The Other Side of the Pulpit

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.  I Tim 1:12, NKJV

Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. I Peter 2:17a The Message Bible

Viewing life and ministry from behind the pulpit is different from sitting in a pew in front of the pulpit! Yes, how grateful we are that God chose us and called us. I am glad “He counted me faithful putting me into the ministry.”

This passage says God actually determined you to be the leader. Think more about this—God considers you a faithful leader, a trustworthy person of influence in ministry. Now, that is one opinion that counts!

I challenge you to pray and ask God to help you to never forget or disregard the awesome privilege of being called to participate in His ministry. The longer one serves in ministry the more apt he or she is to forget the privilege it is.

Stepping into ministry often means you have a new spiritual family, a new church family. God expects us to share His love with the individuals we serve, the collective group/the church. How do you engage with people, and what does loving them mean. How can you express God’s love to the people you serve?

I had difficulty understanding what loving everyone meant. I settled the issue this way: when someone has a spiritual victory, I honestly rejoice with him or her. I pay equal attention to the needs among my entire congregation. I am servant called to pray, care for, and consider their needs above my own, because God placed me in this ministry. He counted me faithful…

Thank God for calling you and your husband to ministry. “Father, thank You for calling __________ and me into ministry. I feel humble just thinking of your opinion of me. Lord help me never forget that ministry in your name is my privilege. When I get tired, or fussy, help me remember that each person I serve is one you regard with dignity. Help me love those You called me to serve. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Anita Onarecker Wood

Author/Devotional Writer/Speaker and Teacher Anita writes from a God-given passion and the overflow of His activity in her life. She was a young mother of two when her husband Dick Onarecker, recognized God’s call on his life. Suddenly she was a minister’s wife! For years they worked together, so when Dick died suddenly in 1996, her life changed in every conceivable way. More…