Much Learning Doth Make Thee Mad

"And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness." ~ Acts 26:24-25

I was listening to another preacher recently preach a sermon. He did a fine job capturing the attention of folks and his delivery was spot on, but as I carefully examined the content of his sermon I felt that I was being cheated because I hadn't really learned anything. Perhaps my view of preaching is not the norm but I have always believed that if a man of God preaches he should be preaching and teaching the Bible, not just pulling out a passage of Scripture to go with his own thoughts and ideas or spending 30 minutes telling cutesy little home-spun stories and anecdotes, but actually trying to relay to the audience the purpose of the written Word of God. 

All of the Seminary work that I have been doing for the past 6-years sometimes leaves me feeling that I may be going mad. My brain certainly feels like mush at times and my eyes are begging for a break from studying and staring at a computer screen. Sometimes I question myself as to whether or not it is all worth it or not. I know that's just my flesh speaking though.

When I first began preaching nearly 22-years ago I approached preaching much differently than I do now. I thought it was my job to dazzle the listening audience and to prove how witty I was. Most of my early sermons were topic based - topics that I had came up with on my own and used the Bible to back up my thoughts. How I wish I could go back and erase all of my mistakes of the past, but I cannot. But, I have learned over the years that nothing can substitute for good straight Bible preaching. There is nothing more satisfying than to take a verse of Scripture and expound upon it and letting the Holy Spirit do His work.

Expository preaching may not be popular or garner crowds of people but is that really what the ministry is about, some kind of popularity contest? I don't think that is what the Lord has called preachers to do. I know that one day I will stand before the Lord Jesus and answer for the way I have treated His Word and His Church and I would have to stand before him and try to find excuses as to why I wasted away the ministry telling jokes and stories instead of preaching the Word of God. Friends, time is too short and too many souls lay in the balance to water down the Gospel. We must teach and preach the Bible with great urgency, fervency, wisdom, power, and compassion in order to see lost souls saved and to please our Lord.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."~ 2 Timothy 2:15

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A little ministry advice

While searching through some documents on my computer this morning, I came across one of my old Seminary papers from when I was taking the Ministry Practicum course. As I read over it I thought that it may help someone else in the ministry, so I'm sharing it with the readers of this blog:

Below are two of the questions that were in this particular assignment:

Write a list of some philosophical points that you would pass along to someone taking your place in that ministry. Give things that one should remember when working in that ministry. You are basically writing declarative statements about your philosophy of ministry as it relates to the area in which you worked.

• Always remember that it is not about you but it is all about Jesus.

• Never depend upon your own understanding, always consult God’s Word.

• If you do not pray diligently, God will drive you to your knees and it isn’t always easy.

• You never have to “get up” a sermon as long as you preach the Bible.

• Expository preaching should take precedence over all other forms of preaching.

• Just taking prayer requests is not the same thing as praying. You must actually pray for the requests that have been made.

• Surround yourself with good, like-minded pastors. This will help you in times of discouragement, in which there will be many.

• Just because God called you to preach or pastor doesn’t mean you won’t have trials. Trials are what makes you and refines you into the man of God that He wants you to be.

• Don’t ever be so conceited to think that you are the only conduit the Lord can use in a service. He can use any means he wants, either through music, testimonies, or just through the spoken Scripture.

Provide a list that gives some practical points that you would want to pass along to someone taking your place in that ministry. These may be simple things that you learned by experience (mistakes or successes) that would help someone who would take your place to learn from your experience. 

• If at all possible, be the first one at the church to prepare for the service.

• If you use notes, arrange them in such a way that they are not noticed.

• Give others such as the pianists, or song leader, clear verbal cues.

• Always start on time and don’t needlessly drag out a service.

• Never apologize for preaching the truth from God’s Word.

• If you make a mistake, always be man enough to admit it, don’t try to hide it.

• Don’t try to “work up” a service with false spirituality or fervency. Always worship in Spirit and in Truth.

• Always maintain a professional, yet spiritual and friendly demeanor.

