The call to ministry involved God’s leading, and some remarkable influences at the same time. It’s hard to believe that this summer I will celebrate my 20th year of full time ministry. I encourage you to study these lives and let God challenge you through their passion, wiring, and remarkable stories.
#1 Keith Green
After reading the book “No Compromise”, my life call began to surface. His life, and not to mention his passionate worship through song, has had more impact than any human.
#2 Jim Elliot
“Shadow of the Almighty” tells the story of Jim Elliot. He was “it” in his school and on his football team, yet so passionately loved Christ that he gave his life…literally. His wife Elisabeth told his story and we have named our 3rd child after her.
#3 Evan Roberts
In his early twenties his surrender to the Gospel changed a nation and impacted the world. The Welsh Revival began with this coal miner preaching this message to his friends: “Confess every known sin to God, Remove every doubtful habit from your life, Obey the Holy Spirit’s prompting.Go public with your witness for Christ.” We named our second child after Evan.
#4 Tina Norviel
Tina is a testimony of forgiveness and true love. She saw something in me and brought it out. Almost daily in 1990-1991 she was pouring into my life with reading material, music, and her own love for Christ. I never knew the call was in me, but Tina was one of the first to help me see it. (you can find Tina on Facebook).
#5 E.M. Bounds
One book inspired me to lead with conviction…”Power of Prayer”. It is written with fire and conviction, not just concerning prayer, but leading as pastors should. (You can order it here Amazon.com)
This week I will celebrate seven years at Brand New Church (3 1/2 as Southside…3 1/2 as Brand New Church)!!! Thank you Jesus for calling me, “considering me faithful, appointing me to your service”…1 Tim. 1:12!
There are to many pastors that do not receive enough encouraging words from the ones they teach. That often brings up a question,’ are they listening ‘. As you walk in the path God has giving you, there will be more against you than for you. When truth is being spoken, there will be those that become uneasy of the words God gives you to speak. Many look at the table that has been prepared before them and get picky, saying, ‘I don’t like that’, ‘I don’t need these’. They do not know how filled they could become by receiving it all. The ones that get picky, have little joy and peace in their lives. — there is much more to say but I am to stop. Thank you Shannon for being so obedient to God and letting His light shine through you.
Mark,
VERY well said!
Shannon,
You are truly a man of God, like all of us, who has his flaws. I look to you not only as a Pastor, but also as a friend, but most importantly as a mentor. Lisa and I are always praying for you, Cindy, and the children and for the rest of the staff at BNC. I had known for years that I was called to the ministry and at different times had served since I was 20 years old. By the time that we had come to BNC, because of other influences by people who knew not what they were talking about, I had closed my mind to going back to school for the ministry. Shortly after we began attending, God had laid it on my heart to go to Seminary and Lisa and I had prayed about it and realized that we needed your advice on it and that is when you directed us towards LRU. Because of your written recommendation, I was accepted at LRU and graduated last year with a B.A. in Bible and Religion and am now pursuing my Masters of Divinity still at LRU but the Seminary part of the university by taking their online seminary courses.
Whenever I am preaching, I always refer everyone to go to the BNC website, and if I was able to, I would volunteer in media again but because physical handicaps I am unable to do so. Because I consider you as my mentor, if ever possible is to just be your shadow for the time being. It is interesting but two of those people who have shaped your life are the same people who have shaped my life and influenced my call to ministry as well: Keith Green(also more than any other human being) and E.M. Bounds.
Sorry for the long letter. Blessings to you and thank you for being obedient to God’s Word always.
Congrats on the anniversary Shannon. I would have to say that Keith Green’s book was a definite inspiration to me as was Through Gates of Splendor. Preach the Word this weekend.
E.V. Hill and Thomas Dorsey have been two who have influenced me.
I enjoyed the youtube clips of the services.