energy to focus directly on the will of God for our lives. 

Does it hurt to be alone sometimes? Yes, especially those of us who have been married before. Getting used to being alone and allowing God to fill the void in our hearts takes time and effort, something of which we might not have if we are more focused on a spouse or family. 

So, knowing singleness is important, what can we as young, single women do with that singleness for God?

We can TEACH BIBLE STUDIES. Helping disciple new converts or witnessing to non-believers is one of the most rewarding things. Not only are you continuing to learn and deepen your understanding of the Word by teaching, but you are planting seeds of faith or watering others already planted so God can bring the increase. This is a sure way of laying up your treasure in heaven.

We can START SMALL GROUPS. Who doesn’t know someone who needs community and a safe place to go when they’re struggling? I know as a grown woman life is hard, especially after a divorce. Some of my healing didn’t come until I met a small group of friends who accepted me for who I was in my broken state and loved me through it.

We can VOLUNTEER in almost any capacity. Food banks, sewing circles, fundraisers, youth trips, Sunday School, nursery, praise team, etc. Being available will not only show your leadership how dedicated you are but will also show the members of your church how invested and willing you are in working with them to grow the kingdom of God.

We can BECOME EDUCATED. A close friend of mine took the small group to another level and has finished several collegiate degrees in counseling. She is working to educate the church on dealing with victims of depression, trauma, and other life-altering mental illnesses. 

We can SUPPORT MISSIONS or go on missions trips. So many of our local entrepreneurs donate a percentage of their funds to help support local and foreign missionaries. Other single women go on missions trips to various places to help work that area and provide support to the missionaries they encounter. Not only does this help the missionary, but their hearts and lives are forever changed by working the field. 

These things I’ve listed are certainly not the limits to what we can do as single women serving a life dedicated to Christ, but they are very good starting points for allowing God to order our steps and make known His will for us. In the process, it may lead us to that man we’ve prayed for or the family we hope to one day have, or even the job we’ve dreamed of. 

Don’t let your singleness be an excuse to put making a difference on pause. If you want to be happy and live a fulfilled life right now, take the limits off God and put your spiritual work clothes on and get started adding to His kingdom, so He can add to you all the blessings He has stored up waiting for you. -Katie Davis

I’m honored to be able to share the ministry of my friend, Katie Davis. Katie attends LifePoint Pentecostal Church in Pulaski, Tennessee, pastored by Dusty and LaTasha Frierson. She is very involved there as a young minister, Worship Leader and Youth Pastor.Katie stays busy using her many talents for the Lord -teaching, preaching, speaking, writing, and studying to become a licensed UPCI Minister. -Pat Vick

You can email Katie at: Davk1227@gmail.com

Katie Davis

 

Beyond The Veil: Ministering in the Gulf States

~ Pat Vick ~ 2 Comments

Omani Men Working Their Nets /Photo Credit: Pat Vick


“And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!” (Genesis 17:18)

We had anticipated this trip for months with mixed emotions. We had heard it over and over, “You’re going where?!” The exclamation mark that ended our preparations and began our final and longest leg of travel to the Gulf States happened in the bowels of the Dallas/Ft. Worth airport, as we were about to board our Etihad Airlines flight.

Flanked on every side by men in white robes and head wraps, and women in black abayas and hijabs, our emotions were on high alert. Looking to foster a sense of camaraderie, my husband casually asked a fellow traveller if he was going to be on this flight. Unfortunately, his response of, “NO, I’m not getting on that plane!” did nothing to alleviate our tension, and just like that, we were off to the Gulf States.

After flying through the night, we arrived Wednesday at midnight, exhausted, and very relieved to see the Worker’s smiling face there to welcome us. He loaded our luggage into his SFC vehicle and drove us to his home to get some sleep.

Early the next morning, we woke to a myriad of new sights, sounds, and smells, assuring us that our long journey had not been a dream. The Muslim call to prayer broke the predawn hush, sounding completely foreign to our ears.

Our senses were overloaded as we got out for some sightseeing on Thursday. We spent the day getting acclimated, touring downtown, the market and the local mall. We saw beautiful architecture the likes we had never seen before, and a vast desert landscape resembling a windswept canvas. Transposed against the muted earth tones of the desert, and the stark black and white robes, were the vibrant colors of the people’s zeal for living. Plush rugs, cashmere scarves, fringed veils, and always the aroma of incense wafting in the air. Amber, Jasmine, Frankincense.

Over all, we saw people going about their daily lives. Even though the unfamiliarity of their wardrobe and language seemed strange, seeing families with their children in tow, while they shopped for groceries and other household necessities, helped us to put things in perspective. People are people all over the world.

[bctt tweet=”People are people all over the world.”]

As darkness fell on Thursday night, it was time for our first service. It was to be a preliminary meeting for the official anniversary service that would be the next morning. Anxiety, that had been dispelled through the day, snaked back into our minds, as we wondered how we could have service in such a closed place.