I pray that the above helps you in your ministry

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A Crowning Moment

Although I finished my Master's program with Crown Seminary a year ago, I wasn't able to walk in the Commencement exercises until this year. It was an evening I will never forget.

I arrived at the Curtis Hutson Building not knowing really what to expect. I had not participated in the earlier practices that they had on Sunday and earlier that day on Monday. I was able to get my robe, hat, and board and after struggling a while I figured out how to actually get them all on. I wasn't alone, as I saw several other people confused how to assemble them.

Once everyone got robed and set down, we made our way over to the Sanctuary at the Church. We stood in formation and had several photographs made and then we filed back to the Curtis Hutson Building to await the exercises.

I wish I had felt better physically but I had came down with a cold which lead to an upper respiratory infection and so I was sneezing and coughing and really feeling pretty rough. I enjoyed watching all of the younger graduates as they sat around laughing and talking. Ah, to be young again!

There were three other Master's of Ministry Extended students besides myself. We made some small talk as we were waiting for things to begin. Finally the hour came and we marched back over to the Sanctuary for the Commencement service.

It was thrilling to hear the Temple Baptist orchestra play Pomp and Circumstance and I was nearly in tears by the time I took my place among the other students. There were thousands of people there including the graduates, parents, students, friends, and other guests. Pastor Sexton opened things up and then it got underway.

I was in the last row to receive my diploma so I had the privilege of seeing all of the other graduates make their way up to the platform and receive their degrees. I was both nervous and excited as I awaited my turn and then I heard Bro. Scott Pauley call out my name; "Byron S. Chesney." Suddenly from behind me I heard a large outburst of people yelling for me. It was my family and some of my fellow church members that had came to see me graduate. I was probably grinning from ear to ear when I approached Pastor Sexton and he took my hand. He looked at me and said, "my, but you have a large crowd of people here to support you!" I just laughed and said, "yep!" He then said that he hoped the program was a blessing to me in which I replied back that it certainly was. Then before I knew it, I was walking off the stage holding my diploma and it was all over with.

It probably seems silly to write about all of this but it truly was an exciting time in my life. I worked hard to earn that degree and I wanted to receive the full experience. I still remember back before I began working on the program and thinking it would take forever, but honestly the time flew by. I would do it all over again in a heart beat.

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A move and a mile-stone

It has been a while since I've updated any of my blogs. I've got a few moments of free time tonight (yeah right) so I thought I would catch everyone up on what all has been going on in the past few weeks.

I suppose the biggest thing is that my family and I have moved from our house to the Church Parsonage. It has been a long, slow process getting things moved. It is only 8-miles from our house but with 5 people there is a lot of stuff involved. There were also several repairs that needed to be made to the house before we could move in. One thing that didn't necessarily "have" to be made was pulling out all of the carpet and having the beautiful hardwood floors refinished that was living beneath it. It looks like a totally different place. We also painted every room in the house and made numerous small repairs and improvements. It is starting to feel like home. The great thing about it is that it is right beside the church. We can just walk over for services. My favorite part is that I can now make good use of the Pastor's Study in the church. It is so wonderful to be able to get away from all of the distractions and just get one-on-one with the LORD. I spent a better part of the day in there on Saturday, just studying away. Many times my sermon studies get so Spirit filled that I can barely contain myself and it is wonderful to have a place I can feel free to just let the Lord take control.

There was another mile-stone for me this week. I conducted the Lord's Supper for the very first time in my ministry. I've helped serve many times but had never conducted it. I preached a sermon that dealt with the Lord's Supper immediately before we partook of it. I just allowed the Lord to guide me in what needed to be done and I tried to keep it as close to Scriptural as I possibly could. I want to give God all of the glory for all of the people that talked to me after the service and told me that it was the best Lord's Supper service they had ever been in. I'm not taking any credit for it because it was all the Lord's leadership, I was just the vessel He used to get the job done.

My Seminary studies are still going good. I'm on assignment #10 of 18 for this semester. I was hoping to have it all completed by October 1st but with all of the moving we have been doing, work on the house, sermon preparation, and pastoral duties, I just haven't had a lot of time to devote to school studies. I will get my nose to the grindstone though and get the rest of my courses completed in time to graduate in the Spring.

