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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Clarify (10/15/15)
Since coming to know the Lord ten years earlier Mike had sought Him, as the desperate man he was, to know the Savior of his soul in a deeper, more meaningful relationship. He spent time daily reading his Bible and in prayer, growing in knowledge and maturity.

Opportunities arose for him to serve in church and he stepped through those open doors as life permitted. He said no sometimes as a means of maintaining appropriate boundaries, and yes when his service was the right thing to do.

Several years into his walk with Christ Mike learned of some members of his church who had begun attending ministry classes associated with his denomination. The idea intrigued him, and as he learned more about what the classes offered, he decided to pursue greater understanding in the Word through this curriculum. Once he began, the full import of the program came clear that he had begun on a path to obtain ministerial credentialing.

Mike had always been a good student. He did well in the classes and enjoyed the monthly interaction with the instructors and other students, maintaining A grades in the 90th percentile. Halfway through his first year Mike realized that his next step was to engage in the required mentoring if he was serious in becoming credentialed.

He dug into this aspect of his studies. It meant an additional level of reading each month and writing several papers, but he was up to the challenge. One of Mike’s character traits was strong perseverance once he undertook a task. The downside of this attribute was a singularity of purpose, which caused him at times to neglect his wife and the affairs of his household. In time Mike and his wife came to an accommodation and moved forward in agreement.

The completion of his first year of study and the mentoring program for that year meant Mike could apply to become a pastor. He took a lengthy exam in the spring, did well, and waited for his final interview in the fall. That day he and his wife met with a three-pastor board. Mike felt good about the interview until the question came that he’d struggled with somewhat previously, but hadn’t been overly concerned about.

“Mike, what is your call to ministry? What does God want you to do when you become a pastor?”

In Mike’s Pentecostal denomination there was a strong belief in the clear leading of God for someone pursuing ministerial credentials. Mike stumbled with the question. He hadn’t had a definitive statement from God.

The pastors excused Mike and his wife while they discussed the interview privately. Because they’d come early they’d seen that the discussion concerning the last interview candidate had taken less than five minutes. Over twenty minutes later the pastors called the couple back into the room.

To their relief they were told: “Because you’re so strong in your application and have stellar references, we’re recommending you for credentialing, but your call is critical. You need to seek God to determine what it is.”

The result shook Mike to the core. He’d been approved, but what did God want with his life? Over the next year he took the second level classes and completed the required mentoring, continuing to perform at a high level. Daily he cried out to God: “Lord, what is you want of me? Here I am. What is my purpose in Your kingdom?” No response.

Once again the time neared for an interview that would determine his future. He prayed and beseeched the Lord to clarify his call and couldn’t understand the silence. The Saturday before his interview Mike attended a special worship service at his church and saw a couple he hadn’t connected with for some time. In conversation he mentioned his plight. The man closed his eyes and moments later said, “The Lord desires you to teach.”

That word aligned with Mike’s interests but he wanted independent confirmation. Nothing came forth.

Stressed and uncertain, Mike and his wife entered the interview room to face what he’d come to think of as his firing squad. They opened in prayer. The interview proceeded well. Suddenly a strange look came over one of the pastors.

“I have to tell you something, Mike. The Lord spoke to me. He said He calls you to teach His Word.”

Speechless, tears ran down Mike’s face. When composure and strength returned he raised his hands in praise. God had spoken.
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This article has been read 616 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Sheldon Bass 
10/22/15
Thank you for this story, which for the most part, is a common occurrence among seminary students. We tend to get the order of things reversed. Ideally, the Spirit will call a soul to ministry first, and then the education is sought. At least, that's how it happened for me. (Though, I was bit like Jonah at first) It is usually in the midst of studies that: what area you are to specialize in becomes clear.

I believe many people will relate well to this piece. I enjoyed the read, thank you.

esther robinson
10/27/15
The clarification from above always come with such precision that we can only raise our hands to say, "God has spoken." Well scripted piece of work.
Pat Small
10/28/15
Interesting. My only comment is one I hear frequently - too much telling and not muc showing.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
10/31/15
Congratulations on ranking 18th overall! Happy Dance!