Several people, dressed in traditional attire, walked by in front of us as we crossed the street to enter the rented building. At this point, we simply had to trust the Workers’ judgement, who were living and raising their family here.

You might expect that we found a pitiful group of worshippers, huddled together in whispered prayer, fearfully looking over their shoulders. You would be mistaken. This group of 30-40 believers welcomed us with joyful embraces and hand shakes. They listened intently as the Word was delivered, and worshipped afterward with zealous abandon.

The keyboard, drums and electric guitars were just as loud as any back home. We cast several questioning glances at the Workers, to which they simply smiled and continued their enthusiastic worship. We had no choice but to trust and enjoy the atmosphere of pure praise. Later, it was explained to us that the platform and windows were lined with sound reducing material, which kept much of the sound localized and muted to the outside.

Friday morning, which is the religious day in this area of the world, we gathered in a banquet room of a local restaurant. To the Believers, it was their sixth anniversary service. To everyone else, it was just another festive occasion, complete with decorations and a buffet afterwards. Once again, the worship was unrestrained, and this time, there was no soundproofing to buffer the enthusiasm. This small group knew how to throw a great “party,” as seventeen people received the Spirit!

Afterward, as we gathered for the meal, several of the Workers’ local friends joined us for fellowship. The women talked about raising babies, and the men spoke of their shared interest in business and farming. There was much that went unsaid among the group, but was understood nevertheless. I looked around the table at the diversity of nationalities, cultures, languages, and was in awe of the privilege to be in this moment. As I was pondering what it all meant, and where it would lead, a young Muslim wife, dressed in her black abaya and head covering, walked around the table to where I was sitting, knelt at my feet, and presented me with the gift of a beautiful bracelet that she had brought from her village. She held my gaze with her dark henna eyes, as she offered me her friendship. I wondered, if the roles were reversed, would I have offered the same to her?

Location-1 was outgrowing its borders. Forty to fifty Believers are all that can congregate together without drawing undue attention. The Workers took us to see a fifth floor apartment, which had been newly acquired for a second meeting place. We were thrilled to learn that one of the rooms was to be used to start the first Word School in the country. Again, this facility was padded with extra thick carpet, a lifted platform, sound reducing material packed into the windows, and heavy drapes. As you read this, Location-2 is thriving, and working toward a third location in the city.

We traveled south by plane to a more remote city for another assemblies’ one year anniversary service. Location-1 had been flying two people weekly for a year to this city in order to establish, teach and stabilize this daughter work.

We stayed in a beautiful hotel where the group assembled in a banquet room each week. We were definitely not going to blend in here, where everyone that we passed in the hallways was dressed in their traditional attire. Once again, we asked ourselves how we could possibly have a service in this clearly closed place.

The next morning we awakened to rhythmic percussion and voices lifted to lively music. The banquet room was a few doors down, and these Believers were apparently very serious about their praise team practice. My husband and I looked at one another in disbelief, and I said what proved to be prophetic, “You know they’re only going to get louder.”

Once again, we had a powerful celebration service, complete with music, decorations, and a buffet filled with food. Sixteen new Believers were Spirit filled in that service, making a total of thirty-three new babies in all. Most of these were immersed in the Only Saving Name at a later time, after we and the Workers had left.

Although we have a long list of personal stories we could tell about the people we met, one most reflects the hearts of the people we encountered. My husband and the Worker went out for a few hours on a guy excursion to visit a nearby camel farm. As they wandered up, uninvited and unannounced, there was a group of shabab (young men) in their late teens and early twenties hanging out, as youth do.

My husband’s spiritual sensors immediately went on alert as he wondered how he would be received. He had no need to worry. Hospitality permeates even the culture of their young people. The young men welcomed them into their tent, made them hot tea, which they drank while sitting on the floor, talking, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. My husband was even treated to a free camel ride, which he may or may not have fallen off of.

We think often of the man in the airport, at the beginning of our journey, who reacted with such hostility at the thought of boarding “that plane.” When we juxtapose that image alongside these young men’s hospitality, and the memory of my new friend on her knees at my feet, offering a gift, our hearts are saddened to realize the majority of the people we know and love will never have the opportunity to overcome their fear, and come to know these precious people.

I have heard that the Total Immersion Technique is the most productive when learning a new language. This is exactly what we experienced. We were totally immersed in the culture of the Gulf States. In twelve days, we went from being anxious and awkward, to loving these people like family. The sights, sounds, smells and faces, once so foreign, are forever part of us. We will continue to carry the people they represent with us, and lift them up in prayer. Their story has become ours, and we are honored to be able to tell it for them.

Warm Regards, -Pat Vick

As always, feel free to leave a comment, share to social media, SUBSCRIBE to my newsletter, and email me: Pat@PATVICK.COM.

*NOTE: This article was previously published in the May/June 2017 issue of The Pentecostal VOICE of Tennessee magazine.