Well, I am worn out so I am going to end this for tonight. Below is the Lord's Supper message and also at the end you can watch us take the Lord's Supper.

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Quick Update

It has been nearly 2-weeks since I've posted anything on here. I'm just busy, busy, busy. I started my latest Seminary course last week, Teaching and Preaching the Bible. I do most of my Seminary work on my lunch break at work or at night when everyone else has went to bed. Between pastoring, preparing, studying, and preaching 2 messages a week plus doing Wednesday evening Bible Study, I've not had much time for anything else. I just listened to a lecture by Pastor Sexton and he kept driving home the fact that God-given duties will not conflict. I'm trying my best to keep that in mind!

One problem that I have is trying to do too much. If there is a job to be done I'm always the first one to volunteer for it. I know that if I do it, it will get done and to my satisfaction. That may seem self-centered to you, but I am very particular when it comes to God's work. I never want anything to bring shame to His name or the the church. So, it is hard for me to delegate responsibilities to others. Right now there is a great need for someone else to lead the singing. I have always enjoyed being the church music director, however, that is really not what the LORD has called me to be. I am a bass singer and leading the congregational music puts a major strain on my vocal chords and is also a little embarrassing when I can't reach the high notes. I need to be able to focus on preaching and teaching the Bible. I know there is someone out there that would love to lead the congregation and choir in our Worship services. I'm praying that the LORD sends that person in.

I'm excited about what the LORD has in store for His church. One ministry that I was able to implement was the new Prayer Request Hotline. Many folks are now calling it daily and listening, leaving requests, and even praise reports! I think it is a wonderful way for everyone in the church to be able to be involved with our prayer needs. I've got many other things the LORD is dealing with me about that I want to put into place but it all takes time. I'll be sharing some of these things as we progress. Meanwhile, please pray for me and for our church. Pray that we would be the New Testament Church that the LORD would have us to be.

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That all men would find it

Yesterday morning I preached what I think to be one of the most important messages that the Lord has ever laid on my heart to preach. He dealt with me on this message for days from 2 Kings 22:8-20. I had never preached from this passage of Scripture and I can't recall ever teaching it either. I do remember studying it in my Seminary studies and of course I have read it many, many times in my life, but the Lord had never laid it on my heart to preach it. I tossed and turned all night Saturday night, just going over and over each detail in my mind. I sprang out of bed on Sunday morning and went straight back to the Scriptures, even re-doing my note outlines.

When I got to church I couldn't wait to make my way down to the praying rock and pour my heart out to the Lord. I sure am thankful for that new place that I am able to get away to. It's amazing to me how the Lord can use things to bless folks with that to some people seem to think frivolous or a waste of time. I'm sure that young Trevor, whom earned his Eagle Scout project by building a nature trail, never dreamed that this preacher would find such joy in that spot... Anyways, so I spent precious time talking to the Lord Sunday morning down at the praying rock and I could feel the Holy Spirit beginning to work!

The morning worship service went very well. We had a good turnout of folks and I was so thrilled to see 2 former members walk through the front door and sit down in their old seats. I was nearly on shouting ground by the time I was able to stand behind the pulpit to preach. As I opened up the Word of God and began reading the Scripture, I felt such an excitement knowing that the Lord was going to use this message to do His work. I felt such a freedom during the preaching and quiet honestly, it was almost as if I was just opening my mouth and the words were just rolling off of my tongue without me even putting any thought or effort into it. Hallelujah I just love it when the Lord works like that!

As I was preaching I looked out across the congregation and every single person in there was sitting up straight and paying very close attention. It was as if they were anticipating the next words that were coming out. I believe that everyone in the building could feel God's presence, it was such a sweet spirit and I hated for it to end. But, alas, all good things must eventually come to an end and I felt the Lord closing the message.

If you are interested, you can listen to it below or watch the video.

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Always take the high road

"On the high road we do not choose between the good and the bad, we choose between what is good and what is best, and we choose the best." - Pastor Clarence Sexton, from his "Take the High Road" sermon series:

The very first assignment that I had when I began my Seminary studies, was to listen Pastor Sexton's Take the High Road sermon series and take notes on it. Over the past 2-years I have listened to hundreds of his sermons but I always go back to this series because it really speaks to me. These messages deal with Christian living and how we as Christians must always take the "high road."

One statement in particular that Pastor Sexton said that has stuck with me is this:

"There is no success outside of God's will. If you have done something that is not God's perfect will for your life, if you are giving your time energy and effort to something and the world applauds and says "that's successful," the truth of the matter is, it's your greatest failure, because it has satisfied your ego to succeed." 

Many great men have fallen because of their ego. I have been guilty of doing things and enjoying the applause of men. I pray that the Lord will keep me humble in the ministry and keep my ego out of the way. I pray that I will always take the high road.

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You haven't lived until you've died

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." - John 12:24-25

As part of my Seminary studies I have been studying things that are required of pastors. One of those studies involved a lecture from Pastor Sexton concerning, The Man of God Dies to Self. This lecture made a great impact on me and I had a great burden to learn and understand more what it means to die to one's self. After searching the Scriptures and gathering information from other religious studies, I found the Lord laying it on my heart to preach a message concerning this subject.

One thing that kept going through my head as I studied, prepared, prayed, and meditated for the sermon was the thought "you haven't lived until you've died." So many times in my life I have heard people making such expressions as "I'm living it up," or "I'm living life to it's fullest." As I thought about those expressions I couldn't help but think of how most people relate "good living" with selfish desires of the flesh. These same individuals believe that drinking, partying, socializing, sexual encounters, traveling etc.. are things that add accomplishment or somehow marks them as being knowledgeable or superior in life. One poor misguided individual said to me, "you need to get out more and experience the things the world has to offer." How far from the truth that is!

Our Lord is not interested in all of our so-called worldly "experience." He is more interested in what kind of seasoning is in our hearts and souls. I believe that the Bible teaches, until we die to ourselves, we can never experience life as the Lord intends for us to. In my message I related one of my personal experiences concerning my aunt and uncle. How my aunt devotes her life to waiting on my uncle who cannot wait on himself.. You can hear that section around the 17:48 mark in the video below.

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Seminary Update

Well, it's time for another Seminary update! This week I completed my latest course, CM 511 Pastor's College. I've got to say that this has been my most enjoyable course thus far. This is the first one that I have done completely online. It consisted of watching 25 lectures and writing notes and course assignments for each one. The lectures ranged from about 40 minutes to 65 minutes in length. Many hours at night and on lunch breaks were put in watching them.

Normally the Pastor's College is on-campus event but this year Pastor Sexton had surgery on his back and they decided to offer the course online. I don't think they have ever done it this way before but I'm so grateful that they were able to. Not only was I able to complete the assignment, I didn't have to take a week off from work to attend the classes on campus. I realize I missed out on some great Christian fellowship with other men of God but I'm sure I'll make up for it in the future!

I've always enjoyed listening to Pastor Sexton preach, in fact, my Mp3 player is jam packed with over 100 of his sermons which I've listened to many times. The knowledge and insight I have learned during this course has greatly benefited my ministry. He focused, of course, on Pastors. A clear understanding of what a Pastor is, what he does, and how he lives his life, was given. Many people look upon a Pastor as some great high position, however, that is farthest from the truth. The Pastor is actually the under Shepherd, who leads the sheep. His job is tough and consumes his life.

One of the great truths I took away from this study is how the Pastor leads the sheep. His mind and heart is always looking out for the sheep. He never abuses the sheep or beats the sheep, he LEADS them. I think that is one of the missing elements in many Pastor's today. They tend to think that it is their job to beat the sheep into submission. That's probably why we see so many Pastor's hopping from church to church and churches can't keep a Pastor for more than 2 or 3 years. You will find in churches with long standing Pastor's, that the man of God is a Shepherd who leads the sheep and does not drive them.

I'm very excited about starting on my next course which is, CM561 Teaching and Preaching the Bible. Sounds like another great one to me! Please be praying that the Lord blesses with the funds to be able to start this course. He has came through for me on all of them so far and I'm trusting Him to do more of the same. It's an exciting time of learning for me and I thank God for the opportunities to further my education.

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Great quote from Pastor Sexton

"God works in such a way that He gets the glory. If we begin to steal His glory, He will stop blessing. The glory belongs to the Lord, not to men." - Clarence Sexton, from The Man of God Has A Heart For God.

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Seminary update

I was able to purchase my 4th Seminary course today, ED545 Baptist Distinctives & History of the Church. Here is a brief overview of the course:

"A detailed study, discussing issues such as possible separation, the definition of fundamentalism as biblical Christianity, and the authority of Scripture applying to polity. Emphasis is also given to the lives of those men who have made great contributions to the movement."

 I stopped off at the Crown Bookshop today on my lunch break and picked up my course materials; Baptist Distinctives Notebook, Principles and Practices for Baptist Churches by Edwared T. Hiscox, Issues of Life Answered from the Bible by Clarence Sexton, The Doctrine and Administration of the Church by Paul Jackson, Spurgeon Vs Hyper Calvinism by Iain Murray, and a 5-DVD set of Sermons.

So far I have read about 25-pages of the main text book and am really enjoying it. I've always been proud of being a Baptist and I love to study history so this is going to be a great course for me. I'm excited about learning some new things and I only have 6-more courses left after this one. One of those is attending the week long Pastor's College in July (which I plan on doing) and another is Ministry Practicum which I already have several years of. So, that leaves 4-actual book courses to complete before I graduate. I've got to say that this has really been a rewarding journey toward my Master's degree. When I went through my Associates and my Bachelors I was pretty much just going to get the degree and really had no interest in learning. It's a lot different this time. I actually enjoy learning because it's something that I am interested in and it is really helping me in my ministry.

I have had some very generous people in my life that have donated toward my schooling and I thank God for those people. So far I have been able to pay for my Seminary courses as I go and not had to borrow any money. My wife and family have also been very supportive of me, even when I stay up late at night completely absorbed in my studies. The Lord has really been good to me and I appreciate it. If you run out of things to pray for, please remember me in your prayers.

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Self Examination

I finished my 3rd Seminary course this week, Principles of Biblical Interpretation. It was a very interesting study and I learned a lot about the history of hermeneutics and the different schools of it. I had a 31 page notebook this time which contained anywhere from 5 to 10 assignments on each page. It was very time consuming and lots of reading was involved. The very last assignment on page 31of the notebook caused me to do a lot of soul-searching. It was on the topic of self-life. The last chapter of the book, Knowing the Scriptures, dealt with this subject. It listed the below 7 different forms of self-life and listed Scripture references for each one:
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1. Self-righteousness or sef-trust; as the great hindrance to the acceptance of God’s saviour and salvation (Romans 10:1-3).

2. Self-dependence or self-help. Even after conversion there is a constant tendency to rely upon our own efforts (Galatians 2:20; Zech. 4:6; John 15:4-6)

3. Self-seeking (Jeremiah 45:5; 1 Corinthians 10:33). Constant proneness also to seek self-promotion, advancement, emolument (Matthew 16:24, 25)

4. Self-pleasing. To set before ourselves our own gratification and indulgence is perilous to spiritual life (Romans 14:1-3).

5. Self-will. The center of all self life is a carnal, selfish will; and hence the need of its absolute renunciation (James 4:13-15; 1 Peter 4:2; John 6:38).

6. Self-defense. We find it hard to abstain from vindicating and justifying ourselves instead of leaving it to God (1 Peter 2:12, 15, 19-23; 3:16; 4:19).

7. Self-glory. All seeking of human praise detracts from the glory of God and is idolatrous (Daniel 5:23; John 8:50; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 6:14). Though the forms of self life are legion, all may be included under the above seven heads.
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As I studied and considered this list, I felt an overwhelming conviction of guilt. After a careful examination of my own life, I found reflections of myself in some, if not all of them. I've always been a pretty self reliant person and I think to an extent that is a good thing, however, when we leave God out of the equation that's when we stumble. As a result of my self-examination, I decided to once again deactivate my Facebook account. Not only was I spending way too much time on there, I was also guilty of too much self-promotion; uploading photos, bragging about places I had been, posting songs and videos of myself singing. I wanted to give glory to God but it appeared too much like I was giving more glory to myself. I don't ever want to put the Lord second or overshadow Him. Perhaps one day I'll reactivate and try again but for now I'm just going to leave it alone. Oh, and I've also got a sermon burning inside of me concerning this whole subject.

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Men Of God Part 2

A few days ago I posted Men Of God Part 1. I listed 3 of my favorite preachers. Today I have 3-more preachers that I love to listen to.

Clarence Sexton - Since I am an extended studies student at Crown College, I've heard Clarence Sexton preach many, many times during the course of my Seminary work. I find his preaching style both enjoyable and informative. Pastor Sexton has a way of connecting with his listening audience without resorting to flambouyant acts or catchy phrases. When I listen to him preach I have the feeling that this is a man that knows what he is talking about. He stands bold and in the Word. I also admire his business sense and how he has built his ministry to include Crown College and Seminary and maintained a huge following at Temple Baptist. My favorite Clarence Sexton sermon is actually a series of messages titled, Taking the High Road.

David Peacock - I stumbled upon Pastor Peacock while browsing through Sermon Audio.com. I'm always looking for the old-time preachers that pour it on hot and heavy and he fits the bill. A former Police Captain turned full-time pastor, Peacock has seen the worst in men and has used that experience to aide in the spreading of the Gospel through his church, Bible Believer's Baptist of Jacksonville, FL. I've downloaded and listened to many of his online sermons. My favorite David Peacock sermon is, What Is Your Excuse?

Paul Washer - I very seldom listen to many preachers that don't use the King James version of the Bible. I take exception to Paul Washer who regularly uses the New American Standard Bible (NASB). I came across Washer a couple of years ago and immediately became a loyal listener. Perhaps best known for his "Shocking Message to Youth," Washer seems driven to force folks to examine their Salvation. He is called an itinerant preacher and he is also the General Director for HeartCry Missionary Society. It would be hard for me to pick only one of my favorite Paul Washer sermons but one that I have listened to several times is, "What It Takes To Be A Man."

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I wouldn't take nothing for my journey now

"I started out traveling for the Lord many years ago, I've had a lot of heartaches, had a lot of grief and woe. But, when I would stumble, then I would humble down. And there I would say, I wouldn't take nothing for my journey now." - Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now - Written by Charles Goodman and Jimmie Davis.

Last night at church as I was making announcements and welcoming folks, I made the comment that it felt like it had been forever since our last service. In all reality it had only been 3-days, or if you prefer 72-hours. But, it sure seemed like it had been a lot longer. As I have gotten older I have found that my thoughts, ideas, and desires have completely changed from what they were when I was a younger man that used to complain about going to church.

I can remember as a child being "forced" to attend church, and in my little mind I thought my parents were trying to torture me. In my teens I enjoyed singing and didn't really mind going to church, plus, that was the only place that I could date my girlfriend, so my desire to attend was really selfishly motivated. As a young adult, I felt that church was more of an obligation and I felt guilty if I didn't attend. I enjoyed it some but really only went because I knew I should. I even got out of church for a while when I was in my twenties but I always felt ashamed when not attending.

Eventually, life's troubles and strife found their way into my life. I was not following God's will and I paid dearly because of it. I finally turned to God and church for Spiritual guidance. I began seeing how God's power could work in my life. I will never forget working a dead-end job making minimum wage, barely able to make ends meet and feeling emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. I prayed to my Father in Heaven and made a covenant with Him. I would do whatever He wanted me to do for His Kingdom. Little did I know what He had in store for me...

The Sunday School Teacher: There was a need for a young adult Sunday school teacher at my church. "Who in their right mind would want to do that," I wondered? Unbelievably, I found many fingers pointing toward me. "God, are you sure," I asked? He was sure and I stepped into that role. It was one of the scariest things in my entire life. I'll never forget my knees literally knocking together as I stood that first Sunday in front of a room of 12 people and began teaching. As my confidence grew, so did my desire to understand God's Word and my desire to have a close relationship with Him. I relished in my study time and was amazed at how God revealed things to me from the Bible that I had never understood before. I guess it was like in Acts 9:18 telling about the Apostle Paul's conversion: "And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized."

Minister of Music: Suddenly we were faced with the Minister of Music resigning from the church so he could attend college full-time. "Who will we put into that position," I wondered? Again, in my unbelief, fingers were pointing toward me. Have I mentioned that I have always been totally backwards and shy around people? Have I mentioned that I inherited a very deep bass voice? I never once in a million years wanted to lead a choir or a congregation in song. I was completely happy standing on the back pew of the choir and singing the bass part. But, I accepted the position of music minister and learned how to lead. God didn't just stick me out there on my own, he led others to help me. My aunt Barbara was the pianist at the church and she painstakingly lowered each Hymn for me so that I was able to lead without cracking every high note. The pastor of the church, Jamie Porterfield, instructed me on how to conduct with my hands with the proper time signatures and beats. Eventually I became comfortable standing in front of over 100 folks and leading them in worship.

Preaching the Gospel: Just when I became comfortable, God placed another calling in my life... preaching His Word. There was no way, no how, that I wanted to do that! I will fully admit that I questioned God many times about it (something which I've finally learned to stop doing). I guess I was a lot like Moses standing there barefooted in front of the burning bush throwing out excuses as to why I would not be a good choice. But, just like it says in Isaiah 55:8-9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

So, I began preaching. You talk about feeling inadequate! The Lord must've really been hard up for preachers because I am the least of the least. Pastor Porterfield gave me many opportunities to preach and I eventually stopped going into nervous convulsions every time I stood behind the pulpit. Little did I know that God was preparing me to step into Jamie's position to pastor the church after he resigned. The folks at the church asked me to interim while they looked for a pastor. I enjoyed many wonderful services during the nearly 1-year of my term. I still held my position of Sunday school teacher and minister of music as well. The church eventually hired a pastor and I slipped into a depression.

The Desert Experience: If you have studied the Bible much then you know that God's people are not perfect people. Many great leaders have went through testing periods in their lives. Moses wandering in the desert, David falling into sin causing strife throughout his family, Jesus in the desert being tempted of the devil, Peter denying Christ before the crucifixion. All of these are desert experiences. It is during this time that we are tested by the fire as to whether we will be burnt up or come out refined. I went through my own desert experience. I learned some hard, valuable lessons during that time. It was during this time that I sat back and took a long look at my life and my heart. I had two choices; I could throw in the towel or I could throw my heart into Jesus' hands. I thank God that I chose the latter.

God of Second chances: Aren't you so glad that we serve a loving and forgiving God? His Grace is marvelous and his mercy is endless. Eventually I moved on to my current church, Highland Baptist. My family and I just joined as regular members. I really was just looking to be ministered to. I had no intentions of leading the music or teaching Sunday school, or preaching. But, when God places a calling in your life, it is forever, unless circumstances arise that make it impossible to continue. I was asked to teach the pre-teen Sunday school class and then I was asked to be the minister of music. Pastor Hutchison has also given me numerous opportunities to stand behind the pulpit and preach. I've enjoyed the past 3-years we have been members there.

What is in store? Currently I am enrolled at Crown Seminary working on my Masters of Ministry degree. I don't know what else God has in store for me but I fully intend to follow his direction. I am not perfect by any means. I have messed up more times than I have done things right. But, you know, God is not looking for perfect people, he is looking for people that have a desire for Him. If you have a passion and desire to be used by God to spread the Gospel message, He will find you and make a way for you. You just have to be willing to step up and accept. Working for Jesus is a journey, but I guarantee you when it's all said and done with, you wouldn't take nothing for it!